Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# The Art of Freedom®

Break Free at the Highest Level

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://artoffreedom.me/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://artoffreedom.me/blog/) - This has been autogenerated as a placeholder for blog.
- [📚 Serena's story: From chronic pain to joyful performance](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-serenas-story-from-chronic-pain-to-joyful-performance/) - I remember well the first time shooting pain ripped through my forearm like a bolt of lightning from the tip of my left pinky. ⚡ It was while I was playing the violin, and the pain was so excruciating I couldn’t put any pressure on my pinky at all, which meant I had to stop
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-44/) - Today, let's celebrate Maria Crosby, Cellist in the Kansas City Symphony! 🎉 Here’s Maria’s amazing experience: "For many, many years, I viewed tension as my main enemy. I felt it was somehow at the root of my problems—from technical limitations with the cello to performance anxiety, from physical pain to depression—and I committed myself wholeheartedly
- [Join me tomorrow for a free 'Dare to Shine' Mini-Retreat 🌤️](https://artoffreedom.me/join-me-tomorrow-for-a-free-dare-to-shine-mini-retreat-🌤️/) - Tomorrow, I’m offering a FREE 45-minute interactive 'Dare to Shine' Mini-Retreat on Zoom, and I’d love to have you there. This is for musicians, artists, and other creators who want to feel more relaxed, present, and fully themselves when sharing their work, ideas, or artistry - especially when overthinking, perfectionism, or fear of judgment starts
- [🎉 Registration is open! Dare to Shine, October 2026 🌟](https://artoffreedom.me/🎉-registration-is-open-dare-to-shine-october-2026-🌟/) - I’m SO excited to finally share this with you! 🎉 Registration is now open for Dare to Shine, my two-day retreat this October at a beautiful waterfront venue near Amsterdam. I have been working on this almost non-stop for weeks, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most exciting things I’ve ever created.
- [📚What if there's nothing to fix?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚what-if-theres-nothing-to-fix/) - Physical pain, despite being common, isn’t the only kind of physical imbalance musicians face. 🎻 In fact, barring an acute injury—breaking a wrist, for example—significant physical pain usually only rears its ugly head after plenty of less-painful advance-warning signs. Common warning signs to pay attention to include: ⚠️ fatigue, lack of stamina and endurance excess
- [👞 Are you willing to let go of your old shoes before you know how the new ones will fit?](https://artoffreedom.me/👞-are-you-willing-to-let-go-of-your-old-shoes-before-you-know-how-the-new-ones-will-fit/) - A violinist came to a recent coaching session and opened with a beautifully honest piece of self-observation. “I have a habit,” he said, “of thinking too soon that I know something.” Within minutes, that exact habit appeared in his body. When I asked him simply to raise his violin to his shoulder, he moved directly
- [📚 Are you trying to become who you already are?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-are-you-trying-to-become-who-you-already-are/) - In truth, you don’t “DO” being yourself—you simply “BE” being yourself. ✨ As a child, there were many times when I would lie on my bedroom floor and “just BE”—especially if listening to Indian music and meditating without realizing it. I remember knowing with the core of my being, deep in my heart, that this
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐ - Kyle True, Cello](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-kyle-true-cello/) - Today, let's celebrate Kyle True, Cello! 🎉 Here’s Kyle’s amazing experience: "It would be an understatement to say that I was struggling before I joined Jennifer’s program. I was suffering from jaw and back issues that I knew were related to playing the cello. I was not enjoying my practice most of the time and
- [What if something goes wrong in front of people you respect?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-something-goes-wrong-in-front-of-people-you-respect/) - A successful professional I was coaching was preparing for a major high-stakes event in front of colleagues whose opinions mattered to him. What if something went wrong? What would they think? Would they see him differently afterward? These fears can become especially intense when you are already accomplished and want others to see you at
- [✨ Want to join me in the Netherlands this October? 🇳🇱](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-want-to-join-me-in-the-netherlands-this-october-🇳🇱/) - I’m getting SO excited about Dare to Shine: Relax, Create, Contribute, my intimate weekend retreat October 24–25, just outside Amsterdam! And the PLACE!!! 😍 I just confirmed the venue today, and it's just perfect. We’ll be gathering at De Zwier, a gorgeous, peaceful retreat center right on the water at the Vinkeveense Plassen. It’s surrounded
- [📚 A path towards real self-confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-a-path-towards-real-self-confidence/) - Have you been following me on social media and reading my emails for a while, yet wondered what's actually included when you study with me? Programs teaching The Art of Freedom® Method offer structured support coming from three directions, each of which contributes to building up a more positive sense of who you are. 🌱
- [✨ I’m taking on a big new challenge…](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-im-taking-on-a-big-new-challenge/) - I’ve taken on a big new challenge, and I’m so excited to finally start sharing it with you! On October 24–25, I’ll be leading my first European weekend retreat in the Netherlands: Dare to Shine: Relax, Create, Contribute — A Weekend Intensive It will be a small, intimate, in-person experience at De Zwier, a beautiful
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-43/) - Today, we're celebrating Sarah Herbert, Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Jazz at Western Kentucky University! 🎉 "My work with Jennifer and the Alexander Technique, without a doubt, saved my career in music." Here’s Sarah’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "I discovered Jennifer at a critical time in my life when I was about to
- [When I was four years old, I wanted to dance. 💃](https://artoffreedom.me/when-i-was-four-years-old-i-wanted-to-dance-💃/) - My mother took me to ballet lessons, but our teacher had us do an exercise that hurt my body. I wasn’t interested in doing something painful in order to enjoy what I loved — and thankfully, my mother wasn’t OK with that either — so I quit ballet. Around the same time, I was given
- [🎶 If you're still trying to "FIX" your posture, you may be addressing the wrong problem.](https://artoffreedom.me/🎶-if-youre-still-trying-to-fix-your-posture-you-may-be-addressing-the-wrong-problem/) - One of the most common things I hear from musicians, whether they’ve been playing for five years or fifty, is some version of: “I need to fix my posture.” Shoulders back. Chin up. Sit up straight. Somewhere along the way, most of us absorb a set of rules about how the body is supposed to
- [📚Is this all there is?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚is-this-all-there-is/) - Is this it? Is this all there is? Am I really stuck with this lifestyle forever? 💭 What did I do wrong? Am I just not as naturally talented as others, or am I just unlucky? Why do I still feel like I’m not good enough? Do I just need to practice more and work
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-42/) - Today, we're celebrating Michael, Educator and Amateur Violist! 🎉 Here's Michael's inspiring story, shared from correspondence I had with him a few years ago: "Hello and thank you so much for all your support. I am in my late 40s now and thought I was too old to start learning viola. However, I watched a
- [🎻  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 “𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲” 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠](https://artoffreedom.me/🎻-𝐓𝐡𝐞-𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧-𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐨𝐟/) - Teaching six hours straight. No breaks. Talking faster because your students seem tired. Staying late because maybe just one more thing will help them get it. Sound familiar? For years, many of us absorb the idea that good teaching means giving more: more energy, more explanation, more demonstrations, more intensity. But there can be a
- [📚The five-step process behind effortless playing](https://artoffreedom.me/📚the-five-step-process-behind-effortless-playing/) - In the USA, we have drive-through coffee shops (like Starbucks®) that allow us to quickly and conveniently get a drink without having to leave our car. ☕ We drive our car along the side of the building and pull up to a speaker where we can communicate with the employees in the shop, putting in
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-41/) - Today, we're celebrating Julia Jech, Violin! 🎉 Here’s Julia’s experience: "Your course was a source of inspiration for me! It was like a treasure chest where I could discover a lot of valuable information and exercises. At my starting point at the time (I was suffering from a frozen shoulder), it gave me hope for
- [A young violinist’s mysterious pain revealed a deeper pattern](https://artoffreedom.me/a-young-violinists-mysterious-pain-revealed-a-deeper-pattern/) - A talented young violinist once told me she had been struggling with mysterious episodes of pain. They would appear suddenly, last for hours or sometimes days, and then disappear without any clear explanation. She had seen multiple doctors, but no physical cause had been identified. Understandably, she felt confused, frustrated, and increasingly powerless. During our
- [⌛ When you don’t have practice time to waste](https://artoffreedom.me/⌛-when-you-dont-have-practice-time-to-waste/) - “I keep going into autopilot during practice." "I’ll be doing rhythmic exercises and suddenly think, ‘Wait—which rhythm did I just play? Which one am I on?’” A musician I was coaching shared this recently. Of course, the problem wasn’t the rhythmic exercise itself. Rhythmic variations, slow practice, repetition, metronome work, visualization, and other structured methods
- [💊 What Beta Blockers Gave Me—and What They Couldn’t](https://artoffreedom.me/💊-what-beta-blockers-gave-me-and-what-they-couldnt/) - I remember the year I decided to try beta blockers for auditions. I had been diagnosed with an essential tremor in my early twenties, and performance nerves made it noticeably worse. My hands could begin shaking precisely when I most needed them to feel steady and responsive, which just made me more nervous. Almost everyone
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-40/) - Today, we're celebrating Linda Pezzanite, Violinist! 🎉 Here’s Linda’s experience: "I met Jennifer after stumbling on her Practice Community on Facebook. She had a practice challenge I signed up for as a newbie to violin. Boy, was I out of my league with my Suzuki lessons among these insanely accomplished players. But I was welcomed!
- [𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲.](https://artoffreedom.me/𝐒𝐡𝐞-𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠/) - A student recently said something revealing during her coaching session: "I keep wanting to look at the clock when I'm practicing. I'm literally addicted to the clock! And then I realize I'm going into autopilot during practice—although I don't beat myself up for it anymore." This breakthrough reveals something profound about why so many accomplished
- [Can Another Musician’s Habits Start Affecting Your Own?](https://artoffreedom.me/can-another-musicians-habits-start-affecting-your-own/) - A professional violinist I coached recently shared a fear she’d been embarrassed to mention for a long time. She plays regularly in a trio, and something in one colleague’s playing consistently frustrated her. What troubled her most, though, was the fear that she might begin absorbing the same habits—and that her own playing could gradually
- [📚How quickly can you come back?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚how-quickly-can-you-come-back/) - One of the first things we’re likely to notice about ourselves when we meditate (whether in a formal practice or something more spontaneous, such as listening to music or playing our instruments as described above) is that our ability to focus and concentrate isn’t always as constant as we’d like: our minds wander, our moods
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-39/) - Today, we're celebrating Lauren Piccirillo, Masters of Music student at CCM! 🎉 Here’s Lauren’s experience: "I know that even the mere exposure to this way of thinking will help us become more aware of the way we use our bodies while we play our instruments. Even after your single demonstration, you have helped us to
- [Where your best music really comes from](https://artoffreedom.me/where-your-best-music-really-comes-from/) - Your best music comes from your heartfelt imagination, not your hands! Focus less on your hands, more on clear intention + trust!✨
- [🎻 What one musician noticed from the stage](https://artoffreedom.me/🎻-what-one-musician-noticed-from-the-stage/) - A professional musician I was coaching recently shared an observation that beautifully illustrates what can happen when we stop fighting ourselves. 🎵 He had just come back from a concert, and instead of talking about how he'd played, he told me what he had noticed from the stage. "I looked out at the audience," he
- [📚What if you've been concentrating the wrong way?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚what-if-youve-been-concentrating-the-wrong-way/) - Like most people, when you were a student, you probably learned that concentration involves narrowing your attention and you likely experienced a corresponding increase in overall tension, even if you weren’t aware of it (young children often resist concentrating for this very reason). 🧠 Over time, “hard” concentration starts to feel normal; never do you
- [One of my oboe students recently shared something that made me smile 🌿](https://artoffreedom.me/one-of-my-oboe-students-recently-shared-something-that-made-me-smile-🌿/) - She said, "TheCyCle™ has been the thing I've had the most success with. I do it every morning, and then always before I practice in the evening." [TheCyCle™ is a Primal Alexander™ Technique Awareness Etude I teach all of my students right from the very beginning.] When I asked what had changed, her answer was
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-38/) - Today, we're celebrating Yasutaka Tonoida! 🎉 Here’s Yasutaka’s experience: "I have taken several group lessons and participated in 1-day workshop of The Art of Freedom® with Jennifer. One expression that I want to use to describe my experience of studying with Jennifer is the “inspiration.” Inspiration about the freedom in my life, and inspiration about
- [🌺 Try this for a few seconds before you practice today...](https://artoffreedom.me/🌺-try-this-for-a-few-seconds-before-you-practice-today/) - The quality of your attention influences the state of your nervous system. The state of your nervous system influences the quality of your playing. Before you begin playing today, try opening up your attention with a willingness to drink in the subtle beauty around you, as though you're taking in an expansive, scenic view. Get
- [Have you ever noticed what happens to your face when you're staring at your phone?](https://artoffreedom.me/have-you-ever-noticed-what-happens-to-your-face-when-youre-staring-at-your-phone/) - Your eyes may narrow and your jaw may begin to grip without your even realizing it. Are you holding your breath? Now compare that with standing at the edge of the ocean, or overlooking a mountain valley. Without trying to relax, your gaze widens. Your breathing changes. Your face softens. Something in you becomes more
- [The surprising moment musicians leave the present](https://artoffreedom.me/the-surprising-moment-musicians-leave-the-present/) - One of the most fascinating moments I've witnessed in a private coaching session happened before a single note had been played. ✨ I was guiding an oboist through some MindFlow™ practice, imagining a passage entirely in her mind without touching the instrument. Everything was already going beautifully. Her attention was spacious, her imagination vivid, and
- [📚 Could gratitude make you a better musician?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-could-gratitude-make-you-a-better-musician/) - Take a moment to skim through the following list. How many of these things cause your energy to dip slightly? How many of them trigger a sense of unease, dissatisfaction, or lack? your income and financial situation? your career and future job prospects? your home and work environments? your personal and professional relationships? your relationship
- [When you pick up your instrument, where does your attention go first? 🎼](https://artoffreedom.me/when-you-pick-up-your-instrument-where-does-your-attention-go-first-🎼/) - For many musicians, it goes immediately to the notes. The shift happens so quickly we hardly notice it. Our eyes lock onto the fingerboard, the music, the difficult passage ahead, and within seconds our breathing changes, the shoulders begin to organize around effort, and what began as music quietly turns into work. One of the
- [📚Are your habits helping or hurting your progress?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚are-your-habits-helping-or-hurting-your-progress/) - To learn faster, you need to do less of what doesn’t work and more of what does. 🎯 That may seem obvious, but do you really know what’s working, and what isn’t? How do you know what to do more or less of when you practice? The key to making rapid progress is learning to
- [Is there a situation in your life where the fear of being seen or heard gets in the way?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-there-a-situation-in-your-life-where-the-fear-of-being-seen-or-heard-gets-in-the-way/) - Maybe it’s speaking up when your opinion goes against others in the room. Maybe it’s being asked to say a few words before you play, and feeling your hands start to shake before you’ve even begun. Maybe it’s pressing play on a recording of yourself and needing to work up to it first. I’ve been
- [I taught a coaching session yesterday that warmed my heart and left me smiling wide. 😊](https://artoffreedom.me/i-taught-a-coaching-session-yesterday-that-warmed-my-heart-and-left-me-smiling-wide-😊/) - My student, Bart - a violinist from the Netherlands - said something that touched me deeply and really made my day: "Doing this simply makes me happy. My daughter needs a happy dad." And then he shared this gem: "Making music is a way of celebrating existence...and that's what I want to do!" ❤️ Those
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-37/) - Today, let's celebrate Rebecca Kruger Fryxell, Violinist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra! 🎉 Here’s Rebecca's Testimony: "I highly recommend Jennifer Roig-Francoli to anyone interested in the Alexander Technique. She is caring, intelligent and insightful, and she's always positive and encouraging. I've had Alexander experiences in the past that have left me feeling overwhelmed and discouraged,
- [The movement doesn't have to be hard](https://artoffreedom.me/the-movement-doesnt-have-to-be-hard/) - What can be truly challenging - and supremely valuable - is noticing what happens within you in the moment you decide it will be... before you even start.
- [As I watch myself get older, I’m noticing some changes](https://artoffreedom.me/as-i-watch-myself-get-older-im-noticing-some-changes/) - Yesterday was another beautiful day here in Cincinnati, despite being quite hot and humid. I thought I'd share some reflections from my sunny afternoon. Here's what I wrote... As I watch myself get older, I’m noticing some changes (aren't we all?). Thankfully, besides the inevitable wrinkles and a few more grey hairs, I’m also noticing
- [The Art of Freedom® for Musicians: Netherlands, October 2026](https://artoffreedom.me/the-art-of-freedom-for-musicians-netherlands-october-2026/) - The Art of Freedom® for Musicians: Netherlands, October 2026. Ready for the live experience? Comment 'ME' below to join the waitlist! 🙋 This is especially for my European friends, but it will be worth traveling to even if you don't live in the Netherlands or Europe! 🙂 Let me know if you're curious and I'll
- [Are you practicing being nervous?🤔](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-practicing-being-nervous🤔/) - Most musicians think performance nerves are something that happen to them because of outside circumstances. A high-pressure situation arises: the performance, the audition, the exposed entrance, the difficult passage, the imposing conductor. Before we know it, the nerves arrive, and it can feel as if there’s not much to do except try to breathe, manage
- [“I’ve always struggled with letting my job creep in and take over my life.”](https://artoffreedom.me/ive-always-struggled-with-letting-my-job-creep-in-and-take-over-my-life/) - That’s how Mark described his relationship with his teaching position, and I’ve heard some version of this from so many professional musicians. You begin the day with every intention of practicing, preparing for an upcoming performance, reaching out about a project, revisiting the repertoire you love, or taking one small step toward the artistic life
- [🎻 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦](https://artoffreedom.me/🎻-𝐇𝐨𝐰-𝐭𝐨-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬-𝐏𝐨𝐰/) - One of the questions I hear most often from musicians is: "How can I fully express the emotions in a piece of music without becoming tense, overwhelmed, or emotionally pulled down by them myself?" I think part of the answer lies in recognizing that there is an important difference between 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 an emotion and 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-36/) - Today, we're celebrating David Jernigan! 🎉 Here’s David’s experience: "I want to add that at #Day14CreativityChallenge, it's really paying off! I didn't touch my principal instruments yesterday (played the others), and went to work at night without a warm-up. It was GREAT! I felt as on top of stuff* as ever! Continuing today, exercising, getting
- [📚 Why suffering can feel easier than happiness](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-why-suffering-can-feel-easier-than-happiness/) - In some strange way, suffering when things are hard can paradoxically seem easier and feel like exactly the right thing to do, even when it takes you further away from what you really want deep down, which is simply to be happy. 💭 The reason is largely biological since noticing things that are out of
- ["I was making it much more complicated than it actually is."](https://artoffreedom.me/i-was-making-it-much-more-complicated-than-it-actually-is/) - That was a musician's realization during last week's Masterclass. What I find especially interesting is that this insight isn't just about music. Whether you're a performer, teacher, entrepreneur, coach, leader, artist, or simply someone trying to do meaningful work in the world, it's remarkably easy to fall into the trap of believing that progress requires
- [📚 What if you stopped waiting to be happy?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-what-if-you-stopped-waiting-to-be-happy/) - As a more experienced adult, are you still following your heart, living your passion? Even more importantly, are you enjoying the “pursuit of happiness” along the way, or are you stuck, postponing your joy as you work hard now? ✨ Do you have a sense of having “arrived,” basking in the self-satisfaction of having “fulfilled”
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-35/) - Today, we're celebrating Kalindi True, Violist! 🎉 Here’s Kalindi's amazing experience: "I don't want to brag, but....I had my first ever pain & anxiety free performance yesterday! I played three Easter worship services at a local Lutheran church. I had several solos and was mostly improvising the entire time. I literally forgot to be nervous!
- [The 5-Word Reset](https://artoffreedom.me/the-5-word-reset/) - The 5-Word Reset: Before practicing or playing anything, notice how you're feeling and remind yourself "I'm here to learn, not perform." Let that sink into your body, wonder about your experience in the present moment, and allow this to shift your nervous system from performance pressure to curious exploration. What do you notice about yourself
- [📚 The pressure behind a music career](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-the-pressure-behind-a-music-career/) - 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
- [There’s a musician I’ve been working with recently - let’s call her Margaret.](https://artoffreedom.me/theres-a-musician-ive-been-working-with-recently-lets-call-her-margaret/) - She came into one of our coaching sessions feeling discouraged. Her quartet was struggling, rehearsals had started feeling emotionally heavy, and self-doubt had quietly begun creeping in around the edges. Even the thought of practicing made her feel exhausted before she had taken the violin out of the case. I think most highly sensitive, creative
- [Is it hard for you to listen to your own music or your speaking voice, or to see yourself on video?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-it-hard-for-you-to-listen-to-your-own-music-or-your-speaking-voice-or-to-see-yourself-on-video/) - Like many professionals, I spent far too many years cringing when listening to my own music - even after multiple solo performances at Carnegie Hall. Not anymore. 🙂 If you want to learn how to love your own music, appreciate your own writing, enjoy hearing a recording of your own speaking voice… …or even appreciate
- [🎙️How to Play with Confidence and Love / PODCAST](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️how-to-play-with-confidence-and-love-podcast/) - Interview with Michael Jamanis & Jennifer Roig-Francolí (This one goes deep!) "I should be practicing" "I should have practiced more" "Why didn't I practice?!" Have any of these thoughts crossed your mind? I had the honor of joining Michael Jamani on his podcast, Music Un-Tuxed, for a heartfelt conversation about some of the biggest challenges
- [If you're a relaxed, confident, JOYOUS performer](https://artoffreedom.me/if-youre-a-relaxed-confident-joyous-performer/) - If you're a relaxed, confident, JOYOUS performer, then you don't need my course. Everyone else... whatcha waiting for? 😉 DM me!
- [🎵 She used to shake uncontrollably on stage. Now she looks forward to performing.](https://artoffreedom.me/🎵-she-used-to-shake-uncontrollably-on-stage-now-she-looks-forward-to-performing/) - A violinist in one of my classes shared something about working with me that really impressed me. For years, she struggled with severe stage fright. She would shake uncontrollably before performances, and the anxiety affected her playing so much that she began losing hope that things could ever truly change. In fact, she was nearly
- [My 5-week program for women](https://artoffreedom.me/my-5-week-program-for-women/) - Feeling undecided about my 5-week program that's GUARANTEED to help you conquer performance anxiety? (Or I'll give you 100% of your money back!) Concerned about the timing? Finances? ("But will this actually work for ME?!?") Let's have a chat so we can talk about your unique situation and I can help make your decision easier.
- [Got performance anxiety?](https://artoffreedom.me/got-performance-anxiety/) - ♫ Got performance anxiety? Hard to express yourself freely onstage? Get control over that in 5 weeks. DM me or comment below!
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-34/) - Today, we're celebrating Jenny Robinson, Violin! 🎉 Here’s Jenny's amazing experience: "I signed up last November after reading your Best Seller book. I’ve really embraced your method and it’s been a revolution for me! Before, I was so scared to play out and refused to play in an exposed situation when I played. Now, I’m
- [As a female musician, I know you pour your heart and soul into every note, but sometimes it feels like your best just isn't good enough, right?](https://artoffreedom.me/as-a-female-musician-i-know-you-pour-your-heart-and-soul-into-every-note-but-sometimes-it-feels-like-your-best-just-isnt-good-enough-right/) - You put in the hours, practice hard, follow all the instructions every teacher ever gave you, and you do everything "right". But when the spotlight hits, your performances just don't match what you did in the practice room or how you hear it on the inside. And that's incredibly frustrating because you don't understand why
- [🧐 Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to concentrate and play your best after you've had an argument with your partner..](https://artoffreedom.me/🧐-have-you-ever-noticed-how-much-harder-it-is-to-concentrate-and-play-your-best-after-youve-had-an-argument-with-your-partner/) - .. an uncomfortable misunderstanding with your stand partner, or when the conductor directing your ensemble makes a habit of being sarcastic, yelling, and intimidating the musicians? So much of our lives revolve around relationships. And making music is one of the most challenging ways to communicate with others, since it requires us to be vulnerable
- [📚 Where my mother led me, music held me](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-where-my-mother-led-me-music-held-me/) - As a child, I was painfully shy. When my mother took me to music classes for toddlers, I was always the little girl on the outside of the circle, watching from a distance, not daring to join in. There’s actually a video of my mother and me on the Mr. Rogers television show when I
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-33/) - Today, we're celebrating Jessica Smithorn, Oboe! 🎉 Here’s Jessica's amazing experience: "Studying Alexander Technique has helped me stay calm in stressful situations - auditions, big orchestra solos, concerto performances, teaching in front of a large group - and it's helped me perform successfully in these circumstances. Success is great, but what is more interesting is
- [I witnessed something really special as a young teenage girl.](https://artoffreedom.me/i-witnessed-something-really-special-as-a-young-teenage-girl/) - It has stayed with me my whole life, and continues to influence me in really positive ways. Here's the story in a nutshell: First of all, I was very fortunate when I was young to be able to study with some of the most famous violinists of all time. There was one Masterclass in Europe
- [If You Could Change One Thing…](https://artoffreedom.me/if-you-could-change-one-thing/) - “What if you could wave a magic wand and improve any aspect of your life while vastly improving the quality of your art? As a musician, what one wish would you make today?” ✨ [This is an excerpt from my book, Make Great Music with Ease!] I’m so grateful that this book was recently awarded
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-32/) - Today, we're celebrating Félix Turrión Eichler, Oboe! 🎉 Here’s Félix’s experience: "When I first considered working with Jennifer I was skeptical because it's harder for me to trust an online program than "real life" offers, and money was short since I was a student at the time. However, soon after getting started, Jennifer impressed me
- [🪞 There’s nothing “wrong” with your body](https://artoffreedom.me/🪞-theres-nothing-wrong-with-your-body/) - Did you know that your body is a mirror? You don't have a "bad" back... "bad" knees... or a "bad" wrist... ... or even "bad" posture. Why? Because YOU are not "bad". You're simply you being YOU - your perfectly imperfect self. Your body is innocent. It simply reflects your mind, like a mirror. When
- [⭐ A Musician’s Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/28686-2/) - Today, we're celebrating Jennifer Yarbrough, Violin! 🎉 "Working with Jennifer has been one of the best decisions I've made for myself and my career as a musician." Here’s Jennifer’s experience (see her picture below): "I am happy to say that through working with Jennifer and her Art of Freedom®️ Method, my relationship to my instrument,
- [🎵 For women musicians who know they can play better than they sometimes do…](https://artoffreedom.me/🎵-for-women-musicians-who-know-they-can-play-better-than-they-sometimes-do/) - If you’ve ever thought, “I know I can play this… so why does it feel like a different person shows up under pressure?” ... you’re not alone. 🙂 Maybe you’ve noticed: • performance nerves that seem to appear out of nowhere (very helpful, thank you…) • overthinking that kicks in right when you don’t need
- [As a shy young girl, I found it difficult to communicate with others verbally.](https://artoffreedom.me/as-a-shy-young-girl-i-found-it-difficult-to-communicate-with-others-verbally/) - What I was thinking and feeling felt so deep and important to me, but I felt perpetually unheard and misunderstood. Speaking in public felt terrifying to me, whereas music was a safe language open to anyone's interpretation, which couldn't be misunderstood. As a result, I didn't speak much and I used my violin and music
- [🎻 Free Live Workshop for Women Musicians! 🎹](https://artoffreedom.me/🎻-free-live-workshop-for-women-musicians-🎹/) - If you’re a musician who cares deeply about your music… but finds yourself caught in cycles of performance nerves, self-doubt, or people-pleasing—this is for you. This live workshop / masterclass is designed specifically for women, where these patterns often show up in subtle but powerful ways that affect not just how you play, but how
- [Guess the #1 skill that most musicians are missing, which is EASY to learn](https://artoffreedom.me/guess-the-1-skill-that-most-musicians-are-missing-which-is-easy-to-learn/) - Many of my students are highly skilled musicians, but they still feel like they’re not good enough because there's ONE KEY SKILL that they're totally missing. Even after many years of study, countless hours of practice, and maybe even landing some pretty good gigs and playing with other good musicians, they’re often frustrated with their
- [Are you ready to feel relaxed and confident?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-ready-to-feel-relaxed-and-confident/) - Are you ready to feel relaxed and confident on command & consistently perform your best with radiant JOY? DM me or Type YES!
