In order to risk courageously baring our souls in front of an audience, we performers need to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and self-confidence.

For some, this strong sense of self comes about naturally and is nurtured and protected by a healthy environment and good teachers. But most of us need to learn how to do this for ourselves anyway, regardless of our circumstances.

Cultivating the confidence and poise needed for excellent performance requires three things:

• Self-knowledge: a growing understanding of yourself and the habits that get in your way;
• Dedication: the willingness to learn how to overcome those habits, and humble dedication to that process;
• Practice: excellent practice skills, made up of general musical knowledge, specific techniques, and effective learning methods.

All three components need to be present at the same time for the development of true artistic mastery, yet I’ve found over the years that most musicians overemphasize the third component (the one that requires the most direct study of a musical instrument) while minimizing—or completely ignoring—the significance of the first two (which stress the need for Primary Practice: self-observation, introspection, and personal growth).

When you have a strong desire to grow and succeed as an artist, your self-confidence will naturally grow along with your understanding of the essential interdependence of these three elements, as Alexander affirmed with this odd turn of phrase, “It makes the meat it feeds on.”

What he meant was that the positive results of good practice habits will produce the self-confidence and motivation required to keep practicing; that will in turn continue to produce good results. Your steady improvement is guaranteed through this virtuous cycle of cause and effect.

With Love & Light,

Jennifer

P.S. If you'd like to learn more, just send me a message and ask me about my current private and group coaching programs. I'd love to explore what's possible for you when we work together!