I remember my college piano teacher being able to play any style, and at any level of difficulty on his instrument, with little or no warm-up. How did he do it? The answer is consistency.



One of the main considerations when playing an instrument is the acceptance that learning to play effectively is both a mental and a physical process. No athlete would in their right mind, train once a week for an upcoming track and field event. In this light, no student musician should practice once a week for their end of year piano recital, or a weekly lesson, for that matter.

Another simple frame of mind should include consistent mental practice. Constant reinforcement of note and rhythmic reading skills, fingering patterns and audio are just some of the crucial elements that make for a good musician. I can always tell when a student hasn't had an effective week of practice as they seem mentally sluggish when asked to perform on demand.

Once a musician has established some reliably played repertoire, seeking an audience should become habitual. Of course, if you are merely playing for your own enjoyment, you don't have to put yourself through this routine. Having said that, there is something to be said of the supreme enjoyment of sharing your art with the general public? it's a great feeling.

A wonderful habit to attain is consistency in receiving compliments well as a performer. Whether you are an actor, pianist, or in a completely unrelated career, your ability to accept compliments gracefully, whether or not you believe the compliment is justified, is crucial. If you want your audience to like you, then their opinion of you is obviously an important factor. When someone says: ?You played well?, respond with: ?Thank you,? not: ?Ah, come on, I played lousy. Any idiot with ears could tell that.?

Constantly practice your art away from your instrument. History gives you crucial background information and insight into the lives of many of the composers. This type of knowledge can only help a performer empathize with the style of writing of a composer. Theory helps you to understand the structure of a composition, which gives an interpretation perspective and focus.

Learn to be positive and subsequently happy on a regular basis. It is easy to psych yourself out when learning an art. The trick is to always analyze the small steps of accomplishment that have taken place over a given time period; for instance, a week. Saying things to yourself such as: ?Hey, I couldn't really do that last week and now I can,? or ?It's a bit better, but I'll need a lot more patience to really master this section? are invaluable pep talks and a key to self-motivation.

Finally, always feel like you are on an ever expanding adventure, filled with challenges and fun. Sure mental and physical stamina come from practice, but the motivation to practice finds its roots in the love and joy that you have for your art. If the love is lost, the desire to practice and expand your knowledge becomes strained. The journey should everlasting.