- [🎵 Discover Relaxed Confidence, Joy, and Authentic Self-Expression as a Female Musician!](https://artoffreedom.me/🎵-discover-relaxed-confidence-joy-and-authentic-self-expression-as-a-female-musician/) - Are you a woman yearning to use your music for self-actualization and heartfelt communication, but struggling to perform at your best? 🎵💕 I'm excited to announce my 5-week program designed specifically for women: "Relaxed Confidence, Joy, and Authentic Self-Expression for Women in Music"! 🌟 This program will help you: ✨ Develop a holistic understanding and
- [Are you a "people-pleaser", always putting yourself last and resisting doing things for yourself that make you feel really GOOD...](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-a-people-pleaser-always-putting-yourself-last-and-resisting-doing-things-for-yourself-that-make-you-feel-really-good/) - but then you end up shaking and feeling totally out of control onstage... dying to run away and hide when you're in the spotlight? If you're a confirmed people-pleaser, watch out! That feminine conditioning to "be good" without FEELING good can really backfire and zap your confidence as a performer! [NOTE: If you know you
- [🌊 Have you ever experienced a strong wave of emotion in a concert?](https://artoffreedom.me/🌊-have-you-ever-experienced-a-strong-wave-of-emotion-in-a-concert/) - I was recently asked some excellent questions about expressing emotions through music. Here are my responses, which I hope you will find useful! Q: Have you experienced a wave of personal/inner emotion in a concert that has almost rendered you incapable of playing? A: Yes. I'll never forget playing at my grandmother's funeral. I almost
- [🎉NEW COURSE!🎉](https://artoffreedom.me/🎉new-course🎉/) - NEW COURSE for Women who want to play ♫ with Relaxed Confidence, Joy & Authentic Self-Expression. Comment "ME" below for info! 🙋‍♀️
- [📚 From a shy girl to a woman finding her voice](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-from-a-shy-girl-to-a-woman-finding-her-voice/) - As a child, I was painfully shy. When my mother took me to music classes for toddlers, I was always the little girl on the outside of the circle, watching from a distance, not daring to join in. There’s actually a video of my mother and me on the Mr. Rogers television show when I
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-31/) - Today, we're celebrating Fiona Angel, Violin! 🎉 Here’s Fiona’s experience: "I wanted to say a huge thank you and share a very interesting experience I had. I'm going through a huge health challenge, and I had a show coming up in a local pub. I struggled the whole day, feeling very sick, exhausted, nervous, with
- [Performers: Before a gig, a concert, an audition — what do you do with the nervous energy?](https://artoffreedom.me/performers-before-a-gig-a-concert-an-audition-what-do-you-do-with-the-nervous-energy/) - Do you try to calm down? Do you tell yourself you're excited instead of scared? Do you just power through and hope for the best? I've been exploring something with students lately — the idea that anxiety and excitement are physiologically almost identical, and that the difference is really the story we tell about the
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-30/) - Today, we're celebrating Alicia Randisi-Hooker, professional cellist performer and educator! 🎉 Here’s Alicia’s experience (see her picture below): "It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears, and apparently I was more than ready. Even after two years of hands-on Alexander lessons and reading countless books, Feldenkrais lessons here and there, a
- [What if your best performance shows up when you're doing less and trusting more?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-your-best-performance-shows-up-when-youre-doing-less-and-trusting-more/) - Sarah, a professional cellist, found out the hard way... and it changed everything for her. Two weeks after shoulder surgery from overuse and pushing herself too hard for too long, she faced a major concert featuring a concerto she hadn't played in years. Her doctor said no cello. But she chose to trust herself anyway
- [📚 "Those who die before they die, do not die when they die"](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-living-the-art-you-practice/) - We can all choose to turn the moments of our lives into true and meaningful art . . . or not. ✨ To do this means paying just as much attention to how you lift a pen or pour tea as when you lift a violin bow or touch a keyboard. The true artist is
- [🎉 EXCITING NEWS, Friends!! 🎉](https://artoffreedom.me/🎉-exciting-news-friends-🎉/) - I am SO thrilled to announce that the Relaxed Confidence, Joy & Flow program is OPEN for enrollment - and for the next few days only, you can join at 50% off the regular price!! 🌟 This is a 5-week journey unlike anything else out there for musicians. We go deep together - exploring a
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-29/) - Today, we're celebrating Kiki Collins Busell, Former Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra! 🎉 Kiki came to me for help with a frozen shoulder that was making her violin playing very painful and difficult. Here’s Kiki’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "I studied with Jennifer to get help in relieving pain and fatigue I
- [📚 When doing stops, ease begins](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-when-doing-stops-ease-begins/) - The combined application of inhibition and direction to our Primary Instrument (the Self) while making music is what allows us to access effortless ease and enjoy real artistic mastery. 🎻 In the Alexander Technique, inhibition and direction go hand in hand—you can’t have one without the other. To keep things simple, I normally just use
- ["I'm here to learn, not to perform."](https://artoffreedom.me/im-here-to-learn-not-to-perform/) - A student said this in a recent online coaching session… and something shifted immediately. He had been working on a movement of unaccompanied Bach that carried a lot of history for him. Years of careful, effortful practice had left traces of tension in both his body and his thinking, so that even before he began,
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-28/) - Today, we're celebrating Pam Guntrum, Violin! 🎉 Here’s Pam’s experience: "It’s hard to believe that 6 months has really passed since I started your program. And it has been quite a journey. Looking back at the reasons for why I decided to join your program, I think it was the idea of learning to play
- [📚 How's your posture today?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-hows-your-posture-today/) - "Most of us think we have “bad” posture. But without being clear about what that really means beyond the obvious—slumped shoulders or a swayback, etc.—how helpful is it merely to say you have bad posture and judge yourself for it? 🤔 You may have been thinking for many years that you should improve your posture.
- [Why Performance Anxiety Gets Worse Right Before Your Solo (And the Surprising Solution)](https://artoffreedom.me/why-performance-anxiety-gets-worse-right-before-your-solo-and-the-surprising-solution/) - Picture this: You’re sitting in the orchestra pit, waiting for your solo moment. A few pieces earlier, you felt fine. But now, as your entrance approaches, your heart starts racing. Your hands begin shaking. By the time the conductor cues you, you feel so nervous it’s hard to trust that you can play. Sound familiar?
- [On Listening to Your Intuition and Being Who You Are](https://artoffreedom.me/on-listening-to-your-intuition-and-being-who-you-are/) - Sometimes an unexpected inner nudge arises - a sense that something authentic wants to be expressed. In this spontaneous live video, I reflect on what it means to trust that inner guidance and allow yourself to show up as you truly are. For many musicians, it’s easy to hide behind expectations, technique, or the pressure
- [The breakthrough was the process all along](https://artoffreedom.me/the-breakthrough-was-the-process-all-along/) - “I had kind of a breakthrough. I started to feel like I was enjoying playing that piece and could imagine performing it successfully. But then last night I didn’t do any preparation at all before the concert… and it was awful.” A professional cellist shared this with me during a recent session. For several months
- [📚 The hidden toll of a life in music](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-the-hidden-toll-of-a-life-in-music/) - Like with everyone else, the musician’s experience ripples into multiple aspects of their lives: physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual. 🎻 Many professional musicians experience chronic physical discomfort from misuse or overuse of their muscles during long hours of making repetitive movements while playing. Others suffer from emotional problems such as anxiety or depression, hypersensitivity and
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-27/) - Today, we're celebrating Rachel Lee, Violinist, Educator! 🎉 Here's Rachel's amazing experience: "When I started working with Jennifer, I was just expecting for my back to feel better, but now everything feels better! I feel better physically when I play - but also emotionally and spiritually. I have a greater sense of freedom and confidence,
- [On the need to stretch our comfort zones](https://artoffreedom.me/on-the-need-to-stretch-our-comfort-zones/) - As I’m here, enjoying a very relaxed evening by the water in Uruguay, I’m contemplating the need to be continually stretching our comfort zones. The world is going to stretch our comfort zones anyway, so we might as well get better at it on purpose! I’ve been doing quite a bit of stretching over the
- [Finding freedom in the worst-case scenario](https://artoffreedom.me/finding-freedom-in-the-worst-case-scenario/) - Sometimes the most powerful practice begins with going to the worst-case scenario and discovering you'd still be okay. Your safety doesn't depend on perfect performance. It comes from trusting what's already within you. Whatever it is you're afraid of... what if you weren't afraid, and just took the first step? Imagine the best-case scenario. Can
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-26/) - Today, we're celebrating Dr. Tracey Skale, Chief Medical Officer of Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services! 🎉 Here’s Tracey’s experience (see her picture below): "Meeting Jennifer really has been life changing for me. With her warm, easy manner and incredible scope of knowledge about the body and how it moves and uses energy, she has helped
- [Here's why “Practice More” is often the wrong advice for musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-why-practice-more-is-often-the-wrong-advice-for-musicians/) - When your playing doesn’t feel good enough, the advice you usually hear is predictable: If you’re struggling with performance anxiety… - Practice more. Prepare harder. Perform more often. If your technique is unreliable… - Practice more. Push yourself. Concentrate harder. If you feel disconnected from your music… - Practice more. Feel it deeply. Pour your
- [“If you weren’t afraid, what would you do?”](https://artoffreedom.me/if-you-werent-afraid-what-would-you-do/) - Yesterday I asked myself this simple but confronting question. The answer surprised me. I realized there was music inside of me that wanted to be expressed through my voice. A desire to sing arose within me, and I decided to let it come out. Singing in front of others used to absolutely terrify me, even
- [When Trying Harder Creates More Tension 😬](https://artoffreedom.me/when-trying-harder-creates-more-tension-😬/) - When you unpack your instrument, you might already be feeling sore. Maybe you feel it in your shoulders, your neck, or your hands. You’ve been playing long rehearsals lately, and you’ve been aware of this tension for some time now. It gets louder the moment you lift your instrument. But you try not to think
- [📚 The unspoken struggle behind a musician’s life](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-the-unspoken-struggle-behind-a-musicians-life/) - The first thing you probably fell in love with when you first set out on the path of becoming a musician was making the music itself. As you developed a practice routine over time, you got more and more specific about the level of artistry you wanted to achieve. Also, how you wanted your musical
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-25/) - Today, we're celebrating Patricia Ruiloba Gitto, Cello, Performer & Educator! 🎉 "I’m sometimes in disbelief that I can now be pain free when I play my cello! Yes!"... "I played the best in years!" Here’s Patricia’s experience (see her picture below): "After just 2 weeks of Jennifer's self-study course and 1 group class, I had
- ["My hand was shaking and I knew it would sound bad, so I just didn't play."](https://artoffreedom.me/my-hand-was-shaking-and-i-knew-it-would-sound-bad-so-i-just-didnt-play/) - She was sitting in the orchestra pit, cello solo moments away. Heart racing. Hands shaking… and when the conductor gave her the cue, she couldn’t bring herself to play. 🎻 Thankfully, it was just a rehearsal. But it really shook her confidence, so she brought it to me. When she played the solo for me
- [📚 Why your brain thinks the stage is dangerous](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-why-your-brain-thinks-the-stage-is-dangerous/) - Stage fright is like a modern version of the kind of reaction our ancestors had to unknown potential dangers in the jungle. Imagine that a human being—an animal without claws or sharp teeth—is placed in the middle of a stage. As she stands there, exposed and highly visible under a direct spotlight, hundreds of unfamiliar
- [📚Holding yourself with kindness in a world of pressure [book excerpt]](https://artoffreedom.me/📚holding-yourself-with-kindness-in-a-world-of-pressure-book-excerpt/) - Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions: Do you generally hold and honor yourself with softness, flexibility, and ease? With loving-kindness and compassion? Or—filled with stiffness and fear—do you hold yourself up to rigorous scrutiny and judgment? Do you try to “pull yourself together,” “get a grip on yourself,” or try not to
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-23/) - Today, we're celebrating Tisha Hayes, Violin! 🎉 Tisha began working with me to reduce pain and improve her playing. Here's what she wrote about her experience in The Musician's Advantage program (see her picture below): "This is the best training I've ever had. Over the months, I have put Jennifer's Art of Freedom® Method and
- [✨ So much depth and beauty in today’s Strategy & Support class for Musicians! ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-so-much-depth-and-beauty-in-todays-strategy-support-class-for-musicians-✨/) - (A class for my students who want to learn how to make great music with ease and live a happier life.) My students play a range of instruments: violin, viola, cello, flute, harp, trumpet, oboe, piano, drums, etc. I'm sharing this here because whatever instrument YOU play, I think you may enjoy exploring a few
- [“My intonation got better — and I wasn’t even aiming for that.”](https://artoffreedom.me/my-intonation-got-better-and-i-wasnt-even-aiming-for-that/) - A violinist in one of my recent masterclasses said this, and it perfectly captures what happens when you work *with* your Primary Instrument—your whole self—instead of against it. Samantha came to the class to work on the opening of a Brahms sonata. She wanted more ease, steadier rhythm, and more fluid phrasing. Like most highly
- [Let the music shine itself🌞](https://artoffreedom.me/let-the-music-shine-itself🌞/) - The sun doesn't have to DO the shining. It just shines. This is how we're designed to express ourselves, too - not through effort, but through natural radiance. That's how the best music happens. When you get out of the way and let the music "play itself", it flows through you with ease. Your authentic
- [Ever notice you play better when you think less?](https://artoffreedom.me/ever-notice-you-play-better-when-you-think-less/) - ✨ Have you ever noticed that your most magical musical moments tend to arrive when you’re not thinking about technique at all… when the mind is quiet and something else seems to take over? And yet, most of us were trained to believe that great playing depends on consciously managing everything... the speed of a
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-22/) - Today, we're celebrating Julio Noble, Violin, Music Educator / Puerto Rico! 🎉 Here’s Julio’s amazing experience (see his picture below): "Hello everyone! I completed The Musician's Advantage™ Jumpstart program with Jennifer and wanted to share my experience and thoughts on it. I need to start by thanking Jennifer for her exceptional work because it has
- [📚Your music is telling the story of your life [book excerpt]](https://artoffreedom.me/📚your-music-is-telling-the-story-of-your-life-book-excerpt/) - How you use your mind-body-self in one activity represents a micro view, or microcosm, of how you do everything in life.🌱 For example, if you have a habit of clenching your jaw or hands when you get frustrated in a conflict with your friend, you’re likely to engage in that same habit to some degree
- [When Your Sound Changes… It’s Often You Who Changed First 🎻✨](https://artoffreedom.me/when-your-sound-changes-its-often-you-who-changed-first-🎻✨/) - “I felt like it kind of gave me a sense of strength.” That’s what a violist said after a small but powerful shift in awareness during one of my masterclasses. She came in preparing a Debussy excerpt for an audition. The notes were there. The technique was solid. And yet… something felt held back. Constricted.
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-21/) - Today, we're celebrating Stephanie Michele Ruddy, Violin! 🎉 It constantly amazes me what's possible when people have a dream, let go of what's blocking them, do the work and GO for it. That's exactly what Stephanie Michele Ruddy did. I am beyond thrilled for her!!!!! Here's her story, which is included in my book (see
- [🕊️ Freedom Begins with Letting Go](https://artoffreedom.me/🕊️-freedom-begins-with-letting-go/) - To create authentically, we have to be willing to let go of what we think we know ✨ both the stories our ego tells us and the rules we have absorbed from the outside world. Only then can we open ourselves to Inspiration, which rarely follows established formulas More often, it rises beyond them. When
- [First, Silence. [a poem for sensitive souls disturbed by world events]](https://artoffreedom.me/first-silence-a-poem-for-sensitive-souls-disturbed-by-world-events/) - First, Silence. Inwardness, recollectedness, receptivity. Self-care. Quiet stillness. Slowness. Slowing,,,,,, slowly, slowly,,,,,, Experiencing the present moment, witnessing That which Is. Compassionate Self-listening, holding space for Truth. Releasing pressure to do. This is where I begin. With Presence to share. I am here right now. I am free I don’t have to do anything right now
- [Something just occurred to me in my kitchen yesterday morning and I made a quick video to capture the idea (below).](https://artoffreedom.me/something-just-occurred-to-me-in-my-kitchen-yesterday-morning-and-i-made-a-quick-video-to-capture-the-idea-below/) - I was making oatmeal for breakfast, moving around the kitchen in that familiar morning rhythm. I intended to make oatmeal, so I made it. My body knew what to do, the routine unfolded, and it was actually quite peaceful and nice. But here's what stopped me as I was about to leave the kitchen and
- [What I was looking for in music](https://artoffreedom.me/what-i-was-looking-for-in-music/) - As a kid, I loved orchestra concerts, yet I noticed something that stayed with me for decades. This piece is about what I was really looking for in music, long before I could name it. (Click the image to read the full piece.)
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-20/) - Today, we're celebrating Natalie Douglass Grana, Horn, Performer & Educator! 🎉 Here’s Natalie’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "While I first came to Jennifer for help with my horn playing, the value of her guidance extended far beyond my musical pursuits alone. Jennifer helped me find peace and restoration through some of the most
- [YOU are your primary instrument🎶](https://artoffreedom.me/you-are-your-primary-instrument🎶/) - Until you dare to start knowing, being, and sharing your true self with honesty and vulnerability, your music will suffer—just like you. Mastery of your Self-Instrument is what will allow you to both “be yourself” and master your art with ease. After many years of wondering and trying hard to be myself, feeling like I
- [How one piece taught her to stop interfering🎻](https://artoffreedom.me/how-one-piece-taught-her-to-stop-interfering🎻/) - I want to share a story about one of my students from last year, Jill, an accomplished string player who teaches and conducts in the schools. ✨ When she came to work with me, she had noticed something was off in her practice. She’d moved from hour-long sessions to working in 30-minute blocks. "I hyper-focus,”
- [What if better playing starts with noticing, not trying?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-better-playing-starts-with-noticing-not-trying/) - This is what happens when you discover the difference between managing your playing and allowing it to emerge from natural awareness. Your nervous system is brilliantly designed for this kind of effortless organization. Trusting it doesn’t mean being passive — it means listening, noticing, and letting intelligence move you instead of forcing results. When effort
- [🎭Are You Playing Your Music… or Playing a Role?](https://artoffreedom.me/🎭are-you-playing-your-music-or-playing-a-role/) - 📚Many musicians believe their challenges come from technique, discipline, or confidence. Yet often, what quietly interferes with our music is the pressure to be someone we think we should be. Without realizing it, we wear a mask, shaping ourselves to fit expectations rather than allowing our natural expression to emerge. You don’t need to figure
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-19/) - Today, we're celebrating Angele Aisling, Harp! 🎉 "Studying with Jennifer is the best thing I've ever done for myself. I highly recommend her classes, which have significantly improved my playing/practicing and my entire being. You will be amazed!" Here’s Angele’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "I joined Jennifer's Art of Freedom® class few years
- [🎯 When “Concentration” Becomes the Problem](https://artoffreedom.me/🎯-when-concentration-becomes-the-problem/) - Most professional musicians are taught that better playing requires more concentration. Tighter focus. Stronger mental control. Greater effort. But what if the way we’ve learned to concentrate is actually working against us? During a recent masterclass, a musician shared a moment of realization that stopped the room: “I didn’t mean to condemn concentration itself… it
- [Three Hidden Ways You May Be Blocking Musical Flow and Ease](https://artoffreedom.me/three-hidden-ways-you-may-be-blocking-musical-flow-and-ease/) - If you struggle to consistently relax while you play, enter a true flow state, and access reliable technique whenever you want, even when you feel nervous, there are three key areas that must be addressed if you truly want to improve. These issues are far more common than most musicians realize, and they often operate
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-18/) - Today, we're celebrating Lotte Resek, Piano, Violin! 🎉 "I feel much more in tune with myself and it is having a wonderful overall effect on my mental and physical health." Here's Lotte's amazing experience (see her picture below): "For quite a while I have been intrigued by the Alexander Technique and the idea that we
- [Why Your Practice Falls Apart When It Matters Most](https://artoffreedom.me/why-your-practice-falls-apart-when-it-matters-most/) - If you are like most musicians, you have experienced this. You sound good at home and feel completely secure in what you have practiced, then 🎭 without warning everything begins to wobble or fall apart onstage at the very moment you need it most. It is deeply frustrating to invest so much time ⏳ and
- [🎭 What If Effortless Performance Wasn’t a Mystery but a Skill?](https://artoffreedom.me/🎭-what-if-effortless-performance-wasnt-a-mystery-but-a-skill/) - Sometimes everything clicks. Connection is alive, passion flows freely, and the shared musical moment feels truly sublime ✨🎶And then sometimes it doesn’t. The performance feels flat. Fingers miss their mark. Passages that felt effortless at home suddenly unravel onstage. Nerves take over. Thoughts spiral. We worry about what people think, what might happen, or what
- [✨ Unlock More Time, More Ease, and More Musical Progress](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-unlock-more-time-more-ease-and-more-musical-progress/) - Musicians always seem to run out of time to practice. And when you finally do find a moment, the focus usually goes straight to work-related repertoire. It can feel discouraging when your personal musical dreams keep getting pushed aside, waiting for free time that never actually comes. You may think the problem is your overloaded
- [When Your Creative Spirit Is Asking for More ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/when-your-creative-spirit-is-asking-for-more-✨/) - You know that sensation. It is the familiar heaviness in the pit of your stomach, the tightness in your jaw, and the ache that settles into your back when you are afraid to truly be yourself, to follow your own path, and to express what you are deeply feeling inside 💭. It appears when you
- [Is there a part of you that believes you don’t have enough of what you need? 🤔](https://artoffreedom.me/is-there-a-part-of-you-that-believes-you-dont-have-enough-of-what-you-need-🤔/) - Many of us fall into the belief that we’re constantly running out of time — not enough time to practice, prepare, rest, or take care of personal responsibilities ⏳. This kind of “not enough” thinking is part of a scarcity mindset, and it doesn’t stop with time. It often spills into how we feel about
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-17/) - Today, we're celebrating Glen Kerridge! 🎉 Here's Glen's inspiring story (see her picture below): "My first contact with Jennifer was quite a few years ago through her YouTube videos which caught my attention. I was motivated by the possibility of learning to play my saxophone with more ease and less performance anxiety. I also had
- [Clarity of Focus and the End of Inner Conflict 🎻](https://artoffreedom.me/clarity-of-focus-and-the-end-of-inner-conflict-🎻/) - The mind is rarely unified. Some thoughts are encouraging and hopeful. Others are filled with doubt or fear. One part of you feels drawn toward the stage, while another imagines retreating as quickly as possible. When contradictory desires arise — “I want to perform” alongside “I don’t want to perform” — the brain sends conflicting
- [Why It Always Feels Like There’s Not Enough Time to Practice ⏳](https://artoffreedom.me/clone-of-why-it-always-feels-like-theres-not-enough-time-to-practice-⏳/) - For many musicians, life moves so quickly that the day is over before you’ve even had a real chance to sit down with your instrument 🎻. You rush from commitment to commitment, and practice time gets squeezed into tiny, unsatisfying bits — far from the thoughtful, spacious sessions you dream of. It’s discouraging when all
- [What If You Could Feel So Good Onstage That You Give Yourself Goosebumps Every Time?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-you-could-feel-so-good-onstage-that-you-give-yourself-goosebumps-every-time/) - Imagine stepping onstage and feeling so grounded, so confident, and so alive in the music that you surprise yourself with chills every single time you perform. It might sound unbelievable… but that kind of experience is absolutely achievable. 🙂 And here’s the best part: that kind of joyful, fearless ease onstage isn’t a mystery —
- [Why Pushing Yourself Harder Makes Playing More Difficult](https://artoffreedom.me/why-pushing-yourself-harder-makes-playing-more-difficult/) - Many musicians practice with tremendous effort, yet still feel their playing doesn’t measure up to the sound they imagine. When they fall short, they often feel tense, discouraged, or embarrassed, even though they hide it well and no one else knows they’re struggling inside. 😓🎻 What most people were never taught is that the intense
- [🎯 How One-Pointed Focus Ends Inner Conflict](https://artoffreedom.me/🎯-how-one-pointed-focus-ends-inner-conflict/) - We all know what it feels like to have competing thoughts pulling us in opposite directions. Some thoughts lift you up, others bring doubt or fear. One part of you wants to walk confidently onstage… while another part is already planning an exit route. When you hold contradictory desires (“I want to perform” + “I
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-16/) - "So many little miracles every single day!" Today, let's celebrate Jill Griffin, Violin, Educator! 🎉 "Jennifer’s guidance has changed my life and I know it has prevented what could have been serious and painful injuries. I was healed of a serious episode of vertigo (before, I had to walk with a cane!). My music making
- [What If Your Doubts Are Trying to Tell You Something?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-your-doubts-are-trying-to-tell-you-something/) - 🎻 I’ve performed with dozens of orchestras and ensembles and I’ve spoken and worked with hundreds of musicians—colleagues, students, and friends. Again and again, I’ve seen the same doubts show up in nearly everyone. Most musicians hide them, even from themselves, because it’s painful to admit that you’re not fully satisfied with your life or
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-15/) - Today, let's celebrate Chloe Dunn, British Classical and Jazz Violinist and Vocalist living in France! 🎉 🎻✨ CHLOE'S TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES TO AMAZE ME ✨ When I first wrote about Chloe's journey in my book, I was inspired by her courage and determination. But what's happened since she completed her work with me? Pure magic! She's
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-14/) - 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
- [The Effortless Performance Paradox](https://artoffreedom.me/the-effortless-performance-paradox/) - She played the same passage twice. Same notes. Same fingerings. But completely different results. The first time: Tense, rushed, struggling to stay in tune. Trying so hard to make it sound good that the effort itself sabotaged everything. The second time: Relaxed, flowing, naturally in tune. The faster tempo happened effortlessly. What made the difference?
- [Three Keys 🔑 That Will Transform Your Performance Anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/three-keys-🔑-that-will-transform-your-performance-anxiety/) - If you're a dedicated musician with high standards and deep sensitivity, you probably already know what it feels like to have performance anxiety steal your joy. You've prepared for weeks. You know your music. You've practiced diligently. But the moment you step on stage (or in front of someone), something shifts. Your body tenses. Your
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-13/) - Today, let's celebrate Anna Kaehler, Violinist! 🎉 Here’s Anna’s amazing experience: "Working with Jennifer and the Art of Freedom Method has completely transformed my life and my music making. Her method is the missing link I didn't know I was seeking between how I felt myself to be inwardly and how I now get to
- [What Happens When You Let Love Play Through You 🎻💖](https://artoffreedom.me/what-happens-when-you-let-love-play-through-you-🎻💖/) - For several weeks, my heart was on fire with joy and enthusiasm as I found myself falling completely in love with LOVE, with LIFE—my true SELF—again. I discovered that it is in fact possible to feel, give, and receive pure Love simply by being open and present to the beauty of existence itself, free of
- [Why Traditional Performance Training Creates More Anxiety (And What Actually Works for Musicians Like You)](https://artoffreedom.me/why-traditional-performance-training-creates-more-anxiety-and-what-actually-works-for-musicians-like-you/) - "I don't get nervous in the same way anymore. There are still things to work on, but it's not dangerous." This is what a musician told me after just five weeks in The Musician's Mind-Body Breakthrough program, and it perfectly illustrates why conventional performance training often makes anxiety worse instead of better. Here's what many
- [The Hidden Cost of "Almost There" Playing🤨](https://artoffreedom.me/the-hidden-cost-of-almost-there-playing/) - "At some point in the future, I'll really be playing with freedom and presence. But right now I'm just sort of slapping it together..." This comment from one of my students during a recent masterclass reveals one of the most destructive myths in music education: the idea that your authentic artistry is something you'll access
- [Stop Letting Your Racing Mind Sabotage Your Performance!](https://artoffreedom.me/stop-letting-your-racing-mind-sabotage-your-performance/) - Imagine you're a charioteer, and your thoughts are the horses chosen to pull your chariot - your whole body-mind-self - towards your goal of fulfilling your potential as an artist. But right now, before a big audition or performance, those horses are wild—galloping in a dozen directions at once. One moment you're confident. The next,
- [“What She’s Telling Me Isn’t True” — When Resistance Becomes Revelation 🌱](https://artoffreedom.me/what-shes-telling-me-isnt-true-when-resistance-becomes-revelation-🌱/) - A student came to his lesson recently carrying heavy doubt about everything we’d been working on. “I had this strong feeling that what you’re saying isn’t the truth,” he told me honestly. “Especially about not trying to understand the root cause of problems.” Instead of defending my approach, I got curious. “Tell me more about
- [The Courage to Trust Yourself in the Creative Process](https://artoffreedom.me/the-courage-to-trust-yourself-in-the-creative-process/) - Opening ourselves up to All-Possibility in order to allow something completely new and magical to be created is risky; we have no idea what will happen—or how—and we can’t control what we don’t know! Taking that leap of faith into the Unknown can feel terrifying because it means making yourself vulnerable to the possibility of
- [⭐ A Musician’s Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-12/) - Today, let's celebrate Martie Perry, Violinist Martie is a stellar violinist and performer who has been my private coaching client for a number of months now.She started my program with some physical pain and trepidation regarding certain events in her life, wishing to find more balance, greater well-being, and also more freedom and ease in
- [When Technology Threatens Our Humanity: A Call to Conscious Awareness](https://artoffreedom.me/when-technology-threatens-our-humanity-a-call-to-conscious-awareness/) - I can't even begin to comment on what's in this article in the Atlantic by Damon Beres, 'The Age of Anti-Social Media is Here: The social-media era is over. What’s coming will be much worse’, which I strongly believe EVERYBODY—especially those of us who make our living through authentic human expression—needs to be aware of.
