Podurama logo

 Podurama

 

Home

 

Trending

 

Personal

 

Your Podcasts

 

New Episodes

 

My Files

 

Favourite Episodes

 

Tags (Folders)

 

Recently Played

 

Bookmarks

 

Followed Playlists

YOUR PLAYLISTS

 

Loading…

The Bulletproof Musician podcast

…

The Bulletproof Musician

…

·

  Noa Kageyama  

Ever wonder why you can practice for hours, sound great in the practice room, and still be frustratingly hit or miss on stage? Join performance psychologist and Juilliard alumnus/faculty Noa Kageyama, and explore research-based “practice hacks” for beating anxiety, practicing more effectively, and playing up to your full abilities when it matters most.

Ever wonder why you can practice for hours, sound great in the practice room, and still be frustratingly hit or miss on stage? Join performance psychologist and Juilliard alumnus/faculty Noa Kageyama, and explore research-based “practice hacks” for beating anxiety, practicing more effectively, and playing up to your full abilities when it matters most.

 

All

Progress

Duration

Release Date

#303

Reduce Burnout With a Simple Three-Step Exercise

The winter holidays are just around the corner, which means family, festivities, food, and lots of good things. But it also means end-of-semester projects and grading, holiday recitals and gigs and performances, shopping, travel, cooking, hosting, and many other things that can leave us feeling drained and emotionally exhausted.And if you're already feeling kind of drained post-Thanksgiving, it can be exhausting just thinking about getting through the next month.The good news is that there's a simple, quick, 3-step exercise, that in a week or two, could reduce that feeling of emotional exhaustion and even increase your happiness. And better yet, these positive changes could last for up to a year - even after you've stopped doing the exercise!It's been tested successfully in stressful healthcare settings with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers, so there's a good chance it'll be helpful in whatever stressful circumstances you find yourself in as well.Get all the nerdy details here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/reduce-audition-school-holiday-burnout-with-this-simple-2-week-exercise/'>Reduce Burnout With a Simple Three-Step Exercise</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

26 Nov 2023

09 MINS

09:59

26 Nov 2023

#302

The Best Way to Breathe for Reducing Stress?

In last week's episode, we looked at a study which tested a particular sound for its ability to decrease our anxiety. (Which you can revisit <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-best-thing-to-listen-to-backstage-for-reducing-anxiety/'>here</a> if you missed it.) I figured we might as well stay on that theme, so this week I have a study which compared several different types of breathing, to see if there was a particular way of breathing that might reduce our stress more than others. Turns out not all breathing techniques have the same effect! So whether you’re looking for a way to regulate your stress before a performance or keep your cool amidst family drama during the Thanksgiving holidays, I think you’ll find this week’s breathing technique to be a very handy addition to your emotional regulation toolkit. 😅Get all the nerdy details here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-best-way-to-breathe-for-reducing-stress/'>The Best Way to Breathe for Reducing Stress?</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

19 Nov 2023

08 MINS

08:47

19 Nov 2023

#301

The Best Thing to Listen to Backstage for Reducing Anxiety?

Managing pre-performance nerves on the day of a performance or audition can be a real challenge. And it can get even more difficult backstage as the moment draws nearer.Should we study the score some more? Listen to music? Read a book? Try to meditate or  do some deep breathing? Color or doodle? Do some expressive writing? Visualize?The best answer is that it's probably a combination of things that's most effective, but a recent pair of studies suggest that listening to one thing might really help to calm you down and put you in a better headspace.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-best-thing-to-listen-to-backstage-for-reducing-anxiety/'>The Best Thing to Listen to Backstage for Reducing Anxiety?</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

12 Nov 2023

08 MINS

08:09

12 Nov 2023

#300

Benjamin Kamins: On Self-Judgment, Slow Practice, and Reed-Making

In an ideal world, we’d be building confidence in the practice room from one day to the next, but sometimes that can be easier said than done. It’s easy for the voice in our head to get very judge-y and negative and make us feel like we’re playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Where every time we think we’ve solved a problem, a new one pops up to take its place. Whether it’s getting through challenging passages that have become “a thing,” troubleshooting intonation in an ensemble without judgment, or making sure you’re not accidentally reinforcing bad habits when practicing slowly, bassoonist Benjamin Kamins has seen it or worked through it in his years as an orchestral musician, chamber musician, soloist, educator, and Alexander Technique teacher. In this month’s interview, you’ll hear lots of anecdotes and tips for overcoming some of the common challenges we often encounter in the practice room and on stage.Get all the nerdy details (and transcript) here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/benjamin-kamins-on-self-judgment-slow-practice-and-reed-making/'>Benjamin Kamins: On Self-Judgment, Slow Practice, and Reed-Making</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

