Today, let's celebrate Vicky Pierson Westerfield, Violin, from near Portland, Oregon! 🎉

Vicky went from enduring 13 years of “excruciating pain” , “horrible stage fright, shaking uncontrollably” and feeling “desperate”, thinking she might need to give up the violin, and passing out almost daily from stress… to an “absolute miracle” and a “lifesaver”!

Here's Vicky's jaw-dropping story in her own words:

“I started working with Jennifer in April of 2022, after 13 years of excruciating pain.

During that time, I had tried several modalities to fix my problems, but everything was a temporary fix. Obviously the temporary relief was welcomed, but I wanted lasting results.

I first came across Jennifer's work around 2018/19. I watched a video of TheCyCle™ and tried it, but I was right in the middle of the most stressful years of my life I have ever experienced to date, and I think I was so tied up in knots from tension and anxiety that I didn't notice a difference, so I wasn't too keen on trying her program.

But as my pain increased over the next few years, and nothing I tried helped, I finally became desperate.

I thought I was going to have to give up my instrument as I was losing the ability to play.

I had dreams as a child of being a professional violinist in an orchestra. I had finally reached that goal several years prior and certainly didn't want to give it up because it's hard to achieve. I just didn't see any way through my difficulties.

Everything came to a head for me in March of 2022 when I had a performance and it went very badly. Coincidentally, at the same time Jennifer put out a Youtube video of a new program she was starting, and after watching it, I had a very strong feeling that this was my path forward.

I was quite skeptical because I had been told that Alexander Technique was hands-on and I didn't understand how it could work online. But I decided to bite the bullet and, after talking with my husband and getting his blessing, went ahead and started her program.

I hate to admit it, but I didn't take things too seriously in the very beginning. Although after my first meeting with Jennifer, and she gently encouraged me to do the work to which I got fantastic results, I was hooked.

⭐ The pain that I had experienced for years was gone in just a couple of months, and

⭐ I could actually practice for long periods of time comfortably, which was an absolute miracle to me!

⭐ I learned extremely helpful ways of managing my stress in daily life because everything we do in our lives is connected and my work affects my musical life.

⭐ I learned how to make myself a priority, and with that…

⭐ I stopped passing out almost on a daily basis from stress and pushing myself too hard.

I am past the point of believing that I can never play well again, and while I am not where I want to be yet…

… I have come so far with this program that I feel like a different player.

I used to get horrible stage fright and I would shake uncontrollably, which would affect my performance in such a negative way.

⭐ I am extremely confident up on stage now and am almost more comfortable on stage than not.

⭐ I know how to control my nerves, and at this point I look forward to the next time that I get to perform. It's very exciting to acknowledge this, and was not one of my goals when I started her program, but has been such a blessing.

I honestly don't know how I survived without all the techniques that I have learned.

Working with Jennifer is so easy. She is very encouraging, even on days when I have felt hopeless, she knows how to buoy me up so that I can move forward. She very gently pushes against the unhelpful thoughts and habits I have that hold me back, and encourages me to create healthier habits.

She also points out how I have helped myself, because that is one of the backbones of her program-that we learn to help ourselves.

I've gotten to the point where I actually celebrate when I notice I am interfering with my use instead of judging because it gives me an opportunity to reset. I realize that this is going to be a lifelong endeavor for continual self improvement.

It's kind of like peeling back layers of an onion, there's just more and more to work on. But each time I realize something else to work on it means that I am improving my “Use” – how I use my whole mind-body-self – and that's exciting.

I would strongly recommend this program to anyone struggling with their music. As long as you apply its principles, this program will be a lifesaver for you, as it was for me.”

Thank you, Vicky, for sharing your super-special story with us!

You are a STAR!!!
__

Are you ready to experience this kind of transformation in your own playing? I currently have TWO openings for musicians ready to get started in January – and one opening before then.

I'm also offering a special holiday discount and bonuses when you register by November 30th (you can delay your start date after that, if desired).

Whether you’re preparing for an audition, struggling with tension or anxiety, or simply wanting to feel more ease, flow, and joy in your music-making, there is a way forward that fully supports both your artistry and your well-being.

Reach out to me to learn more about my private coaching and group programs for musicians of all kinds. With The Art of Freedom® Method, you’ll discover new possibilities for making great music with ease!

I’d love to connect with you and explore how your musical journey can open up in new and inspiring ways!

With love,
Jennifer ❤️