- [She stopped timing her practice—and her pain disappeared](https://artoffreedom.me/she-stopped-timing-her-practice-and-her-pain-disappeared/) - She stopped timing her practice sessions. Her chronic pain disappeared. Here's why. Yesterday a student said something revealing during our coaching session: "I keep wanting to look at the clock when I'm practicing. I'm literally addicted to the clock. And then I realize I'm going into autopilot during practice—although I don't beat myself up for
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-11/) - Today, we're celebrating Christopher Wojahn, Violin & Educator! Here’s Christopher’s amazing experience (see his picture below):"I’ve been studying Alexander Technique with Jennifer Roig-Francoli online for over a year now, and since completing her introductory course I’ve become curious and more curious, ever excited to continue on this journey of self-discovery and just noticing what’s happening
- [Turning Tears Into Art: The Hidden Treasures Inside Life’s Hardest Moments](https://artoffreedom.me/turning-tears-into-art-the-hidden-treasures-inside-lifes-hardest-moments/) - Sometimes, you’re able to rise above challenges, overcoming them quickly. At other times, you’re caught by surprise and knocked off balance by an unexpected tsunami of feelings before you even know what hit you. At times, life can seem overwhelmingly complicated, painful, or even meaningless, and that may feel like a burden too heavy to
- [⭐ A Musician’s Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-10/) - Today, we're celebrating Nina Zanetti, Violin, Dulcimer & Educator! 🎉 Here’s Nina’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "Years ago, I hurt my left wrist quite badly, during an unaccustomed bout of high position violin playing. It resulted in tendinitis so bad that I had to seriously curtail playing and definitely had to stay away
- [When Integrity Meets Expression: Learning to Play From the Heart](https://artoffreedom.me/when-integrity-meets-expression-learning-to-play-from-the-heart/) - One of the best things about being an artist is that you can pour all of your personal longings, wishes, dreams, and desires into your art, where they can be transcended and transmuted into something sublime and healing for yourself and the world. What the specifics of your longing are, nobody even needs to know
- [Do you OVER-THINK every little movement when you play—until all the joy disappears?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-over-think-every-little-movement-when-you-play-until-all-the-joy-disappears/) - You don’t need to understand how your muscles work to make beautiful music. When you walk down the street, you don’t direct each muscle or think about which brain cells fire when you lift your bow. Children don’t know anatomy—they just *move* with curiosity and wonder. *** That’s why I don’t teach anatomy in my
- [Is Your “Inner GPS” On While You Play?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-your-inner-gps-on-while-you-play/) - Ideally, a built-in sensor would let you know instantly if an approach works for your system or not. Is your instrumental setup ergonomically appropriate? Is a particular technique suggested by someone else actually causing harm to your system and blocking your natural sound, or is it improving it? Guess what? You DO have that internal
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-9/) - Today, let's celebrate Aboud Abaza, Violin Syria/Australia 🎉 "My violin is my life!" Let's celebrate Aboud Abaza today! I am so proud of Aboud, who travelled from Syria to Australia with his family and went back to school to learn how to play and teach classical violin after having to leave behind a successful career
- [A liberating thought for your next practice session](https://artoffreedom.me/a-liberating-thought-for-your-next-practice-session/) - Have you ever noticed how a single thought can change everything about how you feel—and how you play? Here’s a simple thought-experiment you can try right now, especially if you’re feeling stuck, tense, or uninspired in your practice, teaching, or performing: Take a moment to think this thought: “I have no control over my thoughts.
- [🎙️Weekend Media Showcase Series / Creativity Found Podcast with Claire Waite Brown](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-showcase-series-creativity-found-podcast-with-claire-waite-brown/) - I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Claire Waite Brown on her Creativity Found podcast, where I opened up about my personal and creative journey — from my early days as a driven young violinist to discovering a freer, more holistic way of making music and living life. In our conversation, I share how the pressure to achieve
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-8/) - Today, let's celebrate Mary Loney, Violinist Here's Mary's inspiring story: "Hi, I'm Mary Loney and I've been a violinist for 50 years. After two back surgeries and then a fall I've been dealing with serious pain - to the point that I could no longer play the violin. I was in so much pain I
- [What if the missing piece isn’t in your technique at all?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-the-missing-piece-isnt-in-your-technique-at-all/) - Have you ever wondered why, after years of dedicated practice, lessons, and performances, you still feel like something essential is missing from your playing? You may already perform beautifully, and perhaps you’re even an experienced teacher who helps others reach their musical goals. But deep inside, there’s a quiet frustration—a sense that no matter how
- [🎶 ON SMALL TRAUMAS. A personal story about the unrecognized accumulation of small traumas in performers.](https://artoffreedom.me/🎶-on-small-traumas-a-personal-story-about-the-unrecognized-accumulation-of-small-traumas-in-performers/) - Returning to CIM to perform seven years ago, after having spent my first two years of college there, was extremely moving. I went to CIM as a freshman when I was 16, moving full steam ahead on my solo career path. I won the school-wide concerto competition my first year there, playing the Glazunov Concerto.
- [I still can’t believe what happened when I went bowling yesterday! 🎳](https://artoffreedom.me/i-still-cant-believe-what-happened-when-i-went-bowling-yesterday-🎳/) - Yesterday, I went bowling with Mio and his grandson… and bowled a 188 — my best game ever, by far! Now, before you think “oh, she must be pretty good at bowling,” let me be clear: I bowl maybe once or twice a year. I haven’t practiced. I have no cultivated skill. So how did
- [The Hidden Gift in Worrying About the Future](https://artoffreedom.me/the-hidden-gift-in-worrying-about-the-future/) - Feeling Anxious About Your Music Career? You're Not Alone (And Here's Why That's Actually Good News) If you’re feeling anxious about the future of your performing or teaching career, that’s completely understandable in a world that often feels unstable—and you’re certainly not alone. It’s also a valuable signal to feel this way. Anxiety often reveals
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-7/) - Today, we're celebrating Kay Fowler Saunier, Violin & Piano! 🎉 Here’s Kay’s amazing story: "I consider it to be a miracle that so many things fell into place to lead me back to my violin, then to hearing of the Alexander Technique in online violin groups, then hearing of Jennifer Roig-Francolí through an online interview
- [Do you feel freer when you choose your thoughts?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-feel-freer-when-you-choose-your-thoughts/) - Let’s get curious and explore what is practically useful in this very moment. Ask yourself: What actually makes a difference for me right now? Is it more useful for me to believe I am conscious and possess the free will to choose my own thoughts and actions? Or is it healthier for me to believe
- [The Gift of Time: What If Being Present Mattered More Than Playing Perfectly?](https://artoffreedom.me/the-gift-of-time-what-if-being-present-mattered-more-than-playing-perfectly/) - One of the most important gifts we can give ourselves is the gift of time. Another beautiful gift is being truly present—in a way that connects our hearts, our whole bodies, our minds, our emotions, our creative spark, our spirit with something bigger that isn't separate from us at all. The Question That Changes Everything
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-6/) - Today, we're celebrating Mary Himmer, Cellist! 🎉 Mary picked up the cello later in life, and has been applying The Art of Freedom® Method and Primal Alexander Awareness Etudes to her daily life and music for a couple years now. She has had too many breakthroughs and insights to mention them all here, but here's
- [Isn’t practice more than mental?](https://artoffreedom.me/isnt-practice-more-than-mental/) - One of my pet peeves is the term “mental practice.” To me, this term just reinforces the wrong idea that the mind and body are separate entities, and that practicing without a musical instrument must be a mental or non-physical activity. In fact, all modes of practicing require the participation of the whole self—mind, body,
- [One of my favorite things about teaching is inspiring hope when hope is getting lost!](https://artoffreedom.me/one-of-my-favorite-things-about-teaching-is-inspiring-hope-when-hope-is-getting-lost/) - One of my favorite things about teaching is inspiring hope when hope is getting lost! If you could use a little (or a LOT more!) hope in your life these days… and more peace and calm and authenticity and beauty and JOY… ….so you can share all of that goodness with your students and your
- [🎶 Feeling the weight of the world?](https://artoffreedom.me/🎶-feeling-the-weight-of-the-world/) - Join me for one or two FREE workshops (Sept 20 & 21) based on the Alexander Technique for Musicians! Learn simple, practical tools to protect your energy, find calm in the chaos, and bring more heart into your musical practice, teaching, and performance. 💜 The world NEEDS our beautiful creative energy as artists more than
- [Are current world events affecting you? (how could they not) 💔](https://artoffreedom.me/are-current-world-events-affecting-you-how-could-they-not-💔/) - Does killing, torture, and starvation bother you? (I hope so) Does domestic abuse and violence against women and children disgust you? (it must) If the pain and suffering in the world affects you, how could it not affect your music, too? If the state of the world is causing you to feel helpless or hopeless,
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-5/) - Today, we're celebrating Sister Catherine Swiezynski! 🎉 She is one of my dedicated students and has been part of my journey for years, and her experiences beautifully reflect the impact of our work together. Here's her inspiring testimony: October 2022: "I just wanted to share that our Saturday Alton Symphony concert went SO much better
- [Some thoughts on science and the Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/27973-2/) - It seems to me that science, as wonderful and practically useful as it can be, must be recognized as consisting of theories that are only relative, not absolute. Just because there isn’t a scientific/logical explanation for something today, doesn’t mean one doesn’t already exist today that simply hasn’t been discovered yet. And just because there
- [🌿 Finding Sanctuary in Turbulent Times ~ Two Special Workshops for Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/🌿-finding-sanctuary-in-turbulent-times-two-special-workshops-for-musicians/) - After having a lovely lunch with my son Rafael yesterday, I took a peaceful walk in a beautiful, empty park, and felt called to share something with you... As we head into a new concert season and academic year, I've been thinking about the 🌿 sanctuary we carry within ourselves — that infinite, spacious peace
- [Turn practice into performance with ease & joy](https://artoffreedom.me/turn-practice-into-performance-with-ease-joy/) - Are you getting better at playing that piece you’re performing next month with ease and joy because you’re focusing on ease and enjoying yourself as you practice? Or are you getting better at worrying about the hard parts and getting distracted by the noises down the hall as you play through your piece? Do you systematically practice letting
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-4/) - Today, let's celebrate Maria Crosby, Cellist in the Kansas City Symphony! 🎉 Here’s Maria’s amazing experience: "For many, many years, I viewed tension as my main enemy. I felt it was somehow at the root of my problems—from technical limitations with the cello to performance anxiety, from physical pain to depression—and I committed myself wholeheartedly
- [Do you ever feel like a “chameleon” — constantly changing who you are depending on the people around you?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-ever-feel-like-a-chameleon-constantly-changing-who-you-are-depending-on-the-people-around-you/) - Maybe you’re one way with your students… another with your stand partner… and someone completely different when you step on stage. I recently coached a violinist who realized this was exactly what she was doing. She thought her problem was physical — stiffness and pain in her neck and shoulders, fingers that just wouldn’t move
- [Music as a path to healing and wholeness](https://artoffreedom.me/music-as-a-path-to-healing-and-wholeness/) - Performance anxiety, perfectionism, persistent physical pain . . . we can often trace these back to core soul wounds triggered by events that caused us, deep down, to fear for our personal safety. If we want the music hidden inside us to shine, soar, and be heard in all its radiant, flowering beauty, then we
- [Ever notice how the harder you try to make something happen in your playing, the more elusive it becomes?](https://artoffreedom.me/ever-notice-how-the-harder-you-try-to-make-something-happen-in-your-playing-the-more-elusive-it-becomes/) - I recently had a fascinating session with a professional cellist who was struggling with what she called a "puzzle" - starting vibrato on a high note in the middle range of her instrument, as a first note of a solo piece. She could do it everywhere else, but this one area had become her nemesis.
- [How you hold yourself shapes your music](https://artoffreedom.me/how-you-hold-yourself-shapes-your-music/) - As a musician, you probably are convinced that to play your instrument well, “good posture” is necessary. True, in a sense, because how you hold yourself absolutely does affect the way you hold your musical instrument, and therefore the quality of the sounds you produce. When your body is stiff and your mind is not
- [The Musician's Guide to Pre-Performance Calm: You Are the Ruler of Your Own Experience 👑](https://artoffreedom.me/the-musicians-guide-to-pre-performance-calm-you-are-the-ruler-of-your-own-experience-👑/) - The audition is next week. Your jury is in three days. The competition you've prepared for all year is tomorrow morning. And your body feels like it's staging a full rebellion! Heart racing, shoulders locked, stomach churning. Your mind is spinning through every possible disaster scenario while your hands shake during passages you've played flawlessly
- [How does your "self-holding" shape your posture?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-does-your-self-holding-shape-your-posture/) - People often assume that the Alexander Technique is about improving posture and physical alignment. Even though this isn’t at all the essence of the Technique, it makes sense that people perceive it in this way because improved posture is a common beneficial side effect of good AT teaching. Also, our body posture and alignment are
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-3/) - Today, let's celebrate Kyle True, Cello! 🎉 Here’s Kyle’s amazing experience: "It would be an understatement to say that I was struggling before I joined Jennifer’s program. I was suffering from jaw and back issues that I knew were related to playing the cello. I was not enjoying my practice most of the time and
- [Sometimes the simplest shift in perspective creates the biggest breakthrough. ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/sometimes-the-simplest-shift-in-perspective-creates-the-biggest-breakthrough-✨/) - What if your practice today could be about finding what's working WELL instead of what needs to be fixed?
- [How do you cultivate confidence as a performer?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-do-you-cultivate-confidence-as-a-performer/) - 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
- [Ever wonder why you feel scattered and unfocused during practice, even when you're really trying to concentrate?](https://artoffreedom.me/ever-wonder-why-you-feel-scattered-and-unfocused-during-practice-even-when-youre-really-trying-to-concentrate/) - Here's what most musicians don't realize: your brain isn't designed to multitask. What we think is multitasking - trying to focus on your bow technique, left hand position, intonation, and musical expression all at once - is actually rapid switching between different activities, leaving you feeling exhausted and making little progress. Picture this: You sit down
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐-2/) - Today, we're celebrating Michael, Educator and Amateur Violist! 🎉 Here's Michael's inspiring story, shared from correspondence I had with him a few years ago: "Hello and thank you so much for all your support. I am in my late 40s now and thought I was too old to start learning viola. However, I watched a
- [I had this amazing breakthrough during practice where I actually started enjoying that passage and could imagine myself playing it beautifully. BUT...](https://artoffreedom.me/i-had-this-amazing-breakthrough-during-practice-where-i-actually-started-enjoying-that-passage-and-could-imagine-myself-playing-it-beautifully-but/) - "I had this amazing breakthrough during practice where I actually started enjoying that passage and could imagine myself playing it beautifully. BUT... ...then for my performance the next night, I didn't do any of my usual mental preparation... and it was a disaster." 😅 This is what a professional cellist told me during our recent
- [What if the very fear of re-injury is creating more tension in your playing than your original pain ever did?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-the-very-fear-of-re-injury-is-creating-more-tension-in-your-playing-than-your-original-pain-ever-did/) - Your brain can't distinguish between actual physical harm and the anticipation of pain returning. When you approach your instrument convinced that each bow stroke might trigger injury, your mind creates a cascade of protective tension that floods through your shoulders, arms, and hands. This guarding response - meant to shield you from harm - becomes
- [Could freedom be the missing piece in my music?](https://artoffreedom.me/could-freedom-be-the-missing-piece-in-my-music/) - If you feel the quality of your music could be better in general—that you’re not fulfilling your artistic potential—you might be feeling stuck at a certain level because you can’t get past stubborn technical or musical limitations. You may feel frustrated or embarrassed that your musical product isn’t up to the standards others set for
- [Practice Wiser, Improve Faster ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/practice-wiser-improve-faster-✨/) - Your brain processes billions of bits of information every second, organizing them beautifully. When you walk across a room, you don't consciously coordinate every muscle fiber - your brain handles it all automatically. So why try to control every aspect of your musical learning? Your practice? Your performance? Instead, what if you practice trusting the
- [As teachers, one of our biggest assets may slip by unnoticed and vastly under appreciated.](https://artoffreedom.me/as-teachers-one-of-our-biggest-assets-may-slip-by-unnoticed-and-vastly-under-appreciated/) - This is the glimmer of hope a student brings to their lesson. Even if the student is there against their will (which happens only rarely) - even then, I believe there is always hope hiding under the surface - we may just need to dig a little deeper, and have a little more patience and
- ["It's not dangerous." "I am safe."](https://artoffreedom.me/its-not-dangerous-i-am-safe/) - "It's not dangerous." "I am safe." These are words that can transform your entire relationship with music. Your nervous system can't tell the difference between a saber-toothed tiger and your audience. When you approach a performance believing mistakes are dangerous, your body activates a survival response that makes it nearly impossible to make beautiful music
- [As a teacher, one of your biggest assets probably goes unnoticed](https://artoffreedom.me/as-a-teacher-one-of-your-biggest-assets-probably-goes-unnoticed/) - As teachers, one of our biggest assets may slip by unnoticed and vastly under appreciated. This is the glimmer of hope a student brings to their lesson. Even if the student is there against their will (which happens only rarely) - even then, I believe there is always hope hiding under the surface - we
- [What an extraordinary summer it's been with our Sanctuary for Strings program for professional performers and teachers! 🎻✨](https://artoffreedom.me/what-an-extraordinary-summer-its-been-with-our-sanctuary-for-strings-program-for-professional-performers-and-teachers-🎻✨/) - We just wrapped up our 8-week journey together, and I'm still glowing from our beautiful final session. Over these transformative weeks, I had the privilege of witnessing professional string players rediscover their joy, unlock their authentic musical voices, and create a truly special community together.Through The Art of Freedom® Method Foundations course and touch-free Alexander
- [What if this concert/teaching season could be different?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-this-concert-teaching-season-could-be-different/) - Like with everyone else, the musician's experience ripples into multiple aspects of their lives: physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual. 💧Many professional musicians experience chronic physical discomfort from misuse or overuse of their muscles during long hours of making repetitive movements while playing 💧Others suffer from emotional problems such as anxiety or depression, hypersensitivity and reactivity,
- ["Preparing" Right Before You Play Is an Act of Self-Sabotage](https://artoffreedom.me/preparing-right-before-you-play-is-an-act-of-self-sabotage/) - Ever catch yourself doing that last-second 'adjustment' right before you start playing? You know the moment - when you suddenly check your posture, remind yourself about tone, or make one final positioning tweak? 😬 Most musicians believe that extra little check, that final adjustment, that last-second positioning is helping their performance. Of course! After all,
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Lucy ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-lucy-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Lucy, Violinist! 🎉 Here’s Lucy’s experience: "I just wanted to reach out and let you know I had a really good audition at IU. I did etudes and constructive rest very consistently leading up to it, which really paid off because it was the first time I could actually feel myself easing while
- [I fell in love... and magic happened with my music ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/how-deep-can-music-connect/) - For several weeks after I started taking Alexander Technique lessons (more than 20 years ago), my heart was on fire with joy and enthusiasm as I found myself falling completely in love with LOVE, with LIFE—my true SELF—again. I discovered that it is in fact possible to feel, give, and receive pure Love simply by
- [The radical performance paradox no one talks about](https://artoffreedom.me/the-radical-performance-paradox-no-one-talks-about/) - When your bow starts shaking mid-performance, your first instinct is probably to grip tighter and focus on your hands. Or maybe you try deep breathing or other surface-level solutions that only partially work - or don't work at all. When these approaches backfire, they cause you to feel even more out of control, creating a
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Julia Jech ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-julia-jech-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Julia Jech, Violin! 🎉 Here’s Julia’s experience: "Your course was a source of inspiration for me! It was like a treasure chest where I could discover a lot of valuable information and exercises. At my starting point at the time (I was suffering from a frozen shoulder), it gave me hope for
- [What's the formula to play with effortless ease?](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-the-formula-to-play-with-effortless-ease/) - I was once asked if there’s a formula to make effortlessness happen, as if on demand, when playing your instrument.Is it possible to consistently access effortless ease?Well, on the one hand, no, you can’t actually make it happen directly, just as you can’t command Grace; on the other hand, you CAN create the space and
- [I've done a lot of thinking....](https://artoffreedom.me/ive-done-a-lot-of-thinking/) - I've done a lot of thinking, feeling, and soul-searching over the last few days since I got back home from Oregon, and I'm very happy to report that I've come to a decision today! The background: I've done a LOT over the last months. I've achieved goals, I've crossed things off endless to-do lists, I've
- [The hidden toll of a musical career (and how to reclaim your joy)](https://artoffreedom.me/the-hidden-toll-of-a-musical-career-and-how-to-reclaim-your-joy/) - Most musicians enter their careers expecting to live a life filled with creativity and joy, but few anticipate the hidden physical, emotional, and mental toll that can come with pursuing their passion professionally. The reality is that a musician's experience ripples into every aspect of life—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—often in ways that can feel
- [COMING SOON!](https://artoffreedom.me/coming-soon/) - Special mind-body-spirit virtual retreat for pro musicians this August! Get ready for your best concert season and least stressful teaching year ever! In just one weekend, you’ll learn how to quickly calm your nervous system and create your private practice sanctuary to safeguard your practice time and energy all year - even when things around
- [How my student stopped overthinking and got back in touch with her creative spirit (hint: you can do this too)](https://artoffreedom.me/how-my-student-stopped-overthinking-and-got-back-in-touch-with-her-creative-spirit-hint-you-can-do-this-too/) - I remember working with a talented musician who was agonizing over whether to travel for a certain audition or whether to wait another year before potentially moving to another country. She had looked at her situation from every angle she could think of, but felt more confused than ever. Maybe you can relate - you're
- [Had to share this beautiful moment from a recent coaching session...](https://artoffreedom.me/had-to-share-this-beautiful-moment-from-a-recent-coaching-session/) - A violinist came to me with neck and shoulder pain, worried about whether she'd be able to get through an upcoming performance. Within just TWO MINUTES of exploring one gentle mental shift and connecting her thoughts with her body, her pain started melting away. She sailed through her performance pain-free and delighted. But here's what
- [Happy Independence Day!! Hmmmm.....](https://artoffreedom.me/happy-independence-day-hmmmm/) - Happy Independence Day!!! Hmmm....... Today is July 4th, which is National Independence Day in the USA. I admit that this year, the words "happy independence day" are taking on a whole new meaning for me. In fact, it may be the first time I'm thinking about the meaning of this combination of words (and their
- [Are you one of the "lucky" musicians with a contract job or steady freelance work...](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-one-of-the-lucky-musicians-with-a-contract-job-or-steady-freelance-work/) - Are you one of the "lucky" musicians with a contract job or steady freelance work... yet you're still quietly dissatisfied with your career? Whether you feel professionally and financially secure or not, there's probably an underlying frustration subtly eating away at you. You might even feel guilty about this discontentment, knowing how fortunate you are
- [The real reason your technique and expression falls short (it's not what you think)](https://artoffreedom.me/the-real-reason-your-technique-and-expression-falls-short-its-not-what-you-think/) - You've spent countless hours in the practice room, meticulously working through difficult passages. You can play all the notes correctly, shape the dynamics with sensitivity, and follow the conductor's every cue. But when you listen back to recordings of yourself or reflect on last night's performance, something just feels... missing. That rich, expressive sound you
- [Are you one of the “lucky” ones who has a contract job or enough freelancing work as a musician...](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-one-of-the-lucky-ones-who-has-a-contract-job-or-enough-freelancing-work-as-a-musician/) - Are you one of the “lucky” ones who has a contract job or enough freelancing work as a musician... and yet, you're still feeling quietly dissatisfied with your career? Whether you feel professionally and financially secure or not, maybe there’s also an underlying frustration that's subtly eating away at you. You might even feel a
- [When We Get This Backwards, Everything Becomes More Difficult](https://artoffreedom.me/when-we-get-this-backwards-everything-becomes-more-difficult/) - One of my students shared a fascinating passage with my class from a book by the renowned violin pedagogue Ivan Galamian (incidentally, he was the teacher of David Cerone, one of my own teachers during my teens). In the passage, Galamian emphasizes the importance of a "correct relationship of the mind to the muscles" in
- [Applying the mind-body principles...](https://artoffreedom.me/applying-the-mind-body-principles/) - Applying the mind-body principles I use when coaching musicians to my own violin practice is always a fascinating process. Since I've been told many times that watching my practice sessions and hearing me explain EXACTLY what I'm doing is really helpful, I thought I'd share my YouTube playlist of practice demos. These videos include explanations
- [🎵 How Your "Bad Days" Can Reveal Your Greatest Strength as a Musician](https://artoffreedom.me/🎵-how-your-bad-days-can-reveal-your-greatest-strength-as-a-musician/) - Ever notice how a rough day - whether you're sick, stressed, or just "off" - seems to make everything harder? Your technique feels sloppy, your sound isn't quite right, and performance nerves hit even harder than usual.As I've been sick with a cold over the last few days, it's so interesting to note my habitual
- [It’s Not About the Body](https://artoffreedom.me/its-not-about-the-body/) - ➡️ Click Here to listen to my reading of "It's Not About the Body" It's Not About the Body Yes, sometimes your body hurts. And yes, it’s hard to play your instrument. And YES, it is extremely worrisome when your pain won’t leave, and day after day, it’s harder to believe! . . . because
- [The Perfectionism Trap That's Sabotaging Your Musical Progress](https://artoffreedom.me/the-perfectionism-trap-thats-sabotaging-your-musical-progress/) - In one of my online classes for professional string players a few days ago, we had a powerful discussion about something that affects SO many musicians. We discussed the belief that a critical mindset that seeks out mistakes and what needs to be corrected, while implicitly or explicitly demanding perfection of ourselves, is necessary to make
- [Is Good Posture the Secret to Playing without Pain and with Effortless Technique?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-good-posture-the-secret-to-playing-without-pain-and-with-effortless-technique/) - If you’re like most musicians, you probably believe need to improve your posture in order to relieve pain and play with better technique. But as an Alexander Technique expert in movement and mind-body coordination (and a professional musician), I’m here to tell you: the problem isn’t your posture. 👉 The truth is: You do NOT
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Lauren Piccirillo⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-lauren-piccirillo⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Lauren Piccirillo, Masters of Music student at CCM! 🎉 Here’s Lauren’s experience: "I know that even the mere exposure to this way of thinking will help us become more aware of the way we use our bodies while we play our instruments. Even after your single demonstration, you have helped us to
- [🎙️ A writer's podcast on Music, Writing, and the Mind-Body Connection, with Joanna Penn](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️-a-writers-podcast-on-music-writing-and-the-mind-body-connection-with-joanna-penn/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this podcast in our Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I share thoughts and advice on how to enjoy your musical life with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) This particular interview was unusual because it's on a WRITER'S podcast, not a musician's podcast. I
- [🌿 Just 2 days left to join our summer sanctuary](https://artoffreedom.me/🌿-just-2-days-left-to-join-our-summer-sanctuary/) - Just leting you know that we're fast approaching the final deadline for Sanctuary for Strings applications—this Thursday, June 5th—and I only have 2 spots remaining in our intimate group of 12. If you've been feeling that gentle pull toward something different and deeply meaningful for your summer practice... if you've been craving a space where
- [Why your bow technique plateaued years ago (and it's not what you think)](https://artoffreedom.me/why-your-bow-technique-plateaued-years-ago-and-its-not-what-you-think/) - You've been playing professionally for years. Your bow technique is solid—maybe even excellent by most standards. Yet something's been nagging at you. Despite countless hours of Kreutzer and Dont études, despite endless scales working on bow distribution and spiccato exercises, or even analyzing slow-motion videos of Heifetz's bow arm (!), your technique hasn't fundamentally changed
- [The problem isn't your technique. You're just practicing the wrong instrument!](https://artoffreedom.me/the-problem-isnt-your-technique-youre-just-practicing-the-wrong-instrument/) - When you first decided to become a musician, you probably had big dreams—maybe performing at Carnegie Hall, winning competitions, playing in a high-level orchestra with other great musicians… If your motivation was strong, you did the work. You found great teachers, put in countless practice hours, maybe even studied at festivals abroad with renowned artists.
- [Are you tired of practicing the same technical passages over and over without real progress?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-tired-of-practicing-the-same-technical-passages-over-and-over-without-real-progress/) - Most string players approach difficult passages the same way: drill them repeatedly until so-called muscle memory takes over. But what if I told you there's a faster, more elegant and much more reliable path to technical freedom that bypasses that entirely? The missing piece isn't more repetition—it's conscious use of your imagination combined with heightened
- [I have a very lovely student...](https://artoffreedom.me/i-have-a-very-lovely-student/) - I have a very lovely student in Iran who is a violinist. She sent me a message yesterday that rivaled the beauty of the waterfalls I saw in Croatia the same day, because she wrote them from her heart: "I am really happy and peaceful these days. I have never been like this. I wake
- [True artists create from presence...](https://artoffreedom.me/true-artists-create-from-presence/) - Being a musician may feel like a calling—and it is. But in truth, it's not so different from our shared human vocation: the journey of becoming fully alive, fully present, and fully ourselves. To be fully human is to practice the art of living. To be a true musician is to bring *that* art into
- [Here’s a wild truth about suppressed emotion—and why it matters more than you think as an artist:](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-a-wild-truth-about-suppressed-emotion-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think-as-an-artist/) - FACT: Up to 90% of your energy may be used to suppress your emotions. Yes—ninety percent. Let that sink in. Now imagine what your music—and your life—could be like if you freed up even a fraction of that energy. Imagine if you knew how to truly feel… and express those feelings with your whole self,
- [Are you practicing through pain or feeling trapped by your musical responsibilities?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-practicing-through-pain-or-feeling-trapped-by-your-musical-responsibilities/) - Here's the missing piece most string players never discover that changes all of that! Recently, I worked with a talented young violinist named Michael who came to our session barely able to lift his arm to play. Nerve pain had been shooting through his shoulder and neck for weeks, yet he'd continued practicing through it
- [I had a powerful experience in one of my online classes the other day.](https://artoffreedom.me/i-had-a-powerful-experience-in-one-of-my-online-classes-the-other-day/) - As usual, I let intuition guide me rather than following rigid outlines, and magic happened when I responded to what my students truly needed in the moment. The class focused on what I call "MindFlow™ practice" - my alternative to traditional "mental practice." I deliberately avoid the term "mental practice" because: • It sounds like
- [Are you surrendering to the right authority?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-surrendering-to-the-right-authority/) - All too often we surrender our curiosity and creative fire to those in authority, instead of making our own Inner Wisdom our ultimate guide.When you submit to an external authority without honoring what’s truly best for you, according to what you know to be true in your heart, you will slowly lose your joy, your
- [✨ NEW DAILY INSPIRATION NUGGETS THROUGH MAY! ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-new-daily-inspiration-nuggets-through-may-✨/) - Daily Inspiration Nugget #1 ✨ Starting today, I'll be sharing a brief daily nugget to inspire your practice, performance, and creative spirit! Just a small taste of mindfulness to bring more ease and joy to your playing...and your LIFE. ✨ These mini-moments are designed to help you reconnect with WHY you make music, while giving
- [Ever finished a rehearsal feeling more tense and depleted....](https://artoffreedom.me/ever-finished-a-rehearsal-feeling-more-tense-and-depleted/) - 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
- [Sanctuary for Strings: Where Practice Meets Purpose Beyond Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/sanctuary-for-strings-where-practice-meets-purpose-beyond-technique/) - Hi! This is the last video of this series on transforming you’re playing from the inside out! Today, I'm talking about purpose-centered performance: bringing meaning to a world that needs healing, through our music. ⭐ Get in touch with me soon to inquire about my upcoming program for professional string players, happening this summer! “Sanctuary
- ["Beyond Technique: Revitalize Your Practice with the Power of Presence"](https://artoffreedom.me/beyond-technique-revitalize-your-practice-with-the-power-of-presence/) - "Beyond Technique: Revitalize Your Practice with the Power of Presence" Transform tedious practice sessions into energizing creative explorations Learn how mindful awareness helps you accomplish more in less time while actually enjoying the process. Experience practice methods that leave you feeling refreshed rather than drained. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1APrT1ajXy/
- ["The Primary Instrument: Why Technical Mastery Begins Within"](https://artoffreedom.me/the-primary-instrument-why-technical-mastery-begins-within/) - Discover how reconnecting with yourself as the "primary instrument" creates the foundation for technical freedom and artistic expression. Experience immediate improvements in your playing through simple awareness practices that address the root causes of technical challenges. Live on my Facebook profile page! Please 'like', comment, and share this if you like it - thank you
- [🎙️ Crushing Classical Podcast Interview with Jennet Ingle](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️-crushing-classical-podcast-interview-with-jennet-ingle/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this podcast in our Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I share thoughts and advice on how to enjoy your musical life with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) Today's podcast episode is on 'Crushing Classical', an interview with Jennet Ingle. ENJOY! I'd really love
- [🎻 Free up your playing through mindful presence](https://artoffreedom.me/🎻-free-up-your-playing-through-mindful-presence/) - Are you a professional string player who feels tired and stuck in your musical journey? Technical mastery alone isn't bringing the artistry and joy you once imagined...As professional string players, we face unique challenges that others don't understand. The pressure of perfection creates tension in our bodies and minds, leading to:• Performance anxiety that undermines
- [✨ NEW!! ONLINE SUMMER PROGRAM FOR PRO STRINGS ✨](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-new-online-summer-program-for-pro-strings-✨/) - 'Sanctuary for Strings: Where Practice and Purpose Meet Beyond Technique' Get in touch for details - registration opens soon!