05 Nov 2023

53 MINS

53:19

05 Nov 2023

#299

Why Lowering Standards Can Sometimes Promote Better Learning

In many areas of our life (surgery, aviation, and dealing with bedbugs are a few things that come to mind), I think it’s fair to say that having really high standards is a very good thing. Intuitively, you’d think that the same would be true when it comes to learning and performing an instrument as well. But as you’ll see in today’s study, that’s not always the case. As in, there are times when relaxing or lowering our standards can actually lead to better learning, and better performance too. How can that be?! Yeah, I know. This all sounds wrong, right? Get all the nerdy details here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/which-promotes-greater-learning-higher-standards-or-lower-standards/'>Why Lowering Standards Can Sometimes Promote Better Learning</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

29 Oct 2023

06 MINS

06:55

29 Oct 2023

#298

“Brain Fatigue” and the Best Thing to Do on Practice Breaks

Other than putting our instruments down, what should we be doing during our practice breaks to mentally recharge our batteries and prepare ourselves best for the next chunk of practice?Watch cute animal videos? Take a quick nap? Grab some coffee? Is there such a thing as a "best" practice break activity? Maybe not, but there's some research in the creativity and stress-reduction domains which all point at one particular activity that could be worth experimenting with during your next practice break.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/brain-fatigue-and-the-best-thing-to-do-on-a-practice-break/'>“Brain Fatigue” and the Best Thing to Do on Practice Breaks</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

22 Oct 2023

08 MINS

08:14

22 Oct 2023

#297

Why Reflection Should Be Part of Your Daily Practice Routine

3-time Olympic diving coach Jeff Huber once said that he would get really excited when one of his athletes would approach him and say "Hey coach, I've been thinking..." He explained that this phrase was often a sign that they were about to take a significant leap forward in their development as a diver (you can listen to his podcast episode <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/interview-olympic-diving-coach-jeff-huber-on-preparing-mentally-for-competition/'>here</a> if you missed it).Of course, it's not the words themselves that are so important, but an important learning process implied by this phrase that makes all the difference. Unfortunately, it's an aspect of practice that we often skip. Heck, you may not even think of it as an important part of practice. But including this in your daily routine could make a big difference in your growth and development.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/why-a-little-reflection-should-be-a-regular-part-of-your-practice-routine/'>Why Reflection Should Be Part of Your Daily Practice Routine</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

15 Oct 2023

06 MINS

06:58

15 Oct 2023

#296

How to Practice for More Consistent Performances

Have you ever wished audiences (or your teacher) could hear the awesome private version of yourself that you hear in the practice room, instead of the slightly less awesome public version of yourself that appears on stage? Sure, nerves can play a role in this, but part of the problem is how we practice. There's a tendency to strive for too much consistency in the practice room - which sounds like the right thing to do, but can actually be counterproductive. I know that seems bonkers, but we'll explore a couple studies today that will illustrate why aiming for too many "perfect" repetitions in a row can paradoxically lead to less consistency and accuracy on stage. And you'll learn what we should be doing more of instead. Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/a-practice-strategy-that-will-help-you-play-more-accurately-when-it-counts/'>​How to Practice for More Consistent Performances</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

08 Oct 2023

09 MINS

09:57

08 Oct 2023

#295

Christine Carter & Ellen Hendriksen: On the Perils of “Perfect Practice”

