When I was on the faculty of a well-respected university music conservatory, I was surprised to come into contact with so many young students who were already contemplating quitting music and changing careers. 🎻

Most of these kids were passionate about music. But when they got to the conservatory, they found that they were woefully unprepared to deal with the competitive pressure in that environment. In their private Alexander Technique lessons, they confided to me that the tension was palpable every time they walked through the halls, but they didn’t have the knowledge or skills to take care of themselves and stay balanced and healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

These typical college music students came to me regularly with physical problems such as tendonitis, back pain, shoulder and neck pain; mental problems such as difficulty concentrating and organizing their time; emotional problems such as performance anxiety and depression; and—because they were unable to relax while playing—technical problems with their instruments they couldn’t get past.

Many of my students suffered from a general sense of overwhelm. None were lazy; in fact, they were typically good students who chose to take my class because they cared dearly about succeeding in life and music. 🌱

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for music teachers themselves to unwittingly (or, in rare cases, maliciously) contribute to their own students’ problems, by demanding that they practice unreasonably long hours, berating them when they make mistakes or their progress seems too slow, looming over their shoulders during rehearsals, yelling, or threatening them with poor grades and predicting career failure if they don’t work harder.

After I left the university and began working with amateurs, aspiring professionals, and career musicians from around the world, I discovered just how common what my university students were experiencing is, and how many people have given up on their musical dreams—or settled for less than what’s truly possible—because of it. The problems I’ve described are actually very common, no matter the artist’s skill level, and are not at all unique to the institution where I was teaching.

When musicians come to me for coaching, I very quickly put them at ease. Through a carefully designed, step-by-step process, I help them draw the connection between their mental outlook, emotions, physical sensations and movements, on the one hand, and their artistry. ✨

Fortunately, these musicians quickly come to recognize that they need a more holistic, expansive, and balanced approach to their daily life and music-making. When they come to me, they are curious, ready to learn, and willing to take full responsibility for their experience. This allows them to practice what I teach so they can experience a shift in perspective and a transformation in how they feel and play, often within days or weeks. 🌿

After we had just a few sessions together, my university students were able to start changing unhelpful habits. They began to truly enjoy their college experience and look forward to thriving in one of the best professions in the world: music-making! 🎶

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Care to share?

With Love & Light,
Jennifer ❤️

The above is an excerpt from ‘Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life'

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