- [Can one question change everything? 🤔](https://artoffreedom.me/can-one-question-change-everything-🤔/) - Mio often calls the Alexander Technique a “problem-solving technique.” The ONE real problem we ever have is right now, and it can be summarized by this one question, “What can I do NOW?” The ONE solution then presents itself just as simply: be present, here and now.But how do you do that? Just be yourself, my
- [NEW SUMMER PRACTICE SANCTUARY FOR PRO STRING PLAYERS!! 🎻](https://artoffreedom.me/new-summer-practice-sanctuary-for-pro-string-players-🎻/) - I LOVE being in the middle of a creative mind-blowing brainstorm process, don't you? Here's what's in the works and what it means for you: I'm designing an incredibly inspiring 8-week online summer renewal program for you - the dedicated string player who wants to renew your connection to music and dramatically improve the quality
- [Masterclass Magic: The Transformative Power of The Art of Freedom® and Alexander Technique for Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/masterclass-magic-the-transformative-power-of-the-art-of-freedom-and-alexander-technique-for-musicians/) - Yesterday's masterclass for The Musician's Advantage membership was filled with those wonderful "aha" moments that make teaching so rewarding! These weekly masterclasses bring together passionate musicians of all instruments and skill levels—from professionals to dedicated amateurs—creating a supportive community where we can all learn from each other, applying insights from The Art of Freedom® Method
- [Wowwww... I'm blown away by seeing this picture!!!](https://artoffreedom.me/wowwww-im-blown-away-by-seeing-this-picture/) - Wowwww... I'm blown away by seeing this picture from a recent article in Strings Magazine!!! (see below) Why? Because I had an elaborate vision of concerts just like this (with myself as the performer in the middle 😉) in the early 2000's. I was so excited about the idea at the time! I think
- [What if playing music could feel easy?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-playing-music-could-feel-easy/) - We musicians all have two major things in common: we want to FEEL good and PLAY better—whether that means giving a stellar performance for thousands at Carnegie Hall or joyfully playing our heart out, alone in a practice room! I grew up in a musical family: my mother was a Suzuki-method cello teacher, and my
- [Do you want to improve your technique - I mean, REALLY improve it?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-want-to-improve-your-technique-i-mean-really-improve-it/) - Do you want to improve your technique - I mean, REALLY improve it? So that it's consistent, reliable, and won't fail you under pressure? If so... start by answering these 3 questions: First: Pause, get in touch with your heart and listen to the silence within for just a moment; then, fill in the blanks
- [How can meditation improve focus in performance?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-can-meditation-improve-focus-in-performance/) - Ideally, meditation is a tool to bring your attention back to the present moment, emptying the mind of incessant chatter, which can show up as an infinite variety of unnecessary, cluttered, contradictory, irrelevant, or destructive thoughts. For example, if you’re about to go onstage and feeling nervous, you may be thinking things like: I don’t
- [Did you miss my workshop on empowering women musicians?](https://artoffreedom.me/did-you-miss-my-workshop-on-empowering-women-musicians/) - Great news! You haven't missed out - the replay is now available to watch (for free) whenever works best for you! Last weekend, 105 fellow musicians signed up for "7 Steps to Conquer Performance Nerves and Self-Doubt: Empowering Women in Music with JOY" and more than 40 people showed up on zoom. As someone who's
- [✨ Does your inner critic get louder right before performances? For many of us women musicians, this challenge can be particularly intense...](https://artoffreedom.me/✨-does-your-inner-critic-get-louder-right-before-performances-for-many-of-us-women-musicians-this-challenge-can-be-particularly-intense/) - I'll never forget Maria, a brilliant flutist who despite winning competitions, confessed with tears, "I can't stand to listen to myself play! I don't belong with REAL musicians!" Like many women in music, she felt she needed to be twice as good just to belong. Through our work together, she reconnected with her natural confidence
- [When you're always trying to please your audience, it's easy to lose your musical passion](https://artoffreedom.me/when-youre-always-trying-to-please-your-audience-its-easy-to-lose-your-musical-passion/) - When you're always trying to please everyone else (your audience... colleagues... students... family), it's easy to run out of time to practice and feel your confidence slip. Let's change that! 👉 Click here to register for my FREE workshop for Women, happening soon! (Please disregard this link if you're already registered - thanks!) Women are trained
- [Do you rehearse for hours yet still feel like you're never quite "good enough"?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-rehearse-for-hours-yet-still-feel-like-youre-never-quite-good-enough/) - Do you rehearse for hours yet still feel like you're never quite "good enough"? The perfectionism trap hits women musicians harder - leaving many feeling constantly inadequate despite a lifetime of training. Emma, a talented violinist, was trapped in perfectionism before a major orchestra audition. Just three days out, she wasn’t sleeping well and felt
- [I was shocked when I realized...](https://artoffreedom.me/i-was-shocked-when-i-realized/) - I was shocked when I realized this about ALL of my music teachers. I was just taking a walk, coming up with ideas for my next free workshop: "7 Steps to Conquer Performance Nerves and Self-Doubt: Empowering Women in Music with JOY!" (see the LINK below)... ...and I was thinking about the amazing violin teachers
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-16/) - Today, we're celebrating Sarah Herbert, Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Jazz at Western Kentucky University! 🎉 "My work with Jennifer and the Alexander Technique for musicians, without a doubt, saved my career in music." Here’s Sarah’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "I discovered Jennifer at a critical time in my life when I was
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ STUDENT CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-student-celebration-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Yola Claasen, Violinist! 🎉 Here’s Yola's Testimony: "When I first met with Jennifer Roig-Francoli in a generously offered free online mini consultation, she asked me what my ambitions were with my violin. I must have looked at her a little strangely. I believed myself to be inherently limited in what I could
- [You're invited! FREE WORKSHOP empowering women musicians to perform with relaxed ease and joy!](https://artoffreedom.me/youre-invited-free-workshop-empowering-women-musicians-to-perform-with-relaxed-ease-and-joy/) - You already know that women face plenty of different obstacles to professional success than men, but a lot of musicians are unaware of how much societal conditioning may affect you as a performer if you're a woman. I'm really excited to invite you to a FREE workshop, "7 Steps to Conquer Performance Nerves and Self-Doubt: Empowering
- [Are current events (and politics) getting you down?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-current-events-and-politics-getting-you-down/) - Are you letting current events and politics get you down? REFUSE to allow that!!💪🙏🦋 Instead.... Live your life and enjoy performing with relaxed confidence, joy, and authentic self-expression! My 5-week program to teach you this begins soon - so don't hesitate to reach out for the details. Included: Self-study, a private session with me, and a
- [📚 [Book Excerpt] Do you push yourself to practice?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-book-excerpt-do-you-push-yourself-to-practice/) - I have worked with countless musicians who were told that to achieve success, they needed to practice a prescribed number of hours, sometimes as much as eight hours every day. Many forced themselves to put in the required hours out of obligation, despite internal resistance and personal desire to practice less; unsurprisingly, they injured themselves
- [Ever feel disappointed in yourself after a performance because you KNOW you can play better than that (but nobody else does)?](https://artoffreedom.me/ever-feel-disappointed-in-yourself-after-a-performance-because-you-know-you-can-play-better-than-that-but-nobody-else-does/) - Ever feel disappointed in yourself after a performance because you KNOW you can play better than that (but nobody else does)? If this happens to you more than you'd care to admit, you were probably never taught the specific skills you need to be in command of your performance in every aspect of your mind,
- [Are you letting yourself feel the full range of emotions when you make music (or do you have a muzzle on, blocking your heart)?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-letting-yourself-feel-the-full-range-of-emotions-when-you-make-music-or-do-you-have-a-muzzle-on-blocking-your-heart/) - Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to concentrate and play your best after you've had an argument with your spouse, a misunderstanding with your stand partner, or when your conductor has a habit of being sarcastic, yelling, and intimidating the musicians? So much of our lives revolve around relationships and communication. Making
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Jessica Smithorn ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-jessica-smithorn-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Jessica Smithorn, Oboe! 🎉 Here’s Jessica's amazing experience from way back when she was studying the Alexander Technique for musicians at CCM: "Studying Alexander Technique has helped me stay calm in stressful situations - auditions, big orchestra solos, concerto performances, teaching in front of a large group - and it's helped me perform
- [Why don't things go the way you practiced?](https://artoffreedom.me/why-dont-things-go-the-way-you-practiced/) - Are you a professional violinist (or other musician) who pours your heart and soul into your craft, yet still struggles to play your best when it matters most? You devote every spare moment to diligent practice, honing your skills with laser focus. Yet under the spotlight, your performances still fall painfully short of your aspirations.
- [INTEGRITY! 👏](https://artoffreedom.me/integrity-👏/) - I just got home from two months at an ashram in India, where hundreds of westerners are constantly coming and going from all over the world. I had many interesting conversations with people from Europe, Canada, and many other places. Whenever I was asked where I'm from, I would say the United States - and
- ["REAL" Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/real-alexander-technique/) - Many people think my work coaching musicians online is all about the Alexander Technique (in fact, The Art of Freedom® Method is so much more!), while others think that "REAL" Alexander Technique can't be taught online at all because they believe it requires the touch of a teacher's hands in the same physical space (not
- [Have you ever had problems with a relationship that make it harder for you to perform at your musical best?](https://artoffreedom.me/have-you-ever-had-problems-with-a-relationship-that-make-it-harder-for-you-to-perform-at-your-musical-best/) - There's been so much in the news over the years about musicians - especially women - finding themselves in unhealthy, sometimes emotionally or physically abusive, relationships with music teachers, colleagues, conductors, employers, etc..., but who quietly endure unacceptable behavior and its aftermath, for many reasons. 🕊️ Sometimes, these musicians are young and innocent, unsure of
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Eric Pritchard ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-eric-pritchard-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Eric Pritchard, Duke University Professor and Violinist for the Ciompi Quartet! 🎉 Here’s a recounting of Eric’s experience learning The Art of Freedom® Method some years ago: "String players at Duke University were fortunate to experience an introduction to the Alexander Technique as part of the Music Department's Masterclass series. The class was
- [🎙️ Artistry with Heart! Podcast Interview](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️-artistry-with-heart-podcast-interview/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this podcast in our Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I share thoughts and advice on how to enjoy your musical life with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) Here's a message from the producer of Artistry with Heart: A Musician's Podcast, on today's newest release
- [Discover your natural calm: A workshop for musicians under pressure 🎵](https://artoffreedom.me/discover-your-natural-calm-a-workshop-for-musicians-under-pressure-🎵/) - So... life feels pretty intense right now, doesn't it? Not only does the world's chaos threaten to steal our everyday joy, but worrying about it can easily infiltrate our practice and performance, too. For example, I remember when one of my Art of Freedom® students was juggling serious challenges with one of her children who was
- [Stay centered in life, play with confidence - Special workshop for musicians 🌟](https://artoffreedom.me/stay-centered-in-life-play-with-confidence-special-workshop-for-musicians-🌟/) - Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the weight of world events these days, making it even harder to connect with your music the way you want to? As musicians, we're naturally sensitive souls—it's what allows us to interpret pieces with such depth and emotion. But in today's world, that sensitivity can feel like both a
- [🦋🌤️ Transforming world-life stress into performance success is possible!](https://artoffreedom.me/🦋🌤️-transforming-world-life-stress-into-performance-success-is-possible/) - In times like these, do you ever notice how stress sneaks into every corner of your life—and especially your music? Maybe you've mastered a piece perfectly in practice, but the moment you think about performing it, that familiar tension creeps in. Or perhaps you're finding it harder to focus on your music at all, with
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Victoria Mairal Cruz ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-victoria-mairal-cruz-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Victoria Mairal Cruz, a violinist who discovered how much her state of being and happiness influenced her ability to think, and therefore was able to "dominate" in her recital (her words)! Here’s Victoria's amazing experience, some years back, when she was my Art of Freedom® student: "When I was practicing before my
- [It’s almost here! Who’s in? 🎶](https://artoffreedom.me/its-almost-here-whos-in-🎶/) - Are you ready to conquer performance anxiety and play with relaxed confidence—so you can trust your technique, stay present, and truly enjoy making music for others? If you’ve ever worried about getting lost, messing up, or playing out of tune because nerves take over in the spotlight… this workshop is for you! 🔥 Join me for my
- [Don’t despair! Use your inner resources and be a creative positive force for good!](https://artoffreedom.me/dont-despair-use-your-inner-resources-and-be-a-creative-positive-force-for-good/) - I got really, really angry last night. FIERCELY ANGRY. POWERFULLY ANGRY. ….And then I shifted that energy, channeled it constructively, and became hopeful, energized, and yes, HAPPY. Because I feel with conviction in every fiber of my being that there is a Force for good that is infinitely stronger than anything else in existence, and it
- [🎵 Special Masterclass Invitation! Learn how to play with relaxed confidence and JOY!](https://artoffreedom.me/🎵-special-masterclass-invitation-learn-how-to-play-with-relaxed-confidence-and-joy/) - Are you longing to live your life and share your music with consistent confidence and JOY instead of stress and worry? I'm excited to invite you to my new masterclass: "How to Play with Relaxed Confidence, Ease & Joy" - an interactive holistic workshop that goes beyond traditional practice techniques to help you unlock your
- [The Key to Effortlessness in Life and Music](https://artoffreedom.me/the-key-to-effortlessness-in-life-and-music/) - A while ago, I led a few online workshops for professional musicians eager to release tension, overcome pain, and enhance their musical skills. We explored the common physical, mental, and emotional challenges musicians face—and one powerful realization stood out: 💡 Every thought you have translates into either tension or ease in your body. This simple
- [Woodshedding and over-practicing what you already know is a REALLY bad idea!](https://artoffreedom.me/woodshedding-and-over-practicing-what-you-already-know-is-a-really-bad-idea/) - As a musician, you know beyond a doubt that music has the power to heal and inspire, both individually and collectively. It’s likely a big part of why you fell in love with it in the first place. But even with a deep desire to use music as a tool for self-expression and heartfelt communication,
- [But is your best good enough?](https://artoffreedom.me/but-is-your-best-good-enough/) - As a musician, you pour your heart and soul into every note, but sometimes it feels like your best just isn't good enough, right? You put in the hours, practice hard, follow every piece of advice from your teachers, and do everything "right." Yet, when the spotlight hits, your performances don’t match what you achieved
- [You are the same person on stage and everywhere, but… who is that?](https://artoffreedom.me/you-are-the-same-person-on-stage-and-everywhere-but-who-is-that/) - You are the same person on stage and everywhere, but… who is that? Ever since I was as a child, I’ve been on a conscious quest to discover the answer to that question for myself. Who am I and what am I doing here? I loved music from the time I was born. I enjoyed
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Félix Turrión Eichler ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-felix-turrion-eichler-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Félix Turrión Eichler, Oboist and Composer! 🎉 Here’s Félix’s experience with The Art of Freedom®: "When I first considered working with Jennifer I was skeptical because it's harder for me to trust an online program than "real life" offers, and money was short since I was a student at the time. However, soon after
- [🌴 A personal update from India](https://artoffreedom.me/🌴-a-personal-update-from-india/) - I finally have a bit of time to write a personal note, sharing a bit about my current experiences here at an ashram in Kerala, India! I was supposed to leave Cincinnati on January 6th, but was miraculously able to change my ticket to two days earlier to avoid the big midwestern storm that kept
- [I love India!](https://artoffreedom.me/i-love-india/) - I love India, and I love being here at the ashram, where everyone (thousands of people from all over the world!) is interested in personal development, on some level or another. There are constant lessons to absorb and work on... and everything applies to both life and music, since everything is connected. Even "simple" things
- [When your emotions make it harder to create what you want...](https://artoffreedom.me/when-your-emotions-make-it-harder-to-create-what-you-want/) - Ever notice how fear of judgment can freeze or distort your creative expression, so nothing comes out quite the way you intended?As artists, we often find ourselves caught in a familiar trap: you have something important to say through your art, but the moment you think about sharing it, your throat tightens, your shoulders creep
- [From Carnegie Hall to Meditation… and Back Again! (My Story)](https://artoffreedom.me/from-carnegie-hall-to-meditation-and-back-again-my-story-2/) - From Carnegie Hall to Meditation… and Back Again! (My Story) The easiest - and most challenging - thing you can do as a human being is also what will make you the best musician you can be. That is, to bring your whole self - mind, body, and creative Spirit - to everything you do.
- [From Carnegie Hall to Meditation… and Back Again! (My Story)](https://artoffreedom.me/from-carnegie-hall-to-meditation-and-back-again-my-story/) - Picture this: You’re stuck in traffic, arrive late, and barely have time to warm up before stepping onstage. Your stand partner gives you a cold look because you forgot to bring the sheet music earlier. Then, you glance down and realize you’re wearing the wrong shoes, socks, or stockings. And just when you think it
- [How My Fear of Flying Helped Me Conquer Performance Anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/how-my-fear-of-flying-helped-me-conquer-performance-anxiety/) - As a child, I loved flying. I loved performing. Both brought me pure joy, excitement, and wonder. Flying meant overseas adventures to visit family, and performing was a regular part of life as a Suzuki violin student from the age of four. I trusted everything—planes, pilots, the process, the people around me. That trust allowed
- [WOW!! My book is in The Strad magazine!!!](https://artoffreedom.me/wow-my-book-is-in-the-strad-magazine/) - I'm over the moon and beyond delighted to report that there is an excellent review of my book just released in the January online issue of the prestigious British magazine for string players: The Strad! I've known this magazine since I was a kid, so it's particularly special to be featured inside.... A bit of
- [Watch Out! Your Fear of Criticism is Affecting Your Music and Distorting Reality!](https://artoffreedom.me/watch-out-your-fear-of-criticism-is-affecting-your-music-and-distorting-reality/) - Ever notice how fear of criticism can distort your creative expression, so nothing comes out quite the way you intended? As artists and teachers, we often find ourselves caught in a familiar trap: you have something important to transmit through your art, but the moment you focus on your desire to share it, your body
- [It's not WHAT you think, but HOW you're thinking that really matters!](https://artoffreedom.me/its-not-what-you-think-but-how-youre-thinking-that-really-matters/) - Do you ever get sucked into a negative spiral of over-thinking? ... Comparing yourself to others? ... Worrying you’re not good enough or that someone might find out you’re an imposter? If so, here’s something surprising: the content of your thoughts (what you’re thinking) isn’t the main problem. What truly matters is how you think.
- [Here's what can happen when you stop trying so hard to "get it right"!](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-what-can-happen-when-you-stop-trying-so-hard-to-get-it-right/) - In my teaching studio, I often see talented artists trapped in a frustrating cycle: The more they try to ensure a perfect performance, the more tension creeps in - and with it, their sound suffers and they make the very mistakes they're trying to avoid. One of my orchestra musicians recently had a breakthrough moment
- [How do you play intense music and stay relaxed?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-do-you-play-intense-music-and-stay-relaxed/) - How do you play intense music and stay relaxed at the same time?This is a question I'm often asked by my students. I've taught many coaching sessions and group classes on this topic, made tutorial videos, and written blog posts (search "tension" here on my blog and three will pop up, if you want to
- [Stressed? Take 2 minutes to relax, be still, and connect to the heart of things with your music!](https://artoffreedom.me/stressed-take-2-minutes-to-relax-be-still-and-connect-to-the-heart-of-things-with-your-music/) - Feeling stressed during this busy holiday season? Too many... or not enough gigs? Family getting you down? It's easy for your music to suffer along with the rest of your life when you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. If you wish you could just relax and really get to the heart of things through your music
- [🎊 BIG NEWS!! An Excellent Review of My Book is in 'THE STRAD' magazine!!](https://artoffreedom.me/an-excellent-book-review-in-the-strad-magazine/) - I am over the moon and beyond delighted to report that there is an excellent review of my book, 'Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life', in the January 2025 online issue of the prestigious British magazine, The Strad magazine, which was just released! In case
- [[Video]💧Raw and real... Here's one way to process difficult emotions](https://artoffreedom.me/video💧raw-and-real-heres-one-way-to-process-difficult-emotions/) - When you're a musician, artist, or creative soul (that's all of us, really), it's SO important to know how to process emotions quickly. [New course!! Click here to register for Emotional Alchemy for Your Inner Artist: Turn Raw Emotions into Creative Gold!] When you get stuck in difficult emotions, that will easily translate into performance
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Joseph Mish ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-joseph-mish-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Joseph Mish, Double Bass & Educator! 🎉 Here’s Joseph’s amazing experience: "I began studying [The Art of Freedom® Method with touch-free Alexander Technique (AT)] with Jennifer Roig-Francolí about two years ago. As I think about it now, I had a vague idea that it would help me with the aches and pains of being an aging
- [🎻 A personal reflection on comparisons, competition, and self-doubt](https://artoffreedom.me/🎻-a-personal-reflection-on-comparisons-competition-and-self-doubt/) - Do you tend to compare yourself to others or feel too competitive? (See the short video I made below on this topic.) I've been competing my whole life - from my earliest days as a sibling, to competing in international competitions as a teenager, to running my own online business while viewing other professionals on
- ["What are you listening to as a soloist, Jennifer?" he asked...](https://artoffreedom.me/what-are-you-listening-to-as-a-soloist-jennifer-he-asked/) - Q: "Jennifer, when we as musicians are in the audience listening to a soloist, we know what to listen for. When you are the soloist what are you listening to?" (This was a question I was asked in a recent email.) Me: "Good question! Everything, as much as possible! 🙂... with a primary focus on my unique
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Anna Kaehler ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-anna-kaehler-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Anna Kaehler, Violinist! 🎉 Here's Anna's amazing experience: "Working with Jennifer and The Art of Freedom® Method [based on touch-free Alexander Technique] has completely transformed my life and my music making. Her method is the missing link I didn't know I was seeking between how I felt myself to be inwardly and how I now
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Pam Guntrum ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-pam-guntrum-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Pam Guntrum, Violinist! 🎉 Here's Pam's story, which she wrote after completing her private coaching program with me: "It's hard to believe that 6 months has really passed since I started your program. And it has been quite a journey. Looking back at the reasons for why I decided to join your program, I
- [Is that tightness in your chest obscuring a masterpiece?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-that-tightness-in-your-chest-obscuring-a-masterpiece/) - You know that lump in the pit of your stomach... the tightness in your chest, neck and jaw... and the dull ache in your back when you're afraid to be yourself, do your own thing, and just express what you're feeling deep inside? When you stifle yourself and make art that isn't really aligned with
- [This is a painful place to be if you're a sensitive, creative soul...](https://artoffreedom.me/ready-to-unleash-your-fearless-creativity/) - When you're an artist, a writer, a dancer, a musician... it’s easy to find yourself afraid to express yourself openly and create freely from your heart. This happens because... 💧 you worry about how your honest and vulnerable self-expression will be receive 💧 people around you have rejected your art before... maybe they haven't always liked what
- [🎨 TA-DA! I went to an art class and here's what I created...](https://artoffreedom.me/🎨-ta-da-i-went-to-an-art-class-and-heres-what-i-created/) - I had so much fun PAINTING last Sunday! 🤩 👏😅🙌💥🔥🎨 (See my painting below!) I've recently entered a new "Creative Phase" in my life, actively bringing more creative experiences into my life and recapturing some of the joy of different art forms that I used to experience as a kid and teenager, while applying The Art of
- [🎙️Music for the Soul Podcast with Becky Nordquist, Steven Siler & Jennifer Roig-Francolí](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️music-for-the-soul-podcast-with-becky-nordquist-steven-siler-jennifer-roig-francoli/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this podcast in our Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I have conversations with popular podcast hosts on how to enjoy your musical LIFE with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) I'm so grateful to be a guest on the Music for the Soul podcast!
- [Special coaching offer! (Guess who's going to India??)](https://artoffreedom.me/special-coaching-offer-guess-whos-going-to-india/) - Pssst.... Guess who's planning to go back to India in January? (I'm so excited!!!) And how could this be a great thing for YOU? Well, I have some pretty special things up my sleeves for new, current, and returning students while I'm gone! Curious? Read on... If you're feeling down, depressed or anxious about your
- [First, Silence. [A self-care poem]](https://artoffreedom.me/first-silence-a-self-care-poem/) - As artists, sensitive people, creative souls... we feel things deeply. In this post, I'll be sharing a potent self-care poem after sharing a few thoughts on being a sensitive soul. [NEWS FLASH: Please join me for a FREE De-Stressing & Self-Healing live session on zoom, offered in the spirit of Unity, Love, and Compassion in
- [I wish all art could be free for everyone!](https://artoffreedom.me/i-wish-all-art-could-be-free-for-everyone/) - I wish all art could be free for everyone, don't you? And yet, so much of it IS free already, and that may be a part of why our society doesn't value it enough. Consider that music and art are EVERYWHERE now - and we consume it mindlessly, without even realizing it. Think: music in
- [My Personal Journey: from TERROR of Public Speaking to JOY!](https://artoffreedom.me/my-personal-journey-from-terror-of-public-speaking-to-joy/) - When I was a teenager, I was TERRIBLE at public speaking, so I took a class. Here's what happened... I was a Freshman at Case Western University, where I attended the Cleveland Institute of Music. I was 16. My first day in the class worked out fine, as the professor explained some concepts and gave
- [🎵 10 Reasons Classical Musicians Hate Auditions](https://artoffreedom.me/🎵-10-reasons-classical-musicians-hate-auditions/) - We all know auditions can be tough, but why exactly? Here's my top 10 list of reasons why professional musicians often dread auditions: 1. Intense pressure, with years of preparation and no guarantees 2. Limited representation of skills, since you can be eliminated within minutes, especially if your nerves are audible at the beginning 3.
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION with Kalindi True! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-15/) - Today, we're celebrating Kalindi True, Violist and Educator! 🎉 Here's her story (see her picture and read her comment below): For decades, Kalindi was performing on her viola (she's an excellent violist!), but she couldn't play without pain. She tried "everything" and was literally about to quit and give up on her dreams to make
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! ~ Inspiration from Sister Catherine Swiezynski, Violin](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-sister-catherine-swiezynski/) - Today, let's celebrate Sister Marie-Therese, Catherine Swiezynski! 🎉 Sister Marie-Therese is one of my dedicated students and has been part of our Art of Freedom® Method journey for years. Her experiences beautifully reflect the impact of our work together. Here's her inspiring testimony (see her picture below): October 2022: "I just wanted to share that our
- [When Talented Creatives Suffer from 'Inner Critic Paralysis'... 🔓🎨✨](https://artoffreedom.me/when-talented-creatives-suffer-from-inner-critic-paralysis-🔓🎨✨/) - Dear Fellow Creatives, I'd like to address a challenge many of us face: the paralyzing self-doubt that can grip even the most talented among us. It's that moment when you have a brilliant, groundbreaking writing idea, paint a colorful gesture, or play a phrase that sounds so brilliant you give yourself goosebumps from the beauty...