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing that you have pretty high standards of performance in at least one area of your life. I mean, you probably wouldn’t be interested in a performance psychology podcast if you didn’t, no? 😅 I'm also guessing that you've been accused, or praised, for being a perfectionist at some point or another. Maybe even both - because I think society sends us a lot of mixed messages about perfectionism. On one hand, I think we know that it doesn’t make us look great to humblebrag about our perfectionism, and claim it as our biggest weakness in job interviews. But on the other hand, we often get a pat on the back for our perfectionistic tendencies, when people marvel at our “attention to detail,” or how “dedicated” or “diligent” or “committed” we are. It’s easy to confuse perfectionism with having high standards, and assume that being a perfectionist is a good thing in the practice room. But it turns out that perfectionism could push us to practice in a way that not only makes practicing less fun, but inhibits our learning, and could even make us less effective and compelling musicians. So why exactly is “perfect practice” a problem? And what’s the more effective alternative? Get all the nerdy details, and links to studies and practice strategies referenced in the episode right here: ​<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/on-the-perils-of-perfect-practice-christine-carter-ellen-hendriksen/'>On the Perils of “Perfect Practice”: Christine Carter & Ellen Hendriksen</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

01 Oct 2023

48 MINS

48:13

01 Oct 2023

#294

Are Today’s Musicians More “Clone-Like?"

A few weeks ago, violinist Nigel Kennedy was quoted as saying that today's young musicians are more "clone-like," noting that while so many have phenomenal technical fluency, this may have come at the expense of musical communication.This was in the context of a larger (and intriguing) conversation about how funding in music is distributed, and how this might be part of the issue, but regardless, I was curious to see if there might be any studies on this particular issue.Though I didn't find any data on this in the realm of classical music, I did find a 2012 study that explored this in the context of popular music. Which had some pretty interesting findings that I suspect could be related to classical music as well.Click below for all the nerdy details, and how this could be related to your daily practice: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/are-todays-artists-more-uniform-and-less-musically-adventurous-than-those-of-yesteryear/'>Are Today’s Musicians More “Clone-Like?"</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

24 Sep 2023

08 MINS

08:24

24 Sep 2023

#293

Why Practicing Too Much Could Actually Increase Errors

I often get questions about specific topics or issues that haven't already been covered in  a podcast episode. Today's episode is devoted to a question that has come up a fair bit.Specifically, it's about staying focused in the practice room. And in particular, for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.The study compares a group of college students who practice for 80 repetitions with a group that practices for 160. The main question being - how much additional benefit does practicing twice as much have when it comes to speed and accuracy? And does this apply equally to students who have been diagnosed with ADHD and those who are non-ADHD?Turns out the findings apply to both ADHD and non-ADHD populations. Click below for all the nerdy details:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/why-practicing-more-can-lead-to-worse-performance/'>Why Practicing Too Much Could Actually Increase Errors</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

17 Sep 2023

08 MINS

08:59

17 Sep 2023

#292

How Consistent Do Pre-Performance Routines Need to Be?

If you've watched any sports - especially golf, basketball, and tennis - you've probably noticed that many athletes have a pre-shot, pre-free throw, or pre-serve ritual that they go through before performing that skill.Many musicians have rituals too, even if it's as simple as wiping your hands on your pants or hearing the opening of a piece to get the tempo in mind before you begin playing.Athletes' routines tend to be very consistent, and don't change from game to game or shot to shot. But how important is it to keep your routine consistent? Does it matter how long the routine takes, or whether the ingredients of your routine remain the same from one performance to the next?Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/pre-performance-routines-consistent-need/'>How Consistent Do Pre-Performance Routines Need to Be?</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

10 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:34

10 Sep 2023

#291

The Surprising Truth about Learning Styles

At some point or another, you've probably come across learning styles theory. Which suggests that some of us are visual learners, others are auditory learners, or kinesthetic learners, etc., and that we learn best if we are taught in a way that aligns with our learning style.This makes a lot of sense, and feels pretty true as well - but what does the research say?A 2009 review of the literature gives us some answers. And, spoiler alert, basically there's no evidence to support this theory. In other words, learning styles theory seems to be a myth. 😳 Wait...what?!For all the nerdy details and links to strategies that do work, check out the full article:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-surprising-truth-about-learning-styles/'>The Surprising Truth about Learning Styles</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

03 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:42

03 Sep 2023

#290

Difficulty Staying Focused While Practicing? Why “Airplane Mode” May Not Be Enough

