Ever finished a rehearsal feeling more tense and depleted than when you started, despite playing music you love?

Most professional musicians assume excellent music-making requires intense concentration on getting everything right.

The surprising truth? This approach often creates the opposite of what we want: fatigue, tension, and diminished connection.

I vividly remember my days with Apollo's Fire, where consecutive 6-hour rehearsal days would leave me completely exhausted with excruciating back pain.

Despite playing with extraordinary musicians who were also my friends, I was suffering physically and emotionally from trying to match the externalized intensity expected of us.

My breakthrough began when I discovered the Alexander Technique, which I eventually developed into my Art of Freedom® Method.

The pivotal shift came when I stopped trying to make passionate music happen through heightened in-TENSE-ity — which actually creates physical tension and pain.

Instead, I began focusing on my whole self as my primary instrument, practicing and performing from a centered place of calm presence rather than hyper-alert multi-focused attention trying to juggle 1000 ideas into perfection.

I worked on cultivating an internal fire—an inner strength that allowed flowing healing energy to travel through me while making music. 🎻

The results were profound. My back pain disappeared. Practice sessions became more efficient and enjoyable. Rehearsals flew by.

Most surprisingly, my playing improved dramatically when I stopped trying so hard to “get it right” and instead allowed myself to be fully present with the music INSIDE of me instead of what I was producing on the OUTSIDE. ✨

The power of presence isn't just a nice concept—it's a practical tool that transforms your relationship with music from the inside out. When you shift your focus from external technique to your whole mind-body-self, everything changes.

Stay tuned for my free 3-part video series starting tomorrow – here on my facebook profile – where I'll be sharing how to go beyond technique and transform your playing from the inside out through the power of presence! 

[See LINK below to a performance I was in with Apollo's Fire, way back in 2014 – what a joy!]