- [Musicians: Emotional abuse is NEVER ok!](https://artoffreedom.me/musicians-emotional-abuse-is-never-ok/) - Emotional abuse happening behind the closed door of the private music studio is all too common, and it is NOT OK. It may seem obvious, but it needs to be said! < Watch the video below > The sexual abuse cases are the ones that reach the media, but there is emotional abuse going on
- [Do you need to prevent the negative thoughts that produce tension?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-need-to-prevent-the-negative-thoughts-that-produce-tension/) - Q: "I understand that tension starts in my mind. How can I prevent those negative thoughts in my mind?" A: Here's the solution... 1. First, don't try to prevent them. Instead, let's become more aware of these negative thoughts, simply by having an intention of detached curiosity about them. 2. Next, notice how your body reacts when
- [When in pain... relying on stretches or exercises for relief may not be the answer](https://artoffreedom.me/when-in-pain-relying-on-stretches-or-exercises-for-relief-may-not-be-the-answer/) - When in pain... relying on stretches or exercises for musicians to get lasting relief may not be the answer. Q: Can stretches and exercises solve music-related pain? A: The simple answer is no, because stretches and exercises won't address the root cause of your pain. At best, they provide temporary relief or prevent further injury,
- [🎙️Working Musician Podcast with David Pedrick & Jennifer Roig-Francolí](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️working-musician-podcast-with-david-pedrick-jennifer-roig-francoli/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this podcast by David Pedrick of the Working Musician Podcast, interviewing me on a wide variety of topics of interest to musicians! Topics that we touched on in this episode: The spirit of music (we go deep here, right off the bat!) Paradigm shifts Jennifer's solo
- [💥 A 'wow' moment after just TWO minutes!! 💥](https://artoffreedom.me/💥-a-wow-moment-after-just-two-minutes-💥/) - Melanie arrived to her coaching session with neck and shoulder pain, feeling very concerned about how she'd be able to perform later in the week. 😟 [The following is the story of an incredibly heart-warming private coaching session I had with a wonderful professional violinist. I'm sharing it with you because - as amazing as
- [Some ingredients for successful auditions, competitions, and performances](https://artoffreedom.me/some-ingredients-for-successful-auditions-competitions-and-performances/) - I've played for more auditions and competitions in my life as a violinist than I can remember. I won or placed highly in almost all of those, resulting in international prizes, featured solo performances and jobs with top-level orchestras, and many amazing life experiences I will never forget. I didn't win every audition or competition
- [Here's my feature interview on the Catherine B. Roy Show!](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-my-feature-interview-on-the-catherine-b-roy-show/) - I recently had the honor of being a guest on The Catherine B. Roy Show! Catherine is a renowned business coach with certifications from Goldman Sachs 10KW, a distinguished member of the Forbes Coaches Council and MENSA, a TEDx keynote speaker, and an expert LinkedIn trainer. The interview was a deep dive into The Art
- [My best audition....](https://artoffreedom.me/my-best-audition/)
- [If you're looking for a new music teacher... which of these would you prefer?](https://artoffreedom.me/a-question-for-professional-musicians-dedicated-amateurs/) - Thinking about taking private music lessons again? Here's a question for you... Of the following, which would you prefer—A, B, or C?(A) Take private lessons from a world-class musician and teacher who provides detailed technical advice, motivates you to practice harder, and helps you refine the same skills you’ve worked on for years. Y You secretly
- [When the physical therapist is just plain WRONG!](https://artoffreedom.me/when-the-physical-therapist-is-just-plain-wrong/) - I've always loved traveling, and one of my favorite things about teaching online is that I have many opportunities to get to know and work with musicians from many different cultures. I currently have students in the USA, Canada, Iran, Syria, Australia, New Zealand, England, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, and China! Today, I'd like to
- [⭐ Inspiration from a star Psychiatrist / Dancer / Student! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-a-musicians-success-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Dr. Tracey Goodman Skale, Chief Medical Officer of Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services! 🎉 "I am a psychiatrist of over thirty years. I believe that if more people understood Alexander Technique, especially through Jennifer’s insightful lens, there would be less anxiety, depression, and struggle with body image. I highly recommend Jennifer's coaching
- [Finding JOY in life & music - even when you're stressed! 🎶](https://artoffreedom.me/finding-joy-in-life-music-even-when-youre-stressed-🎶/) - Last week, I did a live video on Facebook sharing powerful strategies for finding joy in music-making, even when you're facing stressful situations like auditions or high-pressure performances. If you're feeling overwhelmed and out of touch with your passion for music, this will be INSTANTLY well worth your time!
- [Are you ready for the next stage of your musical journey? 🎭](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-ready-for-the-next-stage-of-your-musical-journey-🎭/) - If you've been working hard to improve your playing for a long time but you wish you could play more musically and with better technique... ... and you STILL don't feel free to fully be yourself and play passionately and feel JOYFUL on stage... ...then you're right - you definitely need better skills. BUT you
- [⭐ (Is it "Woo-Woo"?) A Musician's Success: Inspiration from Christopher Wojahn, Violin ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-is-it-woo-woo-a-musicians-success-inspiration-from-christopher-wojahn-violin-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Christopher Wojahn, Violinist & Educator! 🎉 Here’s Christopher’s experience (see his picture below): "I’ve been studying Alexander Technique with Jennifer Roig-Francolí online for over a year now, and since completing her introductory course I’ve become curious and more curious, ever excited to continue on this journey of self-discovery and just noticing what’s
- [Musicians: the past is over!](https://artoffreedom.me/musicians-the-past-is-over/) - Dear Musicians... The past is over. The future doesn't exist yet. All that really matters is happening right now. 🌟 Are you showing up fully present and aware as you experience this moment? Can you do this while making music? As you practice, perform, learn and teach? That's when the real magic happens... ✨ Get
- [Ready for your best musical adventure EVER? 🎉](https://artoffreedom.me/ready-for-your-best-musical-adventure-ever-🎉/) - Fall Registration is NOW OPEN for my private coaching studio! It's time for you to dive deep and finally learn how to make truly great music with exceptional, cutting-edge practice and performance skills, while living your best life with calm confidence, ease, and JOY! ✨ The Musician's Advantage premium private coaching program is now accepting
- ["Now play it again...," said Josef Gingold, my teacher. On playing the Bach Ciaconna in style!](https://artoffreedom.me/now-play-it-again-said-josef-gingold-my-teacher-on-playing-the-bach-ciaconna-in-style/) - "Now play it again...," he said... I studied the monumental Ciaccona (from J.S. Bach's d minor Partita No. 2 for unaccompanied violin) many years ago with both Josef Gingold and Stanley Ritchie simultaneously, when I was a student at Indiana University. I will be forever grateful to these incredible teachers, and I will never forget when
- [⭐ "Even my husband could hear a difference..." ~ A Violinist's Success! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-even-my-husband-could-hear-a-difference-a-violinists-success-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Jennifer Yarbrough, Violin! 🎉 "Working with Jennifer has been one of the best decisions I've made for myself and my career as a musician." Here’s Jennifer’s experience (see her picture below): "I am happy to say that through working with Jennifer and her Art of Freedom®️ Method, my relationship to my instrument,
- [⭐ A Musician's Success! Love, pain, and inspiration from a pianist/cellist ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-13/) - Today, we're celebrating Jenny Quick, Piano & Cello! 🎉 Here’s Jenny’s experience (see her picture below): "My first conversation online with Jennifer was during a cliff top walk while we talked about love being at the deep heart of music making. Then, 18 months or so later, things changed, calling into question everything I ever thought
- [Faster progress with the 3 core stages of learning The Art of Freedom® Method](https://artoffreedom.me/faster-progress-with-the-3-core-stages-of-learning-the-art-of-freedom-method/) - "I work hard. I don't have enough time.This is not sustainable!!I need to find an easier way to live and a better way to practice, so I can have more balance in my life, and get more JOY from my music!!!!!!"Could these words and thoughts be coming from you?This is a common refrain among my
- [The Problem with Musical Intensity](https://artoffreedom.me/the-problem-with-musical-intensity/) - Way too many musicians work hard but the music they produce still doesn't match the ideal in their heads, and they're nervous and embarrassed when they don't play as well as they think they should. 😓🎻It hurts to feel like everyone else plays better than you do, although you hide it well and nobody else
- [There's an unexpected upside to worrying about the future! 🌟](https://artoffreedom.me/theres-an-unexpected-upside-to-worrying-about-the-future-🌟/) - If you’re feeling anxious or uneasy about your performance or teaching career right now, it’s completely understandable, given the crazy state of the world! 🌎 But here's the thing: these feelings might be highlighting some underlying challenges that have been there all along.Instead of being hard on yourself for not "handling things better", consider this
- [The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐/) - Today, we're celebrating Alicia Randisi-Hooker, professional cellist performer and educator! 🎉 Here’s Alicia’s experience (see her picture below): "It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears, and apparently I was more than ready.Even after two years of hands-on Alexander Technique lessons and reading countless books, Feldenkrais lessons here and there, a near
- [Rethinking Goals 🤔](https://artoffreedom.me/rethinking-goals-🤔/) - Having goals and things to look forward to—whether they're external achievements or internal growth—is crucial. But it's equally important to let those goals take a backseat sometimes. By softening your focus on the future, you allow yourself to fully experience the present moment. This shift in attention from goals to the here and now can
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-14/) - Today, we're celebrating Patricia Ruiloba Gitto, Cello, Performer & Educator! 🎉 "I’m sometimes in disbelief that I can now be pain free when I play my cello! Yes!"... "I played the best in years!" Here’s Patricia’s experience (see her picture below): "After just 2 weeks of Jennifer's self-study course and 1 group class, I had
- [ANNOUNCING A NEW PRACTICE COURSE! (Message me if you're curious!)](https://artoffreedom.me/announcing-a-new-practice-course-message-me-if-youre-curious/) - We all assume that music is what musicians produce.But what if music is really more about who we ARE than what we create? 🤔After all, what happens on the outside is only the result of what's happening on the inside first.Sound vibrations are the inevitable expression of your ideas and intentions, your character and personality, your
- [Introducing 5 Pre-Pearls to my practice sessions](https://artoffreedom.me/introducing-5-pre-pearls-to-my-practice-sessions/) - Hi, I've been working on the Andante from the second unaccompanied sonata for violin by J.S. Bach, and I'm really enjoying it. I thought I'd share a bit of my practice & process with you today! [Music at 5:08] I've been using my '5 Pre-Pearls' process to introduce my practice sessions recently. These are discussed
- [⚠️ Don't study with me if...](https://artoffreedom.me/⚠️-dont-study-with-me-if/) - ⚠️ Don't study with me if... You're looking for a hands-on, in-person Alexander Technique teacher or music teacher to fix your posture, heal your body, and make you feel better...🛠️ by having you sit, stand, move around, play your instrument, or lie on a table while they gently manipulate your body... but they don't teach you
- [Musicians never seem to have enough time to practice. When they do practice, it's always focused on work-related repertoire](https://artoffreedom.me/musicians-never-seem-to-have-enough-time-to-practice-when-they-do-practice-its-always-focused-on-work-related-repertoire/) - It can be really frustrating when your personal musical goals and passions keep getting put on the back burner, waiting for free time that never really arrives.You might think that your crazy-busy life and overextended schedule is the problem, but the real issue isn't just time management... it's about practice efficiency.But not in the way you
- [Mindful or Mindless Practicing? 🎻💭](https://artoffreedom.me/mindful-or-mindless-practicing-🎻💭/) - When I was a kid, my mom practiced with me every day. At around age 10, having completed all of the Suzuki books and graduated to a non-Suzuki teacher, I started practicing on my own. I never really LIKED practicing, but BOY (!) did I want to be a successful violinist! There was nothing I
- [](https://artoffreedom.me/26900-2/) - [VIDEO: music at 8:09] Resuming Practice after 2 Years (!) with the first phrase of Andante from Bach Sonata No. 2 for unaccompanied violin https://youtu.be/PCkAUTR3CZ4 As I near the end of Week 1 with covid, I'm feeling much better, and doing a lot of decluttering. Today, I burned a lot of old letters, including old love
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-12/) - Today, we're celebrating Kiki Collins Busell, Former Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra! 🎉 Kiki came to me for help with a frozen shoulder that was making her violin playing very painful and difficult. Here’s Kiki’s amazing experience (see her picture below): "I studied with Jennifer to get help in relieving pain and fatigue I was
- [The "secret weapon" that can accelerate your progress and significantly enhance your technique](https://artoffreedom.me/the-secret-weapon-that-can-accelerate-your-progress-and-significantly-enhance-your-technique/) - ✨ Rafael's Journey with the Alexander TechniqueMy younger son, Rafael, is also a violinist and currently pursuing his Masters in Violin Performance at UC-CCM. During his Bachelor's, he frequently sought my guidance, and we often conducted lessons over Zoom. These sessions were mutually beneficial, and I cherished our time together.Rafael has received mind-body input from me
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-11/) - Today, we're celebrating Porsche Parcher, Violin! 🎉 From an entire career halted due to pain... to a "miracle" and hope. 🌧️ Here's what Porsche told me BEFORE our first lesson. We'd never met before: "I am in a really tough spot in my journey. I started violin at age 7 and I got a violin performance degree
- [Hive-Mind Time! 3 questions for you on the topic of mind-wandering](https://artoffreedom.me/hive-mind-time-3-questions-for-you-on-the-topic-of-mind-wandering/) - I just taught a private coaching session during which my student asked about me about how to deal with mind-wandering during practice. We discussed the details of how she experiences this, and I gave her a number of suggestions to experiment with in order to work on this. Personally, I think about reining in our thoughts
- [TEACHING & LEARNING TIP: How you use your eyes and your whole self matters when you're trying to read music (or do anything else!)](https://artoffreedom.me/teaching-learning-tip-how-you-use-your-eyes-and-your-whole-self-matters-when-youre-trying-to-read-music-or-do-anything-else/) - Here's a little/big tip that could help you and your students sight-read, read music, and see what's on the page (and around you) much better and with greater ease.You might get curious about how we actual look at sheet music.In my experience working with musicians, we all tend to narrow our attention and over-focus on
- [Unlock Your Musical Greatness and Master the Guitar with These 5 Easy Steps](https://artoffreedom.me/master-the-guitar-with-these-5-easy-steps/) - Mark S. came to me one day, feeling distraught and dejected about his guitar playing. Despite a full schedule of gigs with his band, he was considering giving up music for good due to pain in his neck, back, and wrist that just wouldn’t go away and overall frustration with the quality of his playing.
- [Master the Craft: 5 Essential Steps to Becoming an Accomplished Professional Musician](https://artoffreedom.me/5-essential-steps-to-becoming-an-accomplished-professional-musician/) - As a professional musician myself, I’ve garnered a list of accomplishments: Featured as a “Rising Star” in TIME Magazine Multiple Solo Appearances at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras such as the Pittsburgh and Berlin Symphony Orchestras International Prize-Winning Modern and Baroque Violinist and Recording Artist Former Associate Concertmaster and Soloist for the Grammy-Award-winning baroque ensemble
- [Performers, do you have a plan for what to do when you get thrown off by the unexpected?](https://artoffreedom.me/performers-do-you-have-a-plan-for-what-to-do-when-you-get-thrown-off-by-the-unexpected/) - When you’re stuck in traffic, arrive late, and don’t have time to warm up before rushing onstage… When your stand partner bristles because you didn’t bring the sheet music earlier… When you look down and see you’re wearing the wrong color shoes, socks, or stockings… And then, the conductor takes the music faster than you’ve
- [Master the Violin: 5 Expert Tips to Elevate Your Skills](https://artoffreedom.me/master-the-violin-5-expert-tips-to-elevate-your-skills/) - As a violinist of nearly five decades (I started learning when I was four years old!), I’ve learned a thing or two about mastering the violin. I’ve had the great fortune to study with Nathan Milstein, Josef Gingold, and Shinichi Suzuki, three of the top violinists in the world, and attended both the Cleveland Institute
- [An old violin + yoga + family = ??](https://artoffreedom.me/an-old-violin-yoga-family/) - I got out the old violin, a mostly quiet resident at my mother's alpine home here in Switzerland. The strings had slipped and wouldn't hold the tuning, but I'd promised my aunt I'd play something for my second cousins. The last time they'd heard me perform was at Tanglewood; the last time I'd performed at
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-10/) - Today, we're celebrating Julio Noble, Violin, Music Educator from Puerto Rico! 🎉 Here's Julio's amazing experience (see his picture below): "Hello everyone! I completed The Art of Freedom® Level 1 program with Jennifer and wanted to share my experience and thoughts on it. I need to start by thanking Jennifer for her exceptional work because it
- [Tornado anxiety... performance anxiety... social anxiety... are they any different?](https://artoffreedom.me/tornado-anxiety-performance-anxiety-social-anxiety-are-they-any-different/) - I LOVE my home, and the location where I live. There's nothing spectacular about Cincinnati and I never expected to move here (my ex and I moved here in 2000 for his work), but it's a very nice middle-of-the-road, peaceful, friendly, convenient kind of place to live. So I'm always happy to be home, especially
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-9/) - Today, we're celebrating Stephanie Michele Ruddy, Violin! 🎉It constantly amazes me what's possible when people have a dream, let go of what's blocking them, do the work and GO for it. That's exactly what Stephanie Michele Ruddy did. I am beyond thrilled for her!!!!!Here's her story, which is included in my book (see her picture below):"It's
- ["The way you practice is how you end up performing. If you want to have an amazing, emotional, wonderful, enjoyable experience on stage, well, guess what? You have to practice that way."](https://artoffreedom.me/the-way-you-practice-is-how-you-end-up-performing-if-you-want-to-have-an-amazing-emotional-wonderful-enjoyable-experience-on-stage-well-guess-what-you-have-to-practice-that-way/) - I recently had the pleasure of hosting an online workshop for saxophonists from around the world, sharing The Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living and masterful artistry, and touch-free Primal Alexander™ Technique. It was wonderful to connect with musicians of various skill levels, from amateurs to professionals, all united by their love for music
- [From terrified to JOYFUL! How the Alexander Technique has transformed my fear of public speaking](https://artoffreedom.me/from-terrified-to-joyful-public-speaking/) - WOWww... I recently did an interview with a journalist from South Africa on my work with The Art of Freedom® Method and the Alexander Technique for musicians, and it felt like I just completed a high-intensity brain workout! 🤯 Here's the resultant article from that interview, in case you'd like to check it out: https://www.mysticmag.com/psychic-reading/interview-jennifer-roig-francoli/
- [Attn. Musicians: FOCUS on THIS when you play!](https://artoffreedom.me/attn-musicians-focus-on-this-when-you-play/) - We all know that we play better when we're focused, and concentration is a key to learning, right? Sure! Everybody knows what if feels like (and what a disaster it can be) when you're onstage and your mind starts wandering... you mess up! Here's a revolutionary way of looking at focus, though, which will show
- [Being over Doing! A peek into my 'Strategy & Support' Masterclass with an amateur cellist and a professional violinist](https://artoffreedom.me/being-over-doing-a-peek-into-my-strategy-support-masterclass-with-an-amateur-cellist-and-a-professional-violinist/) - Every Saturday, I teach an online 'Strategy & Support' class for my students. These are all adult musicians from different musical backgrounds, playing different instruments at various skill levels, who want to learn how to make great music with ease. At the end of every class, I work with 2-3 musicians who have signed up
- [📚 What if embracing your creative spirit could connect music and spirituality?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-what-if-embracing-your-creative-spirit-could-connect-music-and-spirituality/) - "One day one of my teachers in college called me a “free spirit.” What did he mean? I didn’t know, but I liked the idea and never forgot it. When the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin praised the passionate fire within me, I think he was saying the same thing. Somehow, these encouraging words validated my
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-8/) - Today, we're celebrating Natalie Douglass Grana, Horn, Performer & Educator! Here’s Natalie’s amazing experience (see her picture below):"While I first came to Jennifer for help with my horn playing, the value of her guidance extended far beyond my musical pursuits alone.Jennifer helped me find peace and restoration through some of the most challenging and stressful points
- [More than technique 😮](https://artoffreedom.me/more-than-technique-😮/) - To make great music requires much more than excellent technique. I recently had to turn off the radio after listening to just a few phrases performed by a well-known contemporary violinist because their sound and interpretation were so harsh and ugly to my ears. In theory, "good technique produces good sound"; but in reality, it's
- [📚 How can you use focus to beat inner conflict?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-how-can-you-use-focus-to-beat-inner-conflict/) - "Some thoughts are positive, some negative; some are happy and excited, some full of dread; some are pushing you towards the stage, while others imagine a mad dash for the exit.When you have contradictory desires (“I want to perform” + “I don’t want to perform”), your brain is sending contradictory messages, and your muscles will
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-7/) - Today, we're celebrating Angele Aisling, Harp! 🎉 "Studying with Jennifer is the best thing I've ever done for myself. I highly recommend her classes, which have significantly improved my playing/practicing and my entire being. You will be amazed!"Here’s Angele’s amazing experience (see her picture below):"I joined Jennifer's Art of Freedom® class few years ago. For twenty
- [🎙️Weekend Media / The Playful Musician with Steve Davidson](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-the-playful-musician-with-steve-davidson/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by our Weekend Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I share my thoughts with popular podcast hosts on how to enjoy your musical life with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) 🎙️ LISTEN on Apple Podcasts OR 👉🏻 Click here to LISTEN on your favorite Streaming Platform
- [📚 What if you could learn how to unlock your full potential as an artist? 🤔](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-what-if-you-could-learn-how-to-unlock-your-full-potential-as-an-artist-🤔/) - "Witnessing the ever-changing variety and constant unfolding of these experiences lends the artist endless material for creative expression. It gives us a very powerful way to help and lift one another up, especially when our curiosity is sparked to see and explore things from a slightly different angle. This shift in perspective—to one deeper, more
- [📚 Does making the best music possible seem out of reach?](https://artoffreedom.me/📚-does-making-the-best-music-possible-seem-out-of-reach/) - "We musicians all have two major things in common: we want to FEEL good and PLAY better—whether that means giving a stellar performance for thousands at Carnegie Hall or joyfully playing our heart out, alone in a practice room! My main struggle as a young performer was frustration at my technical limitations. Every night I
- [🎉📚 MY BOOK IS A FINALIST!!! 📚🎉](https://artoffreedom.me/🎉📚-my-book-is-a-finalist-📚🎉/) - I'm absolutely THRILLED to announce that my book has been named a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, in the Mind, Body and Spirit category!!!✨ This is the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. 🌟 The book has also been a #1 Amazon Bestseller in two categories, and in the
- [What do my students learn?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-do-my-students-learn/) - Whether a student comes to me for relief and healing from pain or physical discomfort; performance nerves or self-doubt; scattered or negative thinking; frustration with slow progress or career dissatisfaction......or they simply want to learn the key to effortless mastery and experience dramatic improvement in their musical practice and performance skills......the three developmental stages of
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-6/) - Today, we're celebrating Kay Fowler Saunier, Violin & Piano! 🎉 Here’s Kay’s amazing story (see her picture below): "I consider it to be a miracle that so many things fell into place to lead me back to my violin, then to hearing of the Alexander Technique in online violin groups, then hearing of Jennifer Roig-Francoli
- [Witnessing this shocking exchange had a powerful influence on me as a young teenage girl](https://artoffreedom.me/witnessing-this-shocking-exchange-had-a-powerful-influence-on-me-as-a-young-teenage-girl/) - I witnessed something really special as a young teenage girl. It has stayed with me my whole life, and continues to influence me in really positive ways. Here's the story in a nutshell: First of all, I was very fortunate when I was young to be able to study with some of the most famous
- [CONGRATULATIONS!!! (And it's not too late to join in the fun!)](https://artoffreedom.me/congratulations-and-its-not-too-late-to-join-in-the-fun/) - A very warm welcome to a wonderful new cohort of 12 FABULOUS WOMEN joining our new Relaxed Confidence, Joy, and Authentic Self-Expression for Women in Music program!! These dedicated musicians are from all over the world, including the USA, Norway, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Japan... and they will be enjoying five weeks of relaxed self-study, optional group learning,
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-5/) - Today, we're celebrating Lotte Resek, Piano, Violin! "I feel much more in tune with myself and it is having a wonderful overall effect on my mental and physical health." Here's Lotte's amazing experience (see her picture below):"For quite a while I have been intrigued by the Alexander Technique and the idea that we can improve
- [Do the inner work to see outer results. Know what you want and GO FOR IT. 💥](https://artoffreedom.me/do-the-inner-work-to-see-outer-results-know-what-you-want-and-go-for-it-💥/) - [Today is the LAST DAY to register!] Do you want to conquer performance anxiety and LOVE sharing your passion for music with others, with freedom, ease, relaxed confidence, and JOY? If you want that, then you need to do the delightful inner work of integrating mind, body, and Spirit... and immediately start experiencing the TRUE
- [Just ONE MORE DAY to claim your path to Relaxed Confidence, Joy, and Authentic Self-Expression + Get 3 NEW BONUSES!!](https://artoffreedom.me/just-one-more-day-to-claim-your-path-to-relaxed-confidence-joy-and-authentic-self-expression-get-3-new-bonuses/) - Registration for this powerful 5-week program closes TOMORROW, Friday, May 24th! GET 3 NEW BONUSES!! Special discount! Use coupon code SAVE10 Get The Relaxed Performance SOS Kit for FREE! ($97) Get SIX MONTHS of membership in The Art of Freedom® Women's Circle!! This is still in beta, so you can get in on the ground floor and be one
- [If you're a habitual "people-pleaser"...watch out!](https://artoffreedom.me/if-youre-a-habitual-people-pleaser-watch-out/) - Are you a "people-pleaser", always putting yourself last and resisting doing things for yourself that make you feel really GOOD... but then you end up shaking and feeling totally out of control onstage... dying to run away and hide when you're in the spotlight? If you're a confirmed "people-pleaser", watch out! That feminine conditioning to
- [This skill is what most people are missing and what you need most as a female musician!](https://artoffreedom.me/this-skill-is-what-most-people-are-missing-and-what-you-need-most-as-a-female-musician/) - A lot of my students are highly skilled musicians, but they STILL feel like they’re not good enough. Even after many years of study, countless hours of practice, and maybe even landing some pretty good gigs and playing with other good musicians, they’re often frustrated with their own performance - and they'd love to be
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-4/) - Today, we're celebrating Glen Kerridge! 🎉Glen recently completed my Level 1 course for Relaxed Confidence, Joy and Flow: How to Make Great Music with Ease!Here's Glen's inspiring story (see her picture below):"My first contact with Jennifer was quite a few years ago through her YouTube videos which caught my attention. I was motivated by the possibility
- [Are you fully embracing your potential as a female musician to heal both yourself and the world, with joy and ease?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-fully-embracing-your-potential-as-a-female-musician-to-heal-both-yourself-and-the-world-with-joy-and-ease/) - Music can be profoundly self-healing AND it can help heal the world. Are you realizing your full potential as a female musician to do both, with ease and joy? As a shy young girl, I found it difficult to communicate with others verbally. What I was thinking and feeling felt so deep and important to
- [What if your best isn't good enough?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-your-best-isnt-good-enough/) - I know you pour your heart and soul into every note, but sometimes it feels like your best just isn't good enough, right? You put in the hours, practice hard, follow all the instructions every teacher ever gave you, and you do everything "right". But when the spotlight hits, your performances just don't match what
- [Women, have relationship issues ever impacted your ability to perform at your best?](https://artoffreedom.me/women-have-relationship-issues-ever-impacted-your-ability-to-perform-at-your-best/) - Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to concentrate and play your best after you've had an argument with your spouse, an uncomfortable misunderstanding with your stand partner, or when the conductor directing your ensemble makes a habit of being sarcastic, yelling, and intimidating the musicians? So much of our lives revolve around
- [Do you know how to share your Inner Fire?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-how-to-share-your-inner-fire/) - The first time I met Sir Yehudi Menuhin, the great master of the violin, I was a shy young girl who tremblingly asked for his autograph backstage after a concert he gave with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (my hometown).The next time I met him, I was a teenager playing in a the finals of a competition
- [Women, have you ever had problems with a relationship that make it harder for you to perform at your best?](https://artoffreedom.me/women-have-you-ever-had-problems-with-a-relationship-that-make-it-harder-for-you-to-perform-at-your-best/) - There's been so much in the news over the years (and all too recently) about women in music finding themselves in unhealthy, sometimes emotionally or physically abusive, relationships with music teachers, colleagues, conductors, employers, etc..., but who quietly endure unacceptable behavior and its aftermath, for many reasons. Sometimes, these women are young and innocent, unsure
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-3/) - "So many little miracles every single day!" Today, let's celebrate Jill Griffin, Violin, Educator 🎉 "Jennifer’s guidance has changed my life and I know it has prevented what could have been serious and painful injuries. I was healed of a serious episode of vertigo (before, I had to walk with a cane!). My music making
- [Are you a professional violinist who pours your heart and soul into your craft, yet still struggles to play your best when it matters most?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-a-professional-violinist-who-pours-your-heart-and-soul-into-your-craft-yet-still-struggles-to-play-your-best-when-it-matters-most/) - You devote every spare moment to diligent practice, honing your skills with laser focus. Yet under the spotlight, your performances still fall painfully short of your aspirations. The rich, expressive sound you long for remains frustratingly out of reach. Nerves and tension cause your bow to tremble, your intonation to falter. Worries about colleagues' judgments
- [🎙️ Media Series / The Power of Music Thinking with Christof Zürn](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️-media-series-the-power-of-music-thinking-with-christof-zurn/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by our Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I share my thoughts with popular podcast hosts on how to enjoy your musical LIFE with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) I'd really love to get your feedback on this week's podcast interview... send me a
- [Do you want to improve your violin technique?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-want-to-improve-your-violin-technique/) - Do you want to improve your violin technique - I mean, REALLY improve it? So that it's consistent, reliable, and won't fail you under pressure? If so... start by answering these 3 questions: First: Pause, get in touch with your heart and listen to the silence within for just a moment; then, fill in the
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom® ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐-2/) - Today, we're celebrating Vicky Pierson Westerfield, Violin, from 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"! Vicky
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom-musician-celebration-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Aboud Abaza, Violin, Syria/Australia 🎉 "My violin is my life" Let's celebrate Aboud, who received the Australian of the Year Award, last October 2021 - WOW!! I am so proud of Aboud, who travelled from Syria to Australia with his family and went back to school to learn how to play classical
- [Conquer Performance Anxiety in Music with These 18 Expert Techniques](https://artoffreedom.me/conquer-performance-anxiety-in-music/) - When musicians come to me, they always have a strong desire to make better music—a desire that’s being thwarted for one reason or another. Their joy is interrupted by pain, performance anxiety, or something else that gets in their way, and they haven’t yet figured out how to solve the problem on their own. One
- [What I wish I'd known a long time ago about becoming a better violinist...](https://artoffreedom.me/what-i-wish-id-known-a-long-time-ago-about-becoming-a-better-violinist/) - I didn’t get into the orchestra and I didn’t win the competition… even though I’d done everything right.I was obsessed with the violin and I practiced for hours every day. I went to exclusive summer courses, went to great schools, and I had the best teachers in the world.Even though a lot of things were
- [](https://artoffreedom.me/26618-2/) - It's a funny thing... I never suffered from performance nerves as a violinist until I was hired by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra to play in the back of the 2nd Violin section. Before then, I'd performed at a world-class international masterclass for Nathan Milstein (one of the best classical violinists of all time), as a
- [What if you really AREN'T good enough??](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-you-really-arent-good-enough-2/) - Are you sick of comparing yourself to other musicians who seem to play so naturally, tossing off acrobatic techno-fireworks with effortless ease, while you've been practicing, performing, and working hard for many years... but your performances STILL fall short of your expectations and you just can't be free and enjoy yourself on stage? The uncomfortable
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom®️ ~ STUDENT CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom️-student-celebration-⭐-2/) - Today, let's celebrate Mary Loney, Violinist 🎉 Here's Mary's inspiring story: "Hi, I'm Mary Loney and I've been a violinist for 50 years. After two back surgeries and then a fall I've been dealing with serious pain - to the point that I could no longer play the violin. I was in so much pain
- [Are you secretly functioning in 'survival' mode?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-secretly-functioning-in-survival-mode/) - Nervous tension, worry about your career, burnout, lack of motivation to practice, physical discomfort or pain, a lack of confidence in your skills... these are common experiences amongst musicians, unfortunately. We all know that tension and anxiety feel bad, but reactions to stress have been proven to be downright unhealthy - mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- [🎙️Media Showcase Series / CORPSONORE with Hannah Murray and Madeline Stewart](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️media-showcase-series-corpsonore-with-hannah-murray-and-madeline-stewart/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this week's Media Showcase Series, featuring podcast interviews in which I share my thoughts with popular podcast hosts on how to enjoy your musical LIFE with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! 🙂 In this enlightening episode for Corpsonore with Hannah Murray and Madeline Stewart, we explore
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom®️ ~ STUDENT CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom️-student-celebration-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Golden Hawk, Flute 🎉 Today, I'd like to share a quote (below) from a student who finished The Musician's Advantage Jumpstart program with me. Jim works with show horses and plays the flute. I am so moved by what he writes here. I want everyone here to know that the experiences
- [Teary-eyed...](https://artoffreedom.me/teary-eyed/) - I became teary-eyed on a walk the other day... A young teenager (probably autistic) walking with his parents offered me a stick and abruptly said, "Here's a gift!" But I didn't understand what he's said - or that he was offering me something - until after I'd walked further on the path, I no longer
- [🎙️Weekend Media / Unconditioning: Discovering the Voice Within with Whitney Ann Jenkins](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-unconditioning-discovering-the-voice-within-with-whitney-ann-jenkins/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted with today's selection for our Weekend Media Showcase Series, featuring inspiring conversations between popular podcast hosts and myself related to music-making, and how to enjoy your musical LIFE with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! :) I invite you into the world of "Harmonious Conversations" with Whitney Ann Jenkins.