You know those moments when you're practicing, and suddenly wonder what time the 49ers game is tonight? Or if so-and-so returned your email? Or if it's going to rain tomorrow? Or what you should eat for lunch? Staying focused for extended periods of time can be a real challenge. And our phones dinging and buzzing every other minute certainly doesn't make this any easier. But airplane mode should solve that problem, right?Well...according to a 2017 study, maybe not! But that's ok - there are some simple things we can do to make sure we can devote as much of our brainpower as possible to practicing, with as little cognitive "leakage" as possible.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/difficulty-staying-focused-practice-room-airplane-mode-may-not-be-enough/'>Difficulty Staying Focused While Practicing? Why “Airplane Mode” May Not Be Enough</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

20 Aug 2023

09 MINS

09:11

20 Aug 2023

#289

A Hack to Boost Your Practice Efficiency

You know how some practice sessions can feel really good? Where it seems like you're making lots of improvement? But then the next day, things don't sound much better?And then sometimes, you have what feels like a crappy day in the practice room, where nothing seems to be improving...but then the next day, you sound so much better?A 2009 study provides some clues on why this is, what's happening, and how you can tweak your practice for more lasting improvement from one day to the next.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/a-practice-hack-that-could-significantly-boost-practice-efficiency-but-may-not-feel-like-it-in-the-moment/'>A Hack to Boost Your Practice Efficiency</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

13 Aug 2023

09 MINS

09:56

13 Aug 2023

#288

On Building an Audience in 2023: Ken Kubota & Morgan Davison

About a month ago, we heard from violinist Sumina Studer and violist Drew Forde (<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/on-building-an-audience-in-2023-sumina-studer-drew-forde/'>click here</a> if you missed it), who shared tips and insights on how they built their social media following (about half a million followers combined). Today, in Part 2 of this two-part miniseries, we’ll hear from cellist Ken Kubota (160k+) and bassoonist Morgan Davison (35k+), who highlight some of the more meaningful, but less-obvious benefits of becoming a social media content creator. Benefits like improved practice motivation and efficiency, as well as more confidence in performance. You’ll also hear about some early mistakes that were made (plus solutions), dealing with imposter syndrome, and more. If you’re wondering if it’s worth dipping your toes into the social media waters, or whether it’s worth continuing your efforts, I think you’ll enjoy this episode.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/on-building-an-audience-in-2023-ken-kubota-morgan-davison/'>On Building an Audience in 2023: Ken Kubota & Morgan Davison</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

06 Aug 2023

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:52

06 Aug 2023

#287

When Is the Best Time to Start Memorizing a New Piece?

Like many other young kids, I never really thought twice about memorizing music. In the course of working on a piece, it usually just happened.Of course, at some point, memorizing music becomes more difficult for everyone. The repertoire gets more challenging, you start having lots of repertoire to learn at the same time, and performance deadlines don't leave you with as much time as you'd like.And this is when you probably began memorizing music on purpose. Intentionally. Using specific memorization strategies (a few linked below).But this leads to a related question that I don't think we often ask. Which is, when should we start the process of memorizing a new piece? Once it's mostly in your fingers? When you can play it at tempo? A month before the performance? Two?A 2002 study of singers provides some clues.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-start-memorizing-a-piece-for-fast-accurate-results/'>When Is the Best Time to Start Memorizing a New Piece?</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

30 Jul 2023

08 MINS

08:06

30 Jul 2023

#286

The "Lazy" Person’s Guide to Mastering Self-Control

Whether it's sticking to a regular practice routine, studying a little bit every day instead of cramming the night before an exam, or eating more healthily, I think it's pretty universal to wish that we had a little more self-discipline.Because that's the key to doing these things consistently, right?Well...what if there were an easier way to avoid temptations and distractions? One that didn't require as much willpower? And made it easier to practice, or go to the gym, or steer clear of TikTok when doing homework?A 2016 study provides some insights on how to work towards your goals more easily. With less willpower required.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/lazy-smart-persons-guide-mastering-self-control/'>The Lazy Person’s Guide to Mastering Self-Control</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

