Beginner’s Mind: Georgia’s Story Begins

This story describes how a musician can begin to develop a healthy instrumental technique by having an open mind and focusing on simple, comfortable movements, rather than overexerting physically or mentally. Although the story is about a beginner, all of us, no...

Freeing the Body: Laura’s Story

This story describes how simple body awareness can improve your piano technique and transform your playing. Laura was quite tired from lack of sleep due to a challenging event in her family. But she showed up at last week’s live online workshop anyway, ready to work...

Was I Nervous? My Story

This story describes my own recent experience with overcoming performance anxiety before an important presentation. Thursday evening I had the wonderful opportunity to address a group of pianists in a workshop at Steinway Hall, on a topic that has great meaning for...

Scared of Change: Marie’s Story

This story, about a student I taught many years ago, describes the kind of dramatic and frightening change that can be necessary in order to overcome performance anxiety. Marie had serious problems with performance anxiety and was ready to try a new approach when she...