- [⭐ The Art of Freedom®️ ~ MUSICIAN CELEBRATION! ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-the-art-of-freedom️-musician-celebration-⭐/) - Today, let's celebrate Martie Perry, Violinist & Violist! 🎉 Martie is a stellar musician was been my private coaching client a while back. She started my program with some physical pain and trepidation regarding certain events in her life, wishing to find more balance, greater well-being, and also more freedom and ease in her music.
- [On Nature's Music and how to play naturally 🌊](https://artoffreedom.me/on-natures-music-and-how-to-play-naturally-🌊/) - In this video, I'm listening to Nature, then musing on meaning... sharing some thoughts with you from Bloomington, Indiana.
- [⭐ SUNDAY SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-sunday-success-spotlight-⭐-2/) - HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO LACIE CARPENTER ~ FIDDLER, SINGER/SONGWRITER, EDUCATOR, RECORDING ARTIST!! 🥳 Lacie's song "My Lucky Song" with Thornton Cline charted as #1 for the European Indie Music Network!! BRAVO!! 🎉 “When I joined Jennifer’s Art of Freedom® program, something miraculous happened each week! It was like a musical re-birth! My music making became easier
- [👉 You’re only 3 steps away from taking charge of your pain and making the best music of your life!](https://artoffreedom.me/👉-youre-only-3-steps-away-from-taking-charge-of-your-pain-and-making-the-best-music-of-your-life/) - If you're in pain, it's unlikely that you're at your best right now. Your body hurts when you play, your energy is low, and it’s really hard to feel motivated and excited about your music. You know you’re in need of healing, and you’re sick of feeling down about yourself and your musical future. That’s
- ["Pain is Your Friend." (WHAT?!?)](https://artoffreedom.me/pain-is-your-friend-what-2/) - "Pain is Your Friend." (WHAT?!?) Yes, F.M. Alexander said, “Pain is your friend.” But how can pain be your friend if pain HURTS?!? 😱 Actually, the pain itself isn't nearly as much of a problem as how you're likely to react to it. 💧 When you’re in pain... you feel distracted, scared, or angry. Sometimes, you
- [So much possibility opens up for you and your music... when you can finally release your pain! 🙂](https://artoffreedom.me/so-much-possibility-opens-up-for-you-and-your-music-when-you-can-finally-release-your-pain-🙂/) - So much possibility opens up for you and your music... when you can finally release your pain! 🙂 My students frequently report that they have completely unexpected breakthroughs, surprising "miracles", and quite unexpected positive things happening in their lives and music-making as a result of learning The Art of Freedom® Method... ...because they finally understand how
- [Letting go of pain is EASY!](https://artoffreedom.me/letting-go-of-pain-is-easy/) - Letting go of pain is EASY! But...how?!? Your body hurts when you play, but you’re not quite sure what to do about it. 🤔 Your friends say… “Stretch! Doctor! Chiropractor! Massage! Acupuncture! Pain killers! Ice! Or... Get thee to a surgeon like I did!” So much advice, and so much uncertainty! So, who should you listen
- [🎙️Weekend Media / The Gigging Musician Podcast with Jared Judge](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-the-gigging-musician-podcast-with-jared-judge/) - Tune in as Jared Judge and I explore the essence of my book - "Make Great Music with Ease", diving into the art of smarter practice, confident performances, and crafting a fulfilling life in music. From sharing personal anecdotes to dissecting the challenges musicians encounter, we're embarking on a journey to unlock the secrets to
- [⭐ SUNDAY SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT ⭐](https://artoffreedom.me/⭐-sunday-success-spotlight-⭐/) - CELEBRATING AOISE O'DWYER, VIOLA Aoise is a professional violist who has recently gone back to school in Ireland for her Masters degree. She took one of my introductory Alexander Technique programs last year, and she is currently a member of The Musicians Advantage Advanced Group, learning how to apply The Art of Freedom® Method and
- [Do you suffer for your art?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-suffer-for-your-art/) - An Australian study demonstrated that 84% (!!) of professional orchestral musicians experienced enough pain, performance anxiety, and/or depression to cause them to miss work. 😲 Even more surprising: the same study concluded that…“a physically based treatment that doesn’t also address associated anxiety and depression might not be effective.” What does that mean? It means that if
- [🎙️Weekend Media / Time to Practice with Christine Goodner](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-time-to-practice-with-christine-goodner/) - Hi! Get ready to be entertained and uplifted with today's selection for our Weekend Media Showcase Series, featuring inspiring conversations between popular podcast hosts and myself related to music-making, Alexander Technique, and how to enjoy LIFE with more Ease, Grace and JOY! 😊 In this episode, Christine and I discuss the importance of choices
- [🎉 The Art of Freedom®️ ~ STUDENT CELEBRATION ~ Mary Himmer, Cello! 🎉](https://artoffreedom.me/🎉-the-art-of-freedom️-student-celebration-mary-himmer-cello-🎉/) - Today, let's celebrate Mary Himmer, Cellist!🎉 Mary picked up the cello later in life, and has been applying The Art of Freedom® Method and Primal Alexander Awareness Etudes to her daily life and music for a couple years now. She has had too many breakthroughs and insights to mention them all here, but here's what
- [What if you could feel so amazing performing onstage that you'd give yourself goosebumps EVERY TIME?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-you-could-feel-so-amazing-performing-onstage-that-youd-give-yourself-goosebumps-every-time/) - What if you could feel so amazing performing onstage that you'd give yourself goosebumps EVERY TIME? Yes, that's actually possible! 🙂 Not only that, to experience that level of flow and joy while making music is a specific skill. And that means it's something you can learn. You probably already get goosebumps sometimes when you
- [🎙️Weekend Media / Interplay: Conversations in Music with Michael Shapiro](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-interplay-conversations-in-music-with-michael-shapiro/) - Uncover the secrets to unlocking your true potential as an artist in this episode of the 'Interplay' podcast, as Michael Shapiro and Jennifer dive into the intersection of music and art through Jennifer's innovative approach. Learn how addressing the mind/body split can enhance creativity and performance, and discover the Art of Freedom® Method for a
- [When a performance makes you cry...](https://artoffreedom.me/when-a-performance-makes-you-cry/) - I went to a concert Sunday, something I rarely do anymore, and it did not disappoint! On the contrary, I found it one of the most moving and beautiful concerts I've ever attended as an audience member (and as you can imagine, I've been to a LOTTTT of concerts in my life, so this is
- [The problem you don't know you have is the biggest one holding you back](https://artoffreedom.me/the-problem-you-dont-know-you-have-is-the-biggest-one-holding-you-back/) - The 2nd-biggest hurdle musicians need to get over in order to improve their technique, relieve pain, heal from injury, or conquer performance anxiety is playing with too much tension. But the BIGGEST problem musicians have that keeps them stuck and frustrated is... a lack of awareness that they play with too much tension... and how much it
- [🎙️Weekend Media Showcase Series / The Violin Geek Podcast](https://artoffreedom.me/🎙️weekend-media-showcase-series-the-violin-geek-podcast/) - Get ready to be entertained and uplifted with today's selection for our Weekend Media Showcase Series, featuring inspiring conversations between popular podcast hosts and myself related to music-making, Alexander Technique, and how to enjoy LIFE with more Ease, Grace, and JOY! This particular episode with Laurel Thomsen was quite long (1 hour, 30 min.), but
- [Ever feel like you don't have enough time...money...love?](https://artoffreedom.me/ever-feel-like-you-dont-have-enough-time-money-love/) - It's common to fall into the trap of believing we don't have enough time, whether it's for practice, concert preparation, or juggling family responsibilities with work. This mindset, known as a scarcity mindset, affects not just time but also finances and other aspects of life - even your relationships. However, whether your belief in scarcity
- [We classical musicians like the old ways… and change is hard!](https://artoffreedom.me/we-classical-musicians-like-the-old-ways-and-change-is-hard/) - We musicians are used to doing things the way we always have. And we like it that way! After all... ⚜️ We still perform music from hundreds of years ago as our standard repertoire, and we look to these old composers as role models: Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel, Beethoven… ⚜️ Most music conservatories
- [Reflections on Life & Music (from a dazed mind still flying somewhere over the Pacific!)](https://artoffreedom.me/reflections-on-life-music-from-a-dazed-mind-still-flying-somewhere-over-the-pacific/) - I'm in the airport in Houston, spending a 6-hour layover in the airport, on my way home from a 10-day vacation tour with my mother (and a group) in New Zealand. After a 13-hour flight (part of a 36-hour day) and 10 days spent mostly in buses and boats (along with some breathtakingly gorgeous
- [Transitions in life and music](https://artoffreedom.me/transitions-in-life-and-music/) - It's been a full month since I returned from my travels to India and month-long stay at an ashram, and I'm still making the transition back to "normal" life here in the States - while I'm also very conscious of moving forward into a NEW personal normal, as I'm creating it for myself. Since I'm
- [But is online Alexander Technique the real thing??](https://artoffreedom.me/but-is-online-alexander-technique-the-real-thing/) - Surprisingly, some people still have doubts about whether it's possible to learn the Alexander Technique without the touch of a teacher's hands. I've been teaching the Alexander Technique for musicians since 2007; I've taught without touch and online since 2012; and exclusively online since 2018, two years before the pandemic hit. I love
- [Financial Lemonade (Musicians)](https://artoffreedom.me/financial-lemonade-musicians/) - How do you respond to money stress? It's something I don't usually talk about much, but money is very often on the minds of musicians, and we all have unpleasant surprises from time to time. So, how do you respond when life brings you financial lemons?? The good news is... when you have the mind-body
- [Great Artistry](https://artoffreedom.me/great-artistry/) - What do you aspire to as an artist? What are YOUR thoughts on great artistry? Here are a few of mine... Great artistry shines far beyond quantitative concepts of speed, dynamics, and number of notes played. Great art possesses an ineffable quality that is subtle, perfectly responsive and supremely flexible.
- [Some real practicing and advice: Bach Fugue, Rachmaninov, Kreisler (with videos!)](https://artoffreedom.me/some-real-practicing-and-advice-bach-fugue-rachmaninov-kreisler-with-videos/) - People have been telling me that watching my violin practice sessions and hearing me talk about what I'm doing can be quite helpful. SO.... On a whim, I recently recorded a few short live videos demonstrating some of my real practicing, adding in some explanations about how I'm applying The Art of Freedom and
- [Violinists, “Just relax!” (...um, sure…but how?)](https://artoffreedom.me/violinists-just-relax-um-surebut-how/) - You’ve been studying, practicing, performing - and maybe even teaching - the violin for many years. So, shouldn’t you be able to play without all that extra tension by now?!? ➡️ After all, you KNOW your shoulders shouldn’t be tense, and your jaw shouldn’t have a death-grip on your instrument. ➡️ You KNOW your
- [Open doors! Calling all VIOLINISTS!! I'm so excited!!](https://artoffreedom.me/open-doors-calling-all-violinists-im-so-excited/) - I’ve just opened the doors for my NEW 30-day Violin ‘Tension-Tamer’ edition of The Musician’s Advantage Jumpstart, starting April 3rd! This breakthrough, holistic program is for violinists and violists who know they tend to bring too much tension to their playing, but haven’t been able to let go of it and get to the
- [How's your relationship with your instrument?](https://artoffreedom.me/hows-your-relationship-with-your-instrument/) - Some people name their instruments. Some people talk to them. Some people think their instruments hate them. Yes, I once had a coaching client who was convinced her trumpet was making her sound bad because it hated her, and she was THIS close to quitting music altogether. It didn't help that she was in a
- [We all want LOVE.](https://artoffreedom.me/we-all-want-love/) - We all want LOVE. A sense of loving interconnectedness is what every human being yearns for at the very core of their being. This is what I want, this is what you want, this is what everyone wants, and it’s what drives everyone and everything we do, from the core of our hearts.
- [Heart to Heart Communication](https://artoffreedom.me/heart-to-heart-communication/) - I don't think of heart to heart communication as a necessarily meaning communication happening from a specific place in the body. If we start thinking and feeling from the physical heart, it's easy to over-focus and go into a constrictive mode - even if you have the most wonderful, positive, loving feelings. If you're concentrating
- [Do you know what you want?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-what-you-want/) - Do you know what you want? Believe it or not, this is a truly challenging question for many musicians. I'm writing about this today because it came up in The Musician's Mind-Body Breakthrough class yesterday, and it reminded me about how hard it was for ME to figure out what I actually wanted -
- [Is it finally time for you to stop suffering?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-it-finally-time-for-you-to-stop-suffering/) - Is it finally time for you to stop suffering? I've seen it for my whole life. It started when my dad used to take me to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as a kid. We'd sit up front so I could watch the violinists up close, and I loved that! But, being a very
- [Famous artists struggle, too...](https://artoffreedom.me/famous-artists-struggle-too/) - Did you know that most professional musicians - even well-known artists - struggle privately with pain and/or performance nerves, but most people don’t know because they hide it really well? 👉 For example, I once asked violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenburg (pictured below) how she prevents pain, and she admitted that she has to ice her arms
- [Sunday Success Spotlight](https://artoffreedom.me/sunday-success-spotlight/) - ⭐ SUNDAY SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT ⭐ https://share.descript.com/view/lZbcD9fpLHa CELEBRATING AOISE O'DWYER, VIOLA Aoise is a professional violist who has recently gone back to school in Ireland for her Masters degree. She took one of my introductory Alexander Technique programs last year, and she is currently a member of The Musicians Advantage Advanced Group, learning how to apply
- [Here’s what DOESN’T work to get rid of performance nerves (and what does) ...](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-what-doesnt-work-to-get-rid-of-performance-nerves-and-what-does/) - You know what it’s like… You wake up on the morning of an important performance and your heart flutters. 🏃Your mind starts racing along with your body, and before you know it, you’ve thought of multiple things that could go wrong, and part of you wishes you could just run off to Antarctica
- [To get what you want...](https://artoffreedom.me/to-get-what-you-want/) - To get what you want and achieve your Heart’s Desires in life and music, you need to learn how to… Recognize your people-pleasing and rebellious tendencies, and decide to rise above them in order to take full responsibility for your choices and your well-being. Know your mind and clarify your intentions. Get clear about
- [Can you play intense music AND be relaxed at the same time?](https://artoffreedom.me/can-you-play-intense-music-and-be-relaxed-at-the-same-time/) - The musicians I work with often become bewildered when they are suddenly faced with the realization that they are dramatically increasing their muscular tension when they play intense, highly emotional (or simply loud) music; and their next discovery is that they are actually UNABLE to be passionate AND relaxed in mind and body at the
- [Stop trying to relax your shoulders! (Or your wrist, or your jaw, etc.)](https://artoffreedom.me/stop-trying-to-relax-your-shoulders-or-your-wrist-or-your-jaw-etc/) - Musicians often make the mistake of thinking they need to relax specific parts of the body to correct a technical musical problem, instead of realizing that the entire self - mind, body, emotions - needs to let go in order to really resolve the issue. 💧 But, your shoulders really ARE too tight, you
- [When [HOW YOU ARE] making music breaks your body](https://artoffreedom.me/when-how-you-are-making-music-breaks-your-body/) - I saw an article from NPR last week about how making music ends up causing tremendous pain for many musicians - often to the point of having to quit and find another career. (Link to full article: "When making music breaks your body") So much about this article is sad, but to me the saddest
- [How to play fast and make art... instead of sounding like a typewriter?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-play-fast-and-make-art-instead-of-sounding-like-a-typewriter/) - Q: How can I learn to play quick technical passages with effortless ease? A: In order to play quickly, with technical facility, you need to develop your mental facility and connect that with effortless ease in your body, so that you are able to observe yourself and make lighting-quick adjustments as needed in a split
- [Practicing... by peeling potatoes?!?](https://artoffreedom.me/practicing-by-peeling-potatoes/) - Last Saturday, I practiced. By peeling potatoes. Most musicians wouldn't call that practicing... but the people who work with me understand that the BEST practicing happens when there is a certain combination of elements happening all together. Having your musical instrument in your hands is not necessarily one of them. In fact, when you're NOT
- [The secret to practicing more with LESS EFFORT](https://artoffreedom.me/the-secret-to-practicing-more-with-less-effort/) - In today's live video, I shared the secret to practicing more with less effort, so you can improve your skills faster while safeguarding your health and enjoying your life! (See video CONTENTS below...) NOTE: If you like the video, please subscribe, like & comment - and share it with your friends! Thanks! ❤ VIDEO CONTENTS:
- [10 Reasons Why Mind-Body Awareness is Essential for Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/10-reasons-why-mind-body-awareness-is-essential-for-musicians/) - Too many musicians suffer needlessly from all kinds of physical and mental/emotional issues - such as pain, performance anxiety, and excess tension - that block their potential to enjoy great artistry. This is in large part because they haven’t realized the importance of developing essential mind-body awareness skills. In this post and the accompanying
- [Here's a crazy fact about suppressed emotion, and what that means for you as an artist](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-a-crazy-fact-about-suppressed-emotion-and-what-that-means-for-you-as-an-artist/) - FACT: 90% of our energy is being used to suppress emotion. WOW. Read that again... Now, imagine how much richer your musical experience could be if you knew how to feel and unleash those emotions through movement, life, and sound? Can you imagine that? Because if you can, then you can make it happen,
- [Is your technique effortLESS... or effortFULL?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-your-technique-effortless-or-effortfull/) - Is your technique effortLESS... or effortFULL? Is your technique less than stellar, and you KNOW it could be better, but excess tension or pain keeps getting in your way? Is effortless technique just a far off dream that seems meant for everybody else, but not you? Here's what usually happens to throw us off when
- [You need to address this blind spot if you want to improve your technique.](https://artoffreedom.me/you-need-to-address-this-blind-spot-if-you-want-to-improve-your-technique/) - Your technique may be pretty fantastic already - but what do you do when your technique fails you - especially when you’re under pressure, when you need it most? When your technique is lacking, it’s usually because something seems hard, requires more effort than you’d like, or it seems a bit out of reach, given
- [Do you have it backwards when it comes to prepping for an audition?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-have-it-backwards-when-it-comes-to-prepping-for-an-audition/) - Prepping for an audition or performance, or even playing for an esteemed teacher or colleague, can be really stressful and anxiety-provoking. Most musicians don't exactly think of audition prepping as something to look forward to... a grand learning adventure... or FUN! Mostly, it's a fearful, risky, competitive, and repetitive process that feels too unpredictable to
- [What do you do when you're thrown off balance?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-do-you-do-when-youre-thrown-off-balance/) - Sometimes you get blindsided by somebody else's actions. Something they say or something they do. And it seems to come from out of nowhere. Their words chop you down and pierce you to the core, causing a wound that may take a while to heal. So what do you do? Hopefully, you have the presence
- [Is your back stage behavior increasing your pain?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-your-back-stage-behavior-increasing-your-pain/) - I’ve recently had several students tell me stories about what goes on for them backstage before a performance, and I know from experience that the pain they’re experiencing in their bodies is very much related to their backstage experience. It’s my job as a coach to help them learn new ways to deal with this,
- [Pain is distracting! What's a musician to do?](https://artoffreedom.me/pain-is-distracting-whats-a-musician-to-do/) - When your body is in pain, it’s hard to pay attention to anything else. And when you’re trying to make music - or have a conversation with a student - that can be a real problem! 😟 Having worked with hundreds of musicians in pain, I know that distraction and mind-wandering are serious concerns, and
- [Are you in control of what happens before a performance?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-in-control-of-what-happens-before-a-performance/) - I’ve recently had several students tell me stories about what goes on for them backstage before a performance, and I know from experience that the pain they’re experiencing in their bodies is very much related to their backstage experience. It’s my job as a coach to help them learn new ways to deal with this,
- [Are you a people-pleaser?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-a-people-pleaser/) - I am… or WAS... I prefer to think of myself as a *recovering* people-pleaser now! How about you? As a musician, you want to get along with your colleagues, impress judges and donors, please your students, make great music that brings joy to your audiences... and make your family happy while you're at it.
- [You CAN overcome pain...if...](https://artoffreedom.me/you-can-overcome-pain-if/) - You have a concert tomorrow. It's time to go to sleep, but you’re worrying about your performance. You’ve had a lot of pain in your arms recently, and you just know it’s likely to be a problem again tomorrow. When you wake up, it feels a little better. But as you go about your
- [Being a “Type-A” musician is a double-edged sword…](https://artoffreedom.me/type_a_musician/) - Most of the musicians I work with tend to be “Type-A” personalities. They’re successful high-achievers, and they enjoy being in control of themselves and their environments. It’s that last bit - the need to be in control - that is both a blessing and a curse. It’s also a major contributor to physical and emotional
- [](https://artoffreedom.me/25714-2/) - I’m feeling really emotional… this dream is finally happening!! ✨ It’s now official: I’m a solo recording artist and my first recording has been released to the public – YAYYY!!! All my life, I’ve dreamed of making professional solo violin recordings, and now my very first single is available on all streaming platforms –
- [You're only 3 steps away from taking charge of your pain and making the best music of your life!](https://artoffreedom.me/youre-only-3-steps-away-from-taking-charge-of-your-pain-and-making-the-best-music-of-your-life/) - ? You’re only 3 steps away from taking charge of your pain and making the best music of your life! I know you’re not at your best right now. Your body hurts when you play, your energy is low, and it’s really hard to feel motivated and excited about your music these days. You know
- [Here's how to use this time to your best advantage!](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-how-to-use-this-time-to-your-best-advantage/) - The global pandemic: ? No live performances...no live teaching...fewer gigs...cancelled tours… are you using this time to your best advantage? Almost everywhere on the planet communities are still practicing social distancing or are in lockdown due to covid-19. Even thought we have more knowledge and hope than a year ago, there's still so much insecurity and
- [Your pain isn't what you think it is...](https://artoffreedom.me/your-pain-isnt-what-you-think-it-is/) - Liz, a singer, came to me as a last resort before getting surgery for TMJ. ? After just a few sessions learning how to apply The Art of Freedom® Method and the Alexander Technique, her music was feeling free and fun again, and she completely forgot about her pain. When I bumped into Liz more
- [What If You Could Play with Effortless Ease....Whenever You Want?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-you-could-play-with-effortless-ease-whenever-you-want/) - What if you could play with effortless ease...whenever you want? ?️ I taught a workshop to a community orchestra recently, in which we talked about many of the problems they face as musicians. I shared 3 big problems I see in musicians across the board, which tend to cause pain and unhappiness sooner or later.