23 Jul 2023

09 MINS

09:04

23 Jul 2023

#285

Two Things Experts Do Differently When Practicing

Whether it's changing your diet, investing your money, or practicing, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you're doing it "right" because meaningful change usually happens gradually over time. I guess in an ideal world, we'd be able to pick a strategy, hop into a time machine, and see how it pans out in the future. And then go back to the present, pick another strategy, peek at the future again, and see which worked better. But for now, there's a 2001 study that basically does the time travel thing for us. Where it compares the practice behaviors of the best free throw shooters and that of the worst free throw shooters to see if they do anything different.  Spoiler alert, there is a difference. Two important differences that we can apply to music practice. It's actually one of the specific things we're going to work on in the live practice "bootcamp" that starts this week (details <a href='https://members.bulletproofmusician.com/edu/performance-psychology-essentials/'>​here​</a>).  But whether you plan to join in or not, do give this week's practice hack a try and see what you think. This is one of the most fundamental aspects of effective practice, and an approach to practicing that can completely transform how you feel about practicing - especially if you've always had a sort of tolerate/hate relationship with practicing. 😅 Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/two-things-experts-do-differently-than-non-experts-when-practicing/'>​Two Things Experts Do Differently When Practicing</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

16 Jul 2023

07 MINS

07:37

16 Jul 2023

#284

On Building an Audience in 2023: Sumina Studer & Drew Forde

So…everyone (and their dog 😅) seems to have a social media presence nowadays - whether on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, etc. But how important is it for musicians today to embrace social media, really? Can growing an online audience have tangible benefits to one’s career? Or is the reality different from how it appears from the outside? If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a sizable online following, and whether it’s worth taking the leap, I think you’ll enjoy today’s episode with violinist Sumina Studer (340k followers) and violist Drew Forde (160k followers). Spoiler alert: it turns out that the experience can be a nuanced mix of positives and negatives, and be different for each person too.Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/on-building-an-audience-in-2023-sumina-studer-drew-forde/'>On Building an Audience in 2023: Sumina Studer & Drew Forde</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

09 Jul 2023

1 HR 14 MINS

1:14:55

09 Jul 2023

#283

How to Make Practicing Feel Less Like a Chore

Effective practice isn't always easy or fun. But a 2010 study reveals a psychological hack that could make longer and more challenging practice sessions, rehearsals, or lessons feel easier and more appealing than shorter and less effortful practice sessions. Which sounds totally backwards, but could come in handy if you have students who have a difficult time getting themselves to practice. Or if you have difficulty getting yourself to practice for that matter! 😅Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-peak-end-rule-a-simple-way-to-make-practicing-feel-less-like-a-chore/'>How to Make Practicing Feel Less Like a Chore</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

02 Jul 2023

07 MINS

07:10

02 Jul 2023

#282

Self-Compassion: Does It Help or Hurt Performance?

Ever notice how critical the voice in your head can be? That voice can make us feel pretty crummy at times - but is it also responsible for pushing us to strive for better?If we had been less self-abusive and more self-compassionate along the way, would we be where we are today? Or is it possible that we would have advanced even further, if we had been a little kinder to ourselves?There has been increased research attention in the area of self-compassion in recent years. A recurring question amongst high-performers is whether it's "safe" to be more self-compassionate, or if greater self-compassion could lead to a drop in one's competitive edge.I have a study for you today (Breines & Chen, 2012) that provides some clues to this question. And if you're curious how self-compassionate you are, there's also a short test you can take that will provide an answer!Get all the nerdy details here:<a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/self-compassion-does-it-help-or-hinder-performance/'>Self-Compassion: Does It Help or Hurt Performance?</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

25 Jun 2023

08 MINS

08:46

25 Jun 2023

#281

Why Singing Could Enhance Your Daily Practice

Have you ever studied with a teacher who encouraged you to sing during your practice?There are lots of reasons for this, but aside from doing it in a lesson when my teacher made me sing in front of them, I never integrated any singing into my daily practice. It just felt silly, and I wasn't sold on the benefits.Looking back, of course, I would have given it more of a chance. And if you need a little help convincing yourself, a 2017 study and 2021 study provide a bit of evidence suggesting this may be a worthwhile addition to your daily routine.Get all the nerdy details here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/singing-out-loud-embarrassing-ear-training-exercise-or-nifty-memory-hack/'>Why Singing Could Enhance Your Daily Practice</a> ====Why do things sound better at home than they do on stage? If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances. It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 1-week email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies to help you perform your best when it matters most - even under pressure. Take the quiz here: <a href='https://bulletproofmusician.com/msa'>bulletproofmusician.com/msa</a> ... Read more

18 Jun 2023

06 MINS

06:41

18 Jun 2023