What if you could defang the monster of perfectionism by flipping the issue? Here’s my latest theory: that perfectionism is, at its root, an avoidance tactic. We’re avoiding the scarier prospect of finding our own artistic voice. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s...
I've been re-reading Elizabeth Gilbert's terrific book, "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear." This led me to find her riff on perfectionism (interview clip above and the highlights below). Here's Liz Gilbert on perfectionism — translated for musicians. Liz Gilbert...
I recently read Brené Brown's Daring Greatly (it's terrific!). She has a lot to say about the perils of perfectionism, but the passage (from pgs. 128-130) especially hits home for musicians. It's what Brené's research showed in terms of: What it is and isn't...
Please join me! TODAY's the launch of the NewMusicBox FB Live Creative Productivity Challenge. What's in it for you? Tools to help focus on what matters most so you can get your most important work done. Consider all the projects you expect to be involved in during...
In this, the final part 4 of our mini series on speaking from the stage, we're covering mindgames + perfectionism + your audience. If you missed the earlier installments, find them here: parts 1, 2, 3). A few nagging question remain: "I have a hard time transitioning...
I want to acknowledge you, dear reader, for your creative labor. I'm so grateful to live in a world where people use their creative skills to make art of all kinds and I'm inspired by your example. Thank you for daring to put your art, out into the world! It's a labor...
MONDAY BYTES — June 29, 2015 What can TED talks teach musicians about performance?Of course there are terrific specific TED talks that can inspire us and give us concrete tools and strategies. (As I've written in other posts about, for instance Amy Cuddy's popular TED...
MONDAY BYTES — January 26, 2015 Yes, I'm a Barbara Cook groupie. In her master classes and interviews she focuses on the business of being who you are, on letting the audience in. On being authentic. It takes courage to be ourselves, as performers, as teachers, as...
MONDAY BYTES — November 24, 2014 A few weeks ago I saw the movie "Whiplash" about an ambitious jazz drummer at a NY conservatory and his abusive teacher. It's a harrowing depiction of the pursuit of excellence. Of course there are aspects of the film that...
MONDAY BYTES — June 23, 2014 Last week my friend Florrie brought up the subject of deflecting compliments. It's a habit for many folks — particularly musicians. Let's say you've just given a performance, a talk, or a master class, and afterwards, people come up and...