- [Do you Know the Key To Effortless Music-Making?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-the-key-to-effortless-music-making/) - Last week, I taught two workshops for musicians - one for a great group of string players at Northern Kentucky University, and another for the East Metro Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra in the Twin Cities. What fun! :) We talked about many of the common problems musicians have (physical, mental, emotional), and how important
- [I'm tired of seeing passionate musicians held back by pain!](https://artoffreedom.me/im-tired-of-seeing-passionate-musicians-held-back-by-pain/) - Too many musicians are stuck in a vicious cycle, unable to find their way out. If you're in pain, you might be wondering if the discomfort you feel when you play your instrument means there’s something seriously wrong with you, since you aren’t getting better, no matter what you do. ? You’ve tried just about
- [You May Be Avoiding Pain When You Play, But...](https://artoffreedom.me/you-may-be-avoiding-pain-when-you-play-but/) - You're managing to avoid pain when you play... but for how long, and at what cost? Sometimes your body hurts when you play, and somehow you’re managing to keep the pain at bay... but you know it’s there lurking in the background, making you uneasy whenever you pick up your instrument. ? You never know
- [Letting go of pain is EASY! But... how?!??](https://artoffreedom.me/letting-go-of-pain-is-easy-but-how/) - Letting go of pain is EASY! But...how?!? Your body hurts when you play, but you’re not quite sure what to do about it. ? Your friends say… “Stretch! Doctor! Chiropractor! Massage! Acupuncture! Pain killers! Ice! Or… ...Get thee to a surgeon like I did!” So much advice, and so much uncertainty! So, who should you
- [Most musicians experience pain, but here’s hope!](https://artoffreedom.me/most-musicians-experience-pain-but-heres-hope/) - When I was a kid, my dad took me to hear orchestra concerts and we sat in the front row so I could watch the violinists up close. ? I loved the music, but that’s actually when I decided NOT to play in an orchestra. The musicians looked so unhappy - and that’s not how
- [Common problems musicians have... and what to do about them](https://artoffreedom.me/common-problems-musicians-have-and-what-to-do-about-them/) - I just finished teaching a zoom workshop for a great group of string players at Northern Kentucky University last night. What fun! We talked about many of the common problems musicians have (physical, mental, emotional), and how important it is for each of us to realize that every thought we have is translated by the
- ["Pain is your friend." (What?!?)](https://artoffreedom.me/pain-is-your-friend-what/) - F.M. Alexander said, “Pain is your friend.” But pain hurts, and friends aren’t supposed to hurt us. So how can pain be your friend? ? ? When you’re in pain... you feel horrible, distracted, scared, anxious, worried, frustrated… and angry. Sometimes, you feel utterly hopeless. ?You can’t focus on anything but the pain, and your
- [What If You Really AREN'T Good Enough??](https://artoffreedom.me/what-if-you-really-arent-good-enough/) - Umm.... what if you really AREN'T good enough?? Are you sick of comparing yourself to other musicians who play naturally with effortless ease, while you keep feeling like you come up short? You might feel like you’re not "good enough" because... ? You're trying to overcome an injury ? Physical tension prevents you from playing
- [Is Pain Sabotaging Your Musical Joy?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-pain-sabotaging-your-musical-joy/) - Is pain sabotaging your musical joy? There’s nothing more frustrating than having pain when you just want to enjoy making music. Not only does the pain hold you back from practicing and performing, you wonder how long it will last and you worry about your future. The pain even affects your relationships, since it makes
- [Do You STILL Get Nervous On Stage?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-still-get-nervous-on-stage/) - As a seasoned performer, you might think you should be over your stage fright by now. ? After all, you’ve spent so much of your life performing and you’ve shared your music with thousands of people over the years. And yet, your nerves keep getting the better of you, preventing you from consistently giving your
- [Do you have pandemic fatigue?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-have-pandemic-fatigue/) - As a professional musician, this prolonged time with fewer (or no) live performances and in-person teaching can really wear you down. With less work and more time to worry, if you’re feeling a weird combination of lethargy and “gotta-do-something” anxiety, you’re not alone in experiencing "pandemic fatigue". It’s hard to feel motivated to be consistent
- [Passionate music requires muscular tension, right?](https://artoffreedom.me/passionate-music-requires-muscular-tension-right/) - You're a passionate musician. You're passionate about having and sharing deeply moving experiences through your music. You loving making music that awakens the emotions and leaves you and your audience feeling changed, enlivened, and more ✨enlightened✨ by the experience. The problem is, music awakens the passions by increasing and releasing tension, and it’s all too
- [Only in his dreams... until now](https://artoffreedom.me/only-in-his-dreams-until-now/) - “My playing has changed in ways that I only dreamed were possible. Those magical times when everything just clicks happen much more often now!” - T. When T. came to work with me, he was so discouraged about his playing. He was feeling really down on himself and seriously doubting his possibilities for success with
- [Are you settling for less than your heart's desire?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-settling-for-less-than-your-hearts-desire/) - Are you settling for less than your heart’s desire? ❤️ When you were young, did you love performing and dream of dazzling audiences ⭐️✨⚡️ with your beautiful and virtuosic performances? ? Have things turned out a bit differently from how you imagined? Maybe performance anxiety or injury threw you for a loop, and suddenly you couldn't
- [Are You Suffering For Your Art?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-suffering-for-your-art/) - Do you suffer for your art? Maybe you... ? Experience pain when you play your instrument. ? Get nervous when you perform. ☔️ Feel anxious or depressed more often than you’d like. If you feel any of those… you’re not alone. Far too many musicians suffer from all of the above, without getting real relief over
- [Don't Count on Stretches and Exercises to Heal Your Pain!](https://artoffreedom.me/dont-count-on-stretches-and-exercises-to-heal-your-pain/) - Q: Can stretches and exercises resolve music-related pain issues? A: I can tell you with an unequivocal “NO," stretches and exercises will NOT help you get to the root causes of your pain. Read on... In the best of cases, they will help you feel better temporarily and prevent full-blown injury; in the worst cases,
- [Does Your Technique Ever Fail Under Pressure?](https://artoffreedom.me/does-your-technique-ever-fail-under-pressure/) - Does your technique ever fail under pressure? If you’re like most musicians, you’ve had the experience of doing all the right things at home, feeling secure in what you’ve practiced… and then having it all fall apart onstage. ?? For some strange reason, even though you’ve practiced hard and you sounded great at home, when
- [How to heal faster from injury - and get back to making music!](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-heal-faster-from-injury/) - What do you do when you’re injured and can’t use your body to make music the way you usually do? You get worried, frustrated, and impatient, OF COURSE! ? It’s hard not to feel bad when you can’t practice or perform normally (or at all) - whether it’s just for a few days, months -
- [Not enough time to practice?](https://artoffreedom.me/not-enough-time-to-practice/) - The musicians I talk to never feel like they have enough time - even during the pandemic, with fewer performances, lessons, and time spent in the car. Just today, I heard from a musician whose kids are home all day, and when he finally has time to practice, he’s exhausted. Can you relate? Maybe you
- [When you feel stuck and unmotivated...but you still want to make a difference in the world...](https://artoffreedom.me/when-you-feel-stuck-and-unmotivated-but-you-still-want-to-make-a-difference-in-the-world/) - If you’re like most professional musicians, the pandemic is intensifying your desire to make a real difference in the world through your music. ? ? As a performer, you know how powerful music can be to help people connect to a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and beauty. And as an educator, you know how
- [The global pandemic: a musician's nightmare. Is there anything good about it?](https://artoffreedom.me/the-global-pandemic-a-musicians-nightmare-is-there-anything-good-about-it/) - The global pandemic is a musician’s nightmare. Is there anything good about it? ? No live performances...no live teaching...fewer gigs...cancelled tours... The end of the tunnel is barely in sight, and almost everywhere on the planet communities are still practicing social distancing or are in lockdown due to covid-19. There's so much insecurity and uncertainty
- [If you're a musician in pain... here's what doesn't work...and what does.](https://artoffreedom.me/if-youre-a-musician-in-pain-heres-what-doesnt-work-and-what-does/) - If you ever have physical pain or discomfort when you play your instrument, you’re familiar with the fear and frustration that can cause. ? It’s really hard to enjoy your playing when your body is uncomfortable, and it’s easy to worry about your career when the pain won’t go away. Your playing suffers, too, as
- [Without THIS... you'll never achieve effortless mastery and fulfill your artistic potential.](https://artoffreedom.me/withoutthis/) - Do you ever feel like something essential is missing from your technique, but you just can’t figure out what it is - no matter how hard you try, and no matter how much you practice? ? As a professional musician, you know all about practicing - you’ve been practicing all your life. You’ve had great
- [Practicing more is NOT the solution to your performance problems](https://artoffreedom.me/practicing-more-is-not-the-solution-to-your-performance-problems/) - Got a problem with your performance? Common wisdom says: Got performance anxiety? Practice more! Prepare better and perform more often! Is your technique inconsistent? Practice more! Work harder and concentrate more! Feeling disconnected from your music? Practice more! Sing it, feel it, and throw your heart into it! Are you stuck and uninspired in your
- [TIPS: How to make easy New Year's Resolutions that you can keep!](https://artoffreedom.me/tips-how-to-make-easy-new-years-resolutions-that-you-can-keep/) - Do you resist making New Year's Resolutions? Try this! In my Alexander Musicians class this week, we discussed ways to make goal-setting EASY, and how to optimize the chances for follow-through. Watch the video here, and see my list of TIPS below: We had a ridiculous amount of fun in my class, as I ran
- [Music is healing... this performance is powerful.  'Spiegel im Spiegel' by Arvo Part](https://artoffreedom.me/music-is-healing-this-performance-is-powerful-spiegel-im-spiegel-by-arvo-part/) - We are living in strange times... sometimes even surreal. My online Alexander Musicians class was certainly surreal today, as we began by sharing an unusual number of recent experiences in need of grieving, processing, and healing. One powerful way that we process and heal our emotions as musicians is, naturally, to make music. The best
- [Negative mindset, lack of motivation, covid-19... The REAL problem isn't what you think it is](https://artoffreedom.me/negative-mindset-and-lack-of-motivation-the-problem-isnt-what-you-think-it-is/) - It's no secret that musicians are struggling these days. Are you one of them? In the absence of live, in-person performances and in-person teaching, it's easy to feel an acute sense of loss for our normal way of sharing are music with others. Many musicians are finding it hard to get motivated and there's a
- [Tips for music teachers who want to thrive during covid-19 [Interview with Dave Simon]](https://artoffreedom.me/tips-for-music-teachers-who-want-to-thrive-during-covid-19-interview-with-dave-simon/) - Last Monday, I invited musical expert Dave Simon to my facebook group for a live interview. Dave offered depth of insight from his own experience as a music educator and Founder of his own music school, plus super-practical marketing tips to help music educators get through the pandemic (and beyond) with more success. I thoroughly
- [We classical musicians like the old ways… Change is hard!](https://artoffreedom.me/we-classical-musicians-like-the-old-ways-change-is-hard/) - We musicians are used to doing things the way we always have. And we like it that way! After all... ⚜️ We still perform music from hundreds of years ago as our standard repertoire, and we look to these old composers as role models: Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel, Beethoven... ⚜️ Music conservatories still teach pretty
- [You already know this about practicing… but are you applying it to your career?](https://artoffreedom.me/you-already-know-this-about-practicing-but-are-you-applying-it-to-your-career/) - ? As a musician, you already know this about practicing… but maybe you’re not applying it to your career. You already know that you get better at what you practice - every single time. Whatever you repeat multiple times, improves. The problem is, you also get better at doing things WRONG - if
- [Musicians: How to Get Over Frustration About Being Online so Much](https://artoffreedom.me/musicians-how-to-get-over-frustration-about-being-online-so-much/) - Does being online make you want to tear your hair out? As a musician, it can feel really frustrating these days because you're used to playing or teaching in-person and being able to just connect with people in the same room where you can feel that energy. You can't experience that now...so you have to
- [Are you one of the "lucky" musicians? Or....](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-one-of-the-lucky-musicians-or/) - Are you one of the “lucky” ones who still has enough work as a musician? If you are - if you still have work or if you’re managing to create your own new income streams online - then, you’re probably feeling super-grateful for the work. ?But maybe there’s also an underlying dissatisfaction... and you may
- [Is it time for professional musicians to throw in the towel? (Wait! Don't quit!)](https://artoffreedom.me/is-it-time-for-professional-musicians-to-throw-in-the-towel-wait-dont-quit/) - Does life feel shaky right now? Is your motivation slipping out of sight?Thinking of throwing in the towel as a professional musician? Wait! Read this first! I know you want a life where… you know how to use your low moods to your advantage and how to shift negative energy into a positive, energized attitude
- [There's never enough time!](https://artoffreedom.me/theres-never-enough-time/) - As a musician, you have so many responsibilities and so much to do.?️⏳ And now, during covid-19, there’s more than ever that needs to be done to safeguard your career: networking, stepping up your social media presence, doing more teaching or performing online, learning how to monetize your online presence... while taking care of your
- [How I'm making a professional dream-recording at home during covid-19 [Part 3]](https://artoffreedom.me/how-im-making-a-professional-dream-recording-at-home-during-covid-19-part-3/) - A year ago, I consulted with a producer friend of mine in Cleveland to inquire about working together to produce a solo violin recording. At the time, the biggest challenges came down to choosing between Cleveland or Cincinnati for the recording location, hiring an engineer, determining repertoire, and renting a suitable recording space. It was only
- [3 Steps for musicians to make the most of your time during the pandemic](https://artoffreedom.me/where-are-you-where-do-you-want-to-go-finding-your-way-forward-during-a-pandemic/) - Where are you now, where do you want to go?? In my Art of Freedom® private coaching programs, one of the first things we do is sit down together to clarify your vision and create a plan for a future that excites you. Watch the video here: What are your musical dreams, life goals, and
- [Do Exercises and Stretches for Musicians Really Work?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-exercises-and-stretches-for-musicians-really-work/) - Do exercises and stretches for musicians really work? I addressed this question in today's live video: Exercises and stretches aren’t the solution to pain-free playing. Is this you? You’ve been experiencing pain or discomfort when you practice, and you’ve been told that doing stretches or exercises will solve your problem. Maybe you’ve been given a
- [How to Stay Confident as a Musician During COVID-19](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-stay-confident-as-a-musician-during-covid-19/) - It's hard for musicians these days! It's impossible to predict the future - especially because we don't know what's going to happen with this pandemic. I myself have had performances canceled and I know it doesn't feel fun. A lot of you are struggling and I really empathize... When things aren't working out the way
- [5 Things you MUST do on performance day - so you can play your best!](https://artoffreedom.me/5-things-you-must-do-on-performance-day-so-you-can-play-your-best/) - When I have a performance, I want to give my BEST - which means that I wake up that day ready to do the things that I know will get me on track, ready to show up with my whole self - alert, energized and open to sharing my art from my heart with as
- [How To Do The Impossible!](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-do-the-impossible/) - If you want to achieve the impossible, you need to believe in the possible! Kids are very good at dreaming up seemingly impossible things that they want to do with their life and adults are (sadly) usually pretty good at getting rid of those crazy ideas. Kids eventually lose some of their ability to dream
- [6 Steps to Vanquish Self-Doubt + Achieve Your Goals](https://artoffreedom.me/6-steps-to-vanquish-self-doubt-achieve-your-goals/) - Try making music or performing while plagued by self-doubt. It ain't pretty! Or teaching...Or speaking to your audience...Or making a comment to your colleagues...Or walking into an interview or audition...Nope - self-doubt will get us nowhere! Let's go in a different direction!How does consistent self-confidence under any circumstances sound to you, instead? Ah, YES. Let's
- [Virtual tour of my home recording studio! Wanna see? [Recording adventure Part 1]](https://artoffreedom.me/virtual-tour-of-my-home-recording-studio-wanna-see/) - This video gives you a quick virtual tour of my new home recording studio - a converted upstairs bedroom! I'm really excited to start recording in September 2020 - Bach and Ysaye!! This video also shares a few words about what I'm thinking about regarding tuning. (Preview: I'll be playing the Bach at A=432 -
- [The ONE thing you need to improve ALL of your technique with ease!](https://artoffreedom.me/the-one-thing-you-need-to-improve-all-of-your-instrumental-techniques-with-ease/) - We musicians all want to improve our technique and musicianship, and we all know how important it is to practice, practice, practice if we want to get better! But, perhaps you’re feeling frustrated about something you wish you could do as a musician but you can't quite seem solve the problem, no matter how much
- [Why is Authenticity so Important for Artists?](https://artoffreedom.me/why-is-authenticity-so-important-for-artists/) - Everyone is talking about authenticity these days - it's just everywhere! Even in the stores on magazine covers you see things like, "How to be Your True Self." Everyone wants to be authentic and that's a great thing! But...how do you do it...and why is it important? In today's video, I discuss why it's so
- [My mind is officially BOGGLED!! [My recording adventure continues...Part 2]](https://artoffreedom.me/my-mind-is-officially-boggled-my-recording-adventure-continues/) - My mind is officially BOGGLED!! ?????????Here's why... Some of you know I'm working on a solo violin recording project. I've been practicing more than I have in 30 years, working up some challenging repertoire that I LOVE.The project is my 50th b'day present to myself - one of the only things on my "bucket list" (if
- [10 Ways my life has improved (A LOT) thanks to Alexander Technique!](https://artoffreedom.me/10-ways-my-life-has-improved-a-lot-thanks-to-alexander-technique/) - I've been practicing the Alexander Technique since 2003, and I've been teaching hands-free Primal Alexander exclusively online since 2015, as a vital component to my Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living and masterful artistry. Website: www.ArtofFreedom.me // Contact me for more information about private coaching or group classes for musicians! * 10 Ways my
- [NEW: Creative Healing Events: Workshop + Violin Improvisation for YOU!](https://artoffreedom.me/new-creative-healing-events-workshop-violin-improvisation-for-you/) - This post shares something new and extremely meaningful to me, which I've been offering to a select audience on a monthly basis. Every month, I facilitate an online Creative Healing Event, which includes a small, private zoom workshop and a live-streamed Creative Healing Violin Improvisation, based on what came up for participants in the workshop.
- [The Hidden Super-Power in Writing Things Down](https://artoffreedom.me/the-hidden-super-power-in-writing-things-down/) - When I was a kid, my head was always in the clouds, daydreaming, reading.... I forgot everything! I lost stuff all the time... and I didn't really have control over my mind or the things I needed to do, UNLESS I wrote things down. I'm still a bit like this today! In today’s video, I discuss
- [I WON - with Bach!! Back to Carnegie Hall in 2021!!](https://artoffreedom.me/i-won-with-bach-back-to-carnegie-hall-in-2021/) - A few months ago, a facebook advertisement caught my eye for an international online music competition. The second time I saw the ad, I paused to check it out. Hmmm.... no age limit! That's unusual for classical music competitions. I just turned 50 on Monday (!! wow - I keep getting younger! ;) ) -
- [Here's why reaching out is essential for effective healing](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-why-reaching-out-is-essential-for-effective-healing/) - In today's live video, I shared 3 BIG reasons why reaching out is essential for effective healing - whether you're in need of physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual healing. Watch the video here:Facebook LINKYouTube LINK The 3 reasons I shared are:1) To establish balance between your inner and outer experience2) To get help/support from others3)
- [Feeling disconnected? In need of healing? Try this!!](https://artoffreedom.me/feeling-disconnected-in-need-of-healing-try-this/) - Feeling disconnected?In need of healing and support?It's hard enough to deal with physical or emotional pain on your own, but it can be especially difficult now, as people are more isolated than ever due to COVID-19.*What if you could take a break from your physical or emotional discomfort, meet with a small group of positive
- [Burned Out? 5 Steps to bring yourself back from the brink!](https://artoffreedom.me/burned-out-5-steps-to-bring-yourself-back-from-the-brink/) - Are you feeling burned out these days? If so, you're not alone. The last few months since COVID-19 took over the world have turned things upside-down for everyone.Many of us are feeling progressively more tired and overwhelmed from dealing with the big personal and social changes required of us at this time. Not to mention the
- [Shocked by brutality... what can an artist do?? (In the wake of George Floyd murder)](https://artoffreedom.me/what-can-an-artist-do-about-events-like-the-murder-of-george-floyd/) - In this deeply personal response to current events in the USA (important peaceful protests as well as abominable violent acts, all triggered by the brutal murder of George Floyd by a law enforcement officer), I acknowledge that I know and understand very little in comparison to those who are directly affected in various ways. But,
- [How I'm Making a Professional Home Recording (from Scratch!)](https://artoffreedom.me/how-im-making-a-professional-home-recording/) - Follow along behind the scenes as I create my first professional home solo recording!
- [3 BIG Reasons Artists Suffer + 3 Powerful Solutions](https://artoffreedom.me/3-big-reasons-artists-suffer-3-powerful-solutions/) - In yesterday's live video in my free facebook group (the Mind-Body Spirit Tribe for Creative Souls), we discussed 3 HUGE reasons artists SUFFER + 3 Powerful solutions. [Watch the video... on Facebook ...on YouTube] 3 Primary reasons artists suffer: Lack of control over the mindLack of inspired imaginationLack of positive support & community Solutions: You
- ["Spark Your Creativity!" 5-Day Challenge begins TODAY! (FREE!)](https://artoffreedom.me/spark-your-creativity-5-day-challenge-begins-today-free/) - Hi Everybody! Psst...Would you like to know the key to sparking creativity? CURIOSITY! Think about it... little kids are always curious, always creative, always full of energy (except when they fall asleep on a dime)! Getting curious is essential to motivate us, and having a PURPOSE is what moves us, propels us, urges us forward.
- [How to slay your fears and make better art - even during COVID-19!](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-slay-your-fears-and-make-better-art-even-during-covid-19/) - Are you finding it challenging to deal with negative emotions, such as heightened anxiety, worry, or fear in response to COVID-19? If so, how is that impacting your desire to create art? Are you feeling more motivated or less? Are you feeling more stressed or less? Is it harder to find time to engage in
- [The Joy of Improvisation: Secrets to Healing through Creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/the-joy-of-improvisation-secrets-to-healing-through-creativity/) - Stuck feelings cause suffering - physical and/or emotional pain. We all need creative outlets! Allowing oneself to feel deeply without blocking/suppressing/repressing our emotions … then, to express those feelings and get them out of our system… THIS is the creative, improvisatory process, and this is deeply healing. I often go to my violin with the
- [How to Wake Up Your Creative Muse](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-wake-up-your-creative-muse/) - BIG NEWS!! My facebook group and my teaching is now open to ALL kinds of creative people and artists - not just musicians. This makes me so happy!! Come on over and check out the NEW Tribe - my free community on Facebook here @Mind-Body Spirit Tribe for Creative Souls. So today’s inaugural video was
- [3 Serious Mistakes Music Teachers Make...That Hold Back Their Students](https://artoffreedom.me/3-serious-mistakes-music-teachers-make-that-hold-back-their-students/) - Mistake #1 The first mistake that we make is that we lose sight of the big picture. Our priorities get out of order. And when I say “the big picture,” I’m referring to losing sight of why we became teachers - why we became musicians in the first place - and feeling disconnected from the
- [Why Music is SO Important During COVID-19](https://artoffreedom.me/why-music-is-so-important-during-covid-19/) - In our current crazy COVID-19 state of affairs, more of us - now more than ever - are isolated from each other. In all this time that we have alone at home, we’re finding we need to draw upon multiple resources to stay well in mind, body, and spirit. We need resources of all kinds
- [Musicians and Insecurity: Is There an Upside to this Rollercoaster?](https://artoffreedom.me/musicians-and-insecurity-is-there-an-upside-to-this-rollercoaster/) - Today I want to acknowledge what it's like to be in this state of insecurity. We know feeling anxious doesn't feel good from a mental state, but it doesn't feel good in the body either as the tension simmers under the surface. But I also want to focus on what we can do to
- [Panic Sabotages Your Music Making](https://artoffreedom.me/panic-sabotages-your-music-making/) - Great art requires you to be open, and it requires freedom and risk-taking. You need to be able to think quickly and to think well, so that you’re able to respond instantly to the demands of the moment. But, you can’t think well when you’re in panic-mode, because your body is redirecting your blood flow.
- [Pain Is Your Friend (Yes, Really!)](https://artoffreedom.me/pain-is-your-friend-yes-really/) - I know it’s hard to imagine that pain can be a positive thing, but in my experience working with hundreds of people in pain - as a coach, as a musician, and as a human being - I’ve learned that there is always a way to look at things in a positive light, and the
- [Special Messages & Calm During COVID-19](https://artoffreedom.me/special-messages-calm-during-cv-19/) - Dear Friend,How are you faring during these strange COVID-19 times? I really hope that you and your loved ones are feeling safe and healthy, and that you're finding ways to weather this crisis with a few silver linings amidst the chaos.Personally, I've been working non-stop since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic last week, making extra videos
- [5 Empowering Actions for Musicians in Troubled Times](https://artoffreedom.me/5-empowering-actions-for-musicians-in-troubled-times/) - A few days ago (it’s now March 13, 2020), the Coronavirus COVID-19 was declared a pandemic of epic proportions. The world is reeling. We've never seen anything like this before, and nobody knows where it will take us. Many musicians are struggling as a result, with their way of life and livelihood sorely tested. [Watch
- [Here’s Why Your Technique is Inconsistent - and 3 Ways to Fix It](https://artoffreedom.me/heres-why-your-technique-is-inconsistent-and-3-ways-to-fix-it/) - It’s a really common experience for musicians that their technique is not quite as consistent as they’d like it to be. Is that your experience, too? Or, perhaps you find that it’s steadily consistent in the practice room, but when you get on stage, everything starts to fall apart. Familiar? As musicians, we want to
- [Separated from your instrument? No worries! You can still practice! [8 TIPS]](https://artoffreedom.me/separated-from-your-instrument-no-worries-you-can-still-practice/) - I recently found out that a Facebook friend of mine has been diagnosed with cancer. What a shock! She and I spoke last year about my doing a live video for her blog and online cello community, so today I finally made the video. At her request, the topic was about how to stay connected
- [10 Steps to Playing With Wild Abandon (And Still Play The Right Notes)!](https://artoffreedom.me/10-steps-to-playing-with-wild-abandon-and-still-play-the-right-notes/) - One of the most exciting things a great musician can do is play a piece with wild, emotional abandon AND technical accuracy. It’s not easy for most musicians to pull this off! To me, “wild abandon” happens when an artist dares to be inspired, free and spontaneous, let loose, feel deeply, and just play naturally.
- [A recipe for creative goosebumps: How to activate inspiration!](https://artoffreedom.me/a-recipe-for-creative-goosebumps-how-to-activate-inspiration/) - Do you like getting goosebumps when you listen to music? Do you get them when you make your own music? That's my favorite! Let’s talk about how to maximize your chances of getting that feeling! [Watch today’s live video, where I talk about this feeling and give you the recipe to set the conditions to
- [10 Super-Important Tips to Banish Burnout!](https://artoffreedom.me/10-super-important-tips-to-banish-burnout/) - What do I mean by burnout? When you really don’t feel like practicing, don’t feel like performing, or you’ve lost your drive for what you’re normally passionate about. You just don’t want to do it anymore. Do you ever feel like that? [Watch today’s live video, where I talk about burnout and offer some solutions,
- [Is Overwhelm Negatively Impacting Your Music?](https://artoffreedom.me/is-overwhelm-negatively-impacting-your-music/) - Most of us think of overwhelm as an emotional state, forgetting that it also affects the body. [Watch today's live video, where I talk about overwhelm and offer some solutions, as outlined below.] How do YOU experience overwhelm? A sense of overwhelm is often triggered by outside events and how we respond to those events
- [What's the Best Way to Sit or Stand When You Play?](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-the-best-way-to-sit-or-stand-when-you-play/) - Hi! Some of my students have recently asked me about the best way to sit or stand when playing their musical instruments. In response, I've created a couple of live videos on the topic. You can watch them on YouTube or on my facebook page. The Best Way to Stand: Watch on FB:https://www.facebook.com/mindbodyviolin.me/videos/527881484502287/ HOW TO
- [Would this performance be healing? What do YOU think?](https://artoffreedom.me/24726-2/) - Dear Music-Lovers, I'd really love your feedback on this one. What would you think of a performance in which…. - The performer were totally in touch with her (his) own emotions, - allowing herself to feel them deeply, - allowing herself to express them fully, - allowing herself to feel and face all of her
- [What about Anger??](https://artoffreedom.me/what-about-anger/) - Anger.... bad or neutral? Negative emotion or not? I believe it's an energy, and depending how we react to it, the result becomes either destructive or constructive. Right now, I'm angry, but I know better than to push it away, fight or deny it. Instead, can I get curious about it.....? I wonder...................... What do
- [Afraid of rejection? It's not real...here's why.](https://artoffreedom.me/afraid-of-rejection-its-not-real-heres-why/) - Ultimately, we all fear rejection. From lovers, family, audiences...the world. We all fear being cut off from what we want and love, so that what we perceive as the flow of goodness coming in our direction stops. This is the fear of separation. And truly, separation is an illusion. But your perception of this Reality
- [Radiant Muse...](https://artoffreedom.me/radiant-muse/) - There's a deep yearning that wantsto contort my innards with existential grief,but,as soon as it is seen, andI let go of the hold I thought it had on me,realizing that it was my own desperate grip,it begins to moveand churnand unfurl through my body's breath,yielding with waves that lapup and down the shores of my
- [Having fun with a $5M Stradivarius! WOW!!](https://artoffreedom.me/having-fun-with-a-5m-stradivarius-wow/) - Read about my unbelievable experience playing on a Strad and why it was totally different from nine years earlier!
- [The Art of Practicing: Mindset, Imagination, Craft and Colors](https://artoffreedom.me/the-art-of-practicing-mindset-imagination-craft-and-colors/) - Practicing becomes ART when you merge purpose with craft, mindful observation, intelligence, ease, and imagination. Today, I was practicing the opening of a slow unaccompanied piece of Bach, and I noticed the subtle details of my imprecise string-crossings, which were not allowing two strings to speak at exactly the same time; instead, one note in
- [Confessions of a Caged Violinist](https://artoffreedom.me/confessions-of-a-caged-violinist/) - It finally hit me. Crushed me like an avalanche. And then I breathed a sigh of relief that's lasting for days - maybe forever? :) This week, I realized that I've been living in a cage of mediocrity of my own making. I've decided to change that. Objectively, my violin playing isn't exactly "mediocre" (I'm
- [5 Keys to Rekindle Your Passion for Music-Making](https://artoffreedom.me/5-keys-to-rekindle-your-passion-for-music-making/) - A student shared with me yesterday that she's having trouble rekindling her passion for music and remembering WHY she's a musician in the first place. Does that ever happen to you? Personally, this is something I'm all too familiar with! I responded to her question by creating a video on the topic, in which I
- [Transitions...and an Emotional Glimpse of Goodness](https://artoffreedom.me/transitions-and-an-emotional-glimpse-of-goodness/) - Dear Reader, This is a personal post, sharing a bit of my life and current transitions in this blog and my work with The Art of Freedom. If you've been following my blog-writing over the last 8 years (I started writing about life and the Alexander Technique at my Balance and Harmony blog in 2011,
- [How I overcame performance anxiety... for my best performance yet!](https://artoffreedom.me/how-i-overcame-performance-anxiety-for-my-best-performance-yet/) - In my last post, I wrote about my experience a few weeks ago at the 11th International Congress for the Alexander Technique in Chicago. Much of that week was exhilarating, and much of it was challenging! (Note: want to explore what's possible for YOU as a musician? Join my FREE facebook group: "Musicians! Mind-Body Practice
- [My Alexander Technique Congress Highlights and Big News!!](https://artoffreedom.me/my-alexander-technique-congress-highlights-and-big-news/) - I had a fantastic time in Chicago last week at the 11th International Congress for the Alexander Technique! This was the third Congress I've attended over the last ten years, and it always gives me such a "high" to be in the same space with hundreds of other AT teachers from around the world. It's
- [Stretches/Exercises for Musicians: Good or Bad?](https://artoffreedom.me/stretches-exercises-for-musicians-good-or-bad/) - As a musician and Alexander Technique teacher with personal and professional experience dealing with music-related pain, I'd like to share the following thoughts on the topic of stretches/exercises, including those offered by physical therapy, occupational therapy, doctors, yoga, etc. While doing stretches and exercising may help you and they may feel good - especially at
- [Can Playing the Violin Cause Scoliosis?](https://artoffreedom.me/can-playing-the-violin-cause-scoliosis/) - I've had a lot of students ask me over the years whether playing the violin or viola can cause scoliosis. Since you might be curious, too, I thought I'd share a few thoughts I've been having recently on the topic. Time-Sensitive! Sign up for related masterclass here >> LINK First of all, scoliosis is simply
- [There's no time to waste. Are you ready to be yourself?](https://artoffreedom.me/theres-no-time-to-waste-are-you-ready-to-be-yourself/) - Life on earth is limited. How much time do we have left? Forty years? A fortnight? An hour? Nobody knows. Ideally, the older we get, the less we care about what others think, and the more courageous we become in expressing what we have to say. What if there were no judging voices or looks
- [How I got to Carnegie Hall by NOT practicing (the usual way)!](https://artoffreedom.me/24274-2/) - This week, I'm doing a short series of LIVE videos on facebook / YouTube to introduce my FREE workshop for violinists and violists. (You can sign up here: http://bit.ly/FreeViolinMasterclass) VIDEO #1: "How I got to Carnegie Hall - by NOT practicing (the usual way)!" Honestly, this first video was a little hard to make, emotionally
- [How do you Make Passionate Music WITHOUT Tension??](https://artoffreedom.me/how-do-you-make-passionate-music-without-tension/) - Do you get tense when you play passionately emotional music? Musicians usually do! In this video, I ask you to notice what's going on in your body when you think about a topic that makes you sad, and I explain how getting SUCKED into the emotions in a piece of music DOESN'T WORK. We make
- [How to Play the Violin Comfortably, Without Pain!  Interview for Violin Lounge TV](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-play-the-violin-comfortably-without-pain-interview-for-violin-lounge-tv/) - Last month, I enjoyed being interviewed twice by Zlata Brouwer on Violin Lounge TV from the Netherlands. We had a GREAT time exploring the Alexander Technique and how it can help musicians, particularly violinists. This video, "How to Play the Violin Comfortably without Pain", is the second of a two-part series. The first video, which
- [Mindset for Music! Interview for Violin Lounge TV](https://artoffreedom.me/mindset-for-music-interview-for-violin-lounge-tv/) - Last month, I was interviewed twice by Zlata Brouwer on Violin Lounge TV from the Netherlands. We had a GREAT time talking about the Alexander Technique and how it can help musicians, particularly violinists. This video, "Mindset for Music", is the first of a two-part series. The second video is on "How to Play the
- [3 MYTHS about Musicians and PAIN!](https://artoffreedom.me/3-myths-about-musicians-and-pain/) - Too many musicians are in pain! In this live video, I talk about 3 common myths related to music-related pain and how to start helping yourself out of your discomfort! Read about the 3 Myths below... MYTH #1: The source of the pain is where I feel it. You may have a real injury in your arm
- [Great Performers DON'T Concentrate?!!?](https://artoffreedom.me/great-performers-dont-concentrate/) - When it comes to concentration, we've got it all wrong. The great performers know that intuitively, and value FLOW over concentration. Here's a LIVE video I did on facebook this morning that explains this. So... do you want to learn how to LET GO AND ENTER THE FLOW when you make music? Who doesn't! But
- [Do YOU Make the #1 MISTAKE Musicians Make???](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-make-the-1-mistake-musicians-make/) - I'm sure you do... because you're human! I do it, too. So what's the #1 Mistake? F.M. Alexander called it "End-Gaining". End-gaining is when you care more about the result of your action than the process, the "means-whereby" you achieve your goals. It's when you focus more on what you're DOING more than on your WELL-BEING. The
- [5 Tips to Help You Practice When You Feel Down](https://artoffreedom.me/5-tips-to-help-you-practice-when-you-feel-down/) - If you're human, then you know what it's like to have a "down" day. Here are 5 tips to help you get over the hump when you're dragging along and it's really hard to get yourself to practice! Here's a brief summary of what I talk about at length in the video: LISTEN to yourself, and ASK
- [Do You RUSH?! The Surprising Cause and Cure!](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-rush-the-surprising-cause-and-cure/) - If you're human and a musician, I bet you're guilty of rushing - at least once in awhile! The question: WHY do you rush? What is the CAUSE? My answer to you: your music rushes because YOU rush. YOU - your whole mind-body-Self - are the cause. Why? Because you're good at rushing through LIFE, even when
- [Magic for Musicians: the Alexander Technique! 3 STEPS](https://artoffreedom.me/magic-for-musicians-the-alexander-technique-3-steps/) - In today's LIVE facebook video, I introduced the Alexander Technique, a mind-body tool that helps you get out of your own way and do whatever you want to do with more ease. AT has transformed my life and my music-making in ways that are truly magical! I've been practicing AT since 2003, and the violin since
- [Interview: My Life, Violin Struggles, and Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/interview-my-life-violin-struggles-and-alexander-technique/) - I was recently interviewed by Jasmine Reese II for her blog at Fiddlershop.com! @FiddlerShop.com blog. Check it out guys! #FiddlerShop #MusicisforEveryone #Interview Here's the link to read it: CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW Enjoy!!! :) You can read about this amazing woman who travels around the world on her bicycle with her violin and her dog here: CLICK HERE TO READ
- [My Performance Anxiety Exposed!  (And How I Dissolved It)](https://artoffreedom.me/my-performance-anxiety-exposed-and-how-i-dissolved-it/) - Last Monday, I presented my first LIVE facebook broadcast to the public on my new facebook page, and it turned into a really enjoyable performance experience (please "LIKE" my page - thanks!!). I was nervous at first, especially because I'd only decided the night before to go through with it. Thankfully, I've learned that I need to pounce
- [Musical Skill Improves by Itself - with Alexander Technique Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/musical-skill-improves-by-itself-with-alexander-technique-practice/) - It never ceases to amaze me how my musical skill can improve by itself - even after a month away from the violin - simply because of time spent improving my mind-body connection with the Alexander Technique. I think I've touched my modern violin for about 5-10 minutes during the last 6 weeks, after performing
- [The First Step to Healing is Fully Accepting Our Experience Right NOW](https://artoffreedom.me/the-first-step-to-healing-is-fully-accepting-our-experience/) - Going inwards and feeling wrong... For some weeks now, as the weather has been cooling into autumn, the leaves are changing and nature is going into dormancy, I find myself becoming more and more silent and withdrawn, going into an introspective hibernation mode, and feeling the need to do less and go deeper within to look
- [A Violinist Plays for a Rodeo!](https://artoffreedom.me/a-violinist-plays-for-a-rodeo/) - An account of a novel experience by Erik Johnson-Scherger, Canadian Violinist and Member of the "Musical Practice Community with Jennifer Roig-Francoli" on Facebook. Erik is a first year graduate student at the University of Ottawa. In a comments thread from a few posts back, Jennifer Roig-Francoli asked me to share my experience of playing a rodeo this
- [How Can I Practice When the World is Falling Apart?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-can-i-practice-when-the-world-is-falling-apart/) - I still need to practice another 25 minutes today to uphold my commitment to myself. But I just watched a 20-min. news video/documentary about the Charlottesville riots. I don't usually watch the news - or any TV, actually. So I am super-sensitive... and now I am devastated. I am appalled. I am in disbelief. I
- [Violinist: "My Pain is Gone!"](https://artoffreedom.me/violinist-my-pain-is-gone/) - In this post, I'd like to share a beautiful story that I've received from one of my online students, violinist Anne Brűggemann-Klein. Thank you, Anne! It's letters such as this one that touch my heart and help spur me on to continue my work, reminding me yet again of the power of the Alexander Technique!
- [Expressing Musical Emotion without Tension?](https://artoffreedom.me/expressing-musical-emotion-without-tension/) - I taught an online masterclass for violinists and violists last Sunday*, and - as always - some very interesting ideas came up in response to the music offered. [*CLICK HERE to join my next online masterclass on healthy violin/viola posture/setup] I'd like to share just a few of those ideas here, first on the topic of
- [How to Find Internal Motivation to Practice - Being Me](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-find-internal-motivation-to-practice-being-me/) - Finding motivation to practice is not difficult for me when I have a clear goal, such as a performance to prepare for. What I find challenging is to find compelling and consistent internal motivation to practice in the absence of an external circumstance that gives me a deadline or something specific to do. As many of my readers
- [My Onstage Disaster: What it Taught Me about Perfection and Happiness](https://artoffreedom.me/my-onstage-disaster-what-it-taught-me-about-perfection-and-happiness/) - This is a personal story by one of my CCM students, an oboist named Jacob Martin. Jacob had one semester of Alexander Technique lessons with me while doing his Masters in music this year. I’m not a gullible person. So when I asked “what does the Alexander Technique help with?” and my friends told me
- [What Can We Learn From This Musical Adventurer? Come SEE!](https://artoffreedom.me/what-can-we-learn-from-this-musical-adventurer-come-see/) - A couple years ago, this adventurous musician captured my imagination on Facebook! (You can watch he video of me working with Jasmine in a future blogpost - stay tuned!) Jasmine Reese, her dog Fiji, and her violin have been travelling across the country for the last couple of years, practicing in all kinds of places, meeting new people,
- [Exploring My Resistance to Practicing](https://artoffreedom.me/exploring-my-resistance-to-practicing/) - In this deeply personal post, I'm sharing how I'm currently exploring my resistance to practicing, which is a recurring lifelong theme that crops up from time to time to help me grow and move forward as an artist, person, and violinist. Last week, I spent a great week in Cleveland performing with Apollo's Fire, the
- [7 Tips for Violinists Who Feel Discomfort While Playing](https://artoffreedom.me/7-tips-for-violinists-who-feel-discomfort-while-playing/) - Question: I feel stiffness and discomfort when I play my violin. What can I do? I specialize in helping violinists discover more freedom and ease in the mind and body while practicing and performing, thereby reducing or eliminating pain, tension, and anxiety. Here are just a few tips to point you in a more comfortable direction:
- [Practicing Don Juan with Alexander Technique and My Inner Critic!](https://artoffreedom.me/practicing-don-juan-with-alexander-technique-and-my-inner-critic-2/) - I've been doing a lot of deep work with myself, my violin, and the Alexander Technique when I practice these days. I'm discovering anew that making real, fundamental change can be scary, because it means confronting the Unknown and experiencing the feeling out of being control, and meeting aspects of myself I'd rather not look
- [Stress-Free Practicing #3: Achieving Goals and "End-Gaining"](https://artoffreedom.me/stress-free-practicing-3-end-gaining/) - Food for Thought #3: "End-Gaining" There's a concept in the Alexander Technique called "End-Gaining". Simply put, end-gaining is when you're too attached to the outcome and don't pay enough attention to the steps required to get there. We all have goals. Goals are essential to keep us motivated and excited about moving forward. But caring
- [The #1 MISTAKE Musicians Make When They Go Onstage](https://artoffreedom.me/the-biggest-mistake-musicians-make-when-they-go-onstage/) - Can you guess what the #1 MISTAKE is that musicians make onstage? I think the biggest mistake we make when we walk into the spotlight is TO FORGET WHO WE REALLY ARE. We forget that we are not just a performer, or violinist, or musician.... We forget that we are a WHOLE PERSON. Human, and
- [What's an Intelligent Way to Improve a Musical Passage?](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-an-intelligent-way-to-improve-a-musical-passage/) - In case you missed “Jennifer’s 10-Day EASY Holiday Practice Challenge”, I thought I’d share some of the content from the emails here, including the daily “Food for Thought” ideas. This post is #2 in a series of blogposts highlighting all 10 days! Sign up for upcoming challenges here: >> Jennifer’s Practice Challenges. FOOD FOR THOUGHT #2 What's an intelligent way
- [Stress-Free Practicing #1: What's Your WHY?](https://artoffreedom.me/stress-free-practicing-1-whats-your-why/) - In case you missed "Jennifer's 10-Day EASY Holiday Practice Challenge", I thought I'd share some of the content from the emails here, including the daily "Food for Thought" ideas. This post is the first in a series of blogposts highlighting all 10 days! Last month, more than 200 people joined "Jennifer's 10-Day EASY Holiday Practice Challenge", which was a huge
- [What Can a Musician/Artist Do When Uninspired?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-can-a-musicianartist-do-when-uninspired/) - I like the idea that came to me one day, that there are little "Doubt-Monsters" (DM) (see this post) that like to make us think negative thoughts and feel negative feelings that get in our way, preventing us from creating our best work. There's a little DM called Fraud-Monster, haha, and he tends to visit
- [Transforming My Negative Thoughts on Taking an Audition](https://artoffreedom.me/transforming-my-negative-thoughts-on-taking-an-audition/) - I worked on the cadenza of the Tschaikovsky concerto today. The hardest thing about practicing for me these days is the idea that I only have a short amount of time to prepare for an audition at the end of January. That’s less than two months from now. And there is SO much music to
- [How Musicians Can Smile Through Stress...Even Though It FEELS LIKE HELL!!!](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-smile-through-stress-even-though-it-feels-like-hell/) - I haven't written about this before, because it has seemed too personal. But being a musician...an artist...a human being......is PERSONAL. I have been striving for MANY years to integrate all aspects of my self, and that includes my work. Many people believe in separating "work" from "play". People talk about leaving the work at the office....
- [No More High Heels For Me!!](https://artoffreedom.me/no-more-high-heels-for-me/) - I’m writing this during the intermission of a concert I’m playing with Apollo’s Fire, the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, because I just experienced an interesting phenomenon with my shoes! I always recommend to my students NOT to wear high-heeled shoes, because they greatly alter our experience of balance, and that can impact our performance - whether
- [How Can Musicians Respond to the Recent U.S. Election?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-can-musicians-respond-to-the-recent-u-s-election/) - Dear Musical Friends, I'm writing this message on the day that Donald Trump won the presidency of the United States of America. I know that some of my readers may be celebrating this unexpected turn of events, but I must admit that I was not expecting this result in the least. In fact, I was
- [The Best Way to Deal with Musical Mistakes](https://artoffreedom.me/the-best-way-to-deal-with-musical-mistakes/) - The Alexander Technique is primarily a preventive technique. F.M. Alexander said, "Mine is a method for the control of human reaction." The more we get to know ourselves, our tendencies, habits, and preferences, the more sensitive we become to subtle changes within us. We become more aware of tensions that were always there beneath the
- [3 Magic Phrases](https://artoffreedom.me/3-magic-phrases/) - My "3 Magic Phrases": "I am free I don't have to do anything I have time and space" They imply and include the "Reflection Phrases": "You are free You don't have to do anything You have time and space" "I am / You are free" implies and includes: "....to be exactly who I am /
- [Violinists Have BIG EGOS!](https://artoffreedom.me/violinists-have-big-egos/) - Violinists have big egos! Is it true? Personally, I suspect that's just as true as saying "musicians have big egos" or "people have big egos". But what does having a "big ego" mean, anyway? And why is there a stereotype about violinists having big egos? Every type of instrumentalist can be associated with a stereotype.
- [How to Make a Musical Choice that Changes Everything](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-make-a-musical-choice-that-changes-everything/) - My mother often used to quote someone (violinist Itzhak Perlman?): "If you make a mistake, do it with conviction!" And from a wise friend of mine: "It isn't a mistake if you learn from it." We all spend our lives experimenting with making choices. I've become more and more conscious of the decision-making process as a musician,
- [Morning of the Performance Thoughts...](https://artoffreedom.me/morning-of-the-performance-thoughts/) - So.... today's the day! My long-awaited concert is coming up at 2:00 pm, and I'm EXCITED!!! :) :) :) I accepted to play a piece I'd never heard of last spring, "Un Mot a Paganini - Elegie" for violin and piano, by G. Rossini. Last month, I dove into the learning process for that piece
- [The Problem with "Technical" vs. "Musical" Practicing](https://artoffreedom.me/the-problem-with-technical-vs-musical-practicing/) - When you practice, do you think of different ways of practicing as either "technical" or "musical" practice? That's a common misunderstanding about how to work on a piece of music. I think it's very problematic, and goes contrary to what we are really trying to achieve. As I was recording today's video for "Jennifer's 30-Day Practice
- [Expose Yourself in Public! The Best Way to Get Motivated!](https://artoffreedom.me/expose-yourself-in-public-the-best-way-to-get-motivated/) - No, you do NOT have to take your clothes off (sorry, I just couldn't resist that hilarious photo)! But, you do need to share just a bit of what is deeply meaningful to yourself if you want to take advantage of the very best way to get motivated. There's nothing like making yourself vulnerable in front of
- [How Do You Deal with Overwhelm?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-do-you-deal-with-overwhelm/) - Overwhelm. What is it? It's a sense of life spinning out of control. Feeling like life is too much to manage...like there's too much to do and not enough time...that we are inadequate, or too slow or too stupid, or just not good enough. It's one of the most common complaints we have when dealing
- [Finding the Smile After the Storm](https://artoffreedom.me/finding-the-smile-after-the-storm/) - Everything changes. What matters is to have something changeless to refer everything back to. The changeless is central and must be recognized and appreciated as such. The center is in the middle of all things. It is everywhere. There is no place that the center cannot be found. All music, all of life, can be
- [How Can A Fleeting Moment Conquer Evil?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-can-a-fleeting-moment-conquer-evil/) - I'm having a bit of an emotional morning. I've just realized something important and surprising, and I want to share it with you. It's a personal story with huge implications. I've been going through a lot of ups and downs lately. Half a year ago, I moved out of the house I'd been living in for
- [My Struggle with Being Concise in Speech and Musical Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/my-struggle-with-being-concise-in-speech-and-musical-practice/) - A few months ago, I was asked to give a 10-minute TED-style talk at the College Music Society Summit on improving 21st century music school design. I gave the talk last Friday, and I believe it was a success. However, the process leading up to it was extremely challenging for me, and I learned quite a lot
- [My Personal Journey with the Violin Evolves... to the Stars](https://artoffreedom.me/my-personal-journey-with-the-violin-evolves-to-the-stars/) - When I was two years old, I wanted to play the violin. My mother, a cellist, made me a toy violin out of half a coconut, so I started playing violin on a coconut. How funny is that?! (Maybe that's why I'm so nutty! :) ) Now, decades later, I've traveled through so many phases with my
- [Death, Performance Anxiety, and a Tool for Bravery](https://artoffreedom.me/death-performance-anxiety-and-a-tool-for-bravery/) - There are times in life when we are called upon to do something which seems terrifying and impossible. On the outside, we may not always have a choice about what happens to us, but on the inside we always have a choice about how we respond. The Alexander Technique gives us a way to stop
- [Do You Know How to Think to Improve Your Technique?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-how-to-think-to-improve-your-technique/) - "I used to go to my practice room and just start practicing my scales and my pieces... doing the same thing every day... working on things I needed to work on... aware of how little time I had and how much I had to do... feeling stressed... I didn't know how to relax... "Before taking this class,
- [What to Do When "There Isn't Enough Time to Practice"](https://artoffreedom.me/what-to-do-when-there-isnt-enough-time-to-practice/) - I've had an extremely busy weekend, filled with essay-writing, videotaping myself, a workshop for string players at NKU, and our second Art of Freedom annual "Non-Performance" (more about that later, once I have pictures!). So I'm pretty exhausted, but it's now time to dive in and start practicing for my trip to Cleveland on Tuesday, to
- [A Well-Musician Chat about the Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/a-well-musician-chat-about-the-alexander-technique/) - Awhile back, I was interviewed by clarinetist Cara Gray for The Well-Musician, a website for musicians which is unfortunately no longer in service. I've decided to re-publish the transcript of that interview here so that it can still be accessed. Many thanks to Cara Gray for her kind interest in my work! A Well
- [The SHOCKER: You are Free to be a Bad Person!!](https://artoffreedom.me/the-shocker-you-are-free-to-be-a-bad-person/) - Ok, folks. Here's the crucial key that most people seem to miss! YOU ARE FREE TO BE EXACTLY WHO AND HOW YOU ARE RIGHT NOW, and YOU ARE FREE TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN DIRECTION. When you really grasp the full significance of this, you will come to realize that you are just as free to
- [What is the Root of ANXIETY and How Can I Make it GO AWAY??](https://artoffreedom.me/what-is-the-root-of-anxiety-and-how-can-i-make-it-go-away/) - Do you experience performance anxiety sometimes? I do. Not very often, but sometimes. And not just in the context of musical performance. Sometimes, it's just in conversation with a person I've never met, or in a place I've never been, or triggered by a very new and unfamiliar situation. What is this anxiety? At root, of
- [Why Is It So Hard To Teach Yourself??](https://artoffreedom.me/why-is-it-so-hard-to-teach-yourself/) - I had an interesting experience last week that I’d like to share with you. I had just taught a great lesson, and what was so great about it was that I was teaching my student how to be her own best teacher; and while teaching her that, I was teaching myself and getting really inspired.
- [Space is Easy. Touch the Space.](https://artoffreedom.me/space-is-easy-touch-the-space/) - There is a great deal of suffering in the world. But are you aware of how much more ease there is than suffering? Just look around you. Do you see how much empty space there is, everywhere? Most things are made of empty space, and there is empty space between and through all things. Every
- [How to Overcome Performance Anxiety ~ by Dan Fries](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-overcome-performance-anxiety-by-dan-fries/) - This post is by guest writer Dan Fries. Dan Fries is an author and founder of several companies, including Corpina Nootropics. He started his career at Harvard Medical School studying cancer tumor biology, but saw an opportunity for a more holistic approach to healthcare. That's when he started Corpina, with a mission to inform the world about responsible
- [Do You Know the Magical Moment of Transition?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-the-magical-moment-of-transition/) - There is a magical moment, a suspended moment of Mystery... when one thing is no longer the old thing, but the new is not yet born... A moment of transition, of exquisite opportunity... when paradoxes unite and opposites merge... When the down-bow becomes the up-bow, and the up-bow the down... when the in-breath turns into
- [How Much do You Trust Yourself?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-much-do-you-trust-yourself/) - A few days ago, I finished writing my new free e-course for string players. I'd like to share the last page of the last worksheet for you here, about how to solve specific technical problems at the instrument. To me, trust in your Self is the essential key to solving ANY problem. Notice the fact that
- [The Importance of Being [LESS] Earnest](https://artoffreedom.me/the-importance-of-being-less-earnest/) - To be earnest is a virtue, is it not? Well... maybe, maybe not... what matters more than that is: HOW are you being earnest? Does being earnest and hard-working and serious and concentrated and focused and ambitious = intense = overly tense? If you have too much tension in your mind-body-self, then you're likely being too
- [One Simple Thought-Drop ~ Mind-Clutter Part 2](https://artoffreedom.me/one-simple-thought-drop-mind-clutter-part-2/) - A few years ago, I wrote a blogpost on my old Alexander Technique blog. I think of it often, so I'm going to copy it for you here. I hope you enjoy it. One Simple Thought-Drop One thought at a time is enough One simple thought, simply thought, is most effective Aware of
- [Do You Think Too Much? ~ Mind-Clutter Part 1](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-think-too-much-is-your-mind-cluttered/) - My students often mention how difficult it can be to calm the mind. They talk about mind-clutter, a jumble of thoughts racing around in the mind, and an inability to stop this. When the mind is out of control, the body reflects its chaos. Muscles are stimulated into excess tension, and negative thought-patterns and moods are a
- [Does the Performer Need the Audience? Mutual Inspiration and Service](https://artoffreedom.me/does-the-performer-need-the-audience-service-and-inspiration/) - I signed up for a 30-day gratitude challenge recently. To be honest, I don't pay much attention to the non-personal emails that are delivered to my inbox, but today's email caught my attention with its question: "Who inspires you to be your best self?" At first, I thought it would be easy to answer that question.
- [An Inspired Day of Teaching the Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/23364/) - What a wonderful day I’m having. So many light-bulb "ah-ha" moments! I could write at least 10 blogposts right now! Unfortunately, I only have five minutes, so I will simply list the main ideas here, without much commentary: I love teaching. It always makes me feel happier. Becoming aware of my sense of responsibility for the “other” wakes up my sense
- [The Joy of Teaching; Does the Teacher "Need" the Student?](https://artoffreedom.me/the-joy-of-teaching-and-does-the-teacher-need-the-student/) - A very respected teacher of mine once said, “I need my students.” At the time, I thought that was a rather odd statement, but I’m starting to understand it better these days. Over the last week, I’ve noticed myself feeling progressively more and more “down” on a daily basis. I’ve speculated about possible reasons, including
- [The Easiest Way to Make Your Instrument Sound Good](https://artoffreedom.me/the-easiest-way-to-make-your-instrument-sound-good/) - This is a photo of my modern violin and the bow I use with it. I was the first person to play this violin, and very few others have ever played it. You could say that makes our relationship extra-special, but really - all violinists have an extra-special relationship with their violin. Even though I love my violin,
- [How to Achieve CONSISTENT TECHNIQUE at Your Instrument](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-achieve-consistent-technique-at-your-instrument/) - Note: You can download this complete 8-page article for FREE by clicking here: FULL ARTICLE You’ve seen the star performers who take your breath away and make your eyes pop out, the ones that make you sit up at the edge of your seat, the musicians who touch your heart and bring tears to your face.
- [A Stunning Story of Life or Death, and Healing](https://artoffreedom.me/a-stunning-story-of-life-or-death-and-healing/) - This post may not seem like it belongs here, because the connection to music is not immediately obvious. And yet, I know it needs to be posted here. I'm going to tell you a rainy afternoon story which has affected me deeply, and which continues to teach me very important things. The things I'm learning affect my entire
- [A Simple Tool for Centering Yourself: My "Spatial Litany"](https://artoffreedom.me/a-simple-tool-for-centering-yourself-my-spatial-litany/) - In my last post, I wrote about simplifying life by becoming aware of our Being, and living from there with Non-Doing. We can remind ourselves to come back to Being - centering ourselves again and again and again - in so many ways. Here’s my latest simple key. I’m calling it my “spatial litany”. It
- [What is the Key to Simplifying Life? What Makes Everything Easier?](https://artoffreedom.me/what-is-the-key-to-simplifying-life-what-makes-everything-easier/) - Life can seem so complicated sometimes!! Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a magic pill to simplify everything and make everything easier?!? Well, there is one, believe it or not. It’s called Non-Doing. This key idea, central to the Alexander Technique, can help free us from over-complexity by reminding us to live and move in and from
- [The #1 Secret to Improve Your Technique - GUARANTEED!](https://artoffreedom.me/the-1-secret-to-improve-your-technique-guaranteed/) - If there were only ONE thing I could suggest to you, to guarantee you a better musical experience, to improve the quality of your technique, and to speed up your overall progress, it would be this: Be aware of how you move your instrument and your audience, and let them move you. Thankfully, this is
- [3 Ways to Overcome Performance Anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/3-ways-to-overcome-performance-anxiety/) - Performance anxiety is a common response among musicians to the idea of doing something in front of other people - whether it's a group of people or just one person - especially when you care a lot about the outcome. Even private music lessons can trigger an experience of performance anxiety. It's not just performers who
- [3 Ways to Overcome Performance Anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/3-ways-to-overcome-performance-anxiety-2/) - Performance anxiety is a common response among musicians to the idea of doing something in front of other people - whether it's a group of people or just one person - especially when you care a lot about the outcome. Even private music lessons can trigger an experience of performance anxiety. It's not just performers who
- [Confessions of a "Procrastinating" Violinist](https://artoffreedom.me/confessions-of-a-procrastinating-violinist/) - I have a performance coming up on October 3rd. It's a rather special one for me: it will be my first performance ever as the soloist for all four of Vivaldi's Seasons, on baroque violin. The conditions are a bit crazy: only one rehearsal (!) on the morning of the performance for a forty-minute work, with
- [Depressed Or Anxious? Read this! It's Essential.](https://artoffreedom.me/depressed-or-anxious-read-this-its-essential/) - Do you often feel depressed or anxious? If you do, you are not alone. So many musicians are highly sensitive souls, and we are easily affected by all kinds of events, both external (from outside of us) and internal (from within us) - events which would not move other people in nearly the same way.
- [A Wild Way to Warm Up Before Practicing!!](https://artoffreedom.me/a-wild-way-to-warm-up-before-practicing/) - This may be my shortest blogpost ever. I don't really have time to write a post today, but I just couldn't resist! Need a new way to warm up before you practice? Try dancing to AFRICAN MUSIC! Yeah, I don't know how, either. But, who really cares? It's just you, your violin (or cello or
- [My "Coming Out" as a Violinist: Re-Awakening an Early Passion](https://artoffreedom.me/my-coming-out-as-a-violinist-re-awakening-an-early-passion/) - I'm a violinist. But for many years - ever since I was a teenager and let go of my childhood dream of becoming a famous soloist - I have resisted identifying myself as "a violinist". Because I'm so aware that I'm much much much more than that. And because my interests in other things, such
- [How Do You Make Music With Your Whole Self?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-do-you-make-music-with-your-whole-self/) - First of all, what IS your "whole self"? Who are you? Who do you believe you are right now, and who are you really? What are you made up of? What are your parts? How do they connect? So many important questions, but the most important one to ask yourself, perhaps, is "Who Am I?"
- [How Long Should You Practice Every Day?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-long-should-you-practice-every-day/) - This is a very common question for music students to ask, so here are few thoughts on the subject, starting from the assumption that the person asking the question has a real desire to make music and excel at their instrument (if this is not the case, my answers below may lead to some real
- [Are You Aiming for Greatness, Working Towards Your Dreams?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-aiming-for-greatness-working-towards-your-dreams/) - I’m currently reading a very interesting book by Dr. Joe Dispenza, called “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself”. Feeling inspired, I just had to put the book down to jot down some of my thoughts. The last thing I read before putting it down was: “When one holds a dream [an ideal]
- [No-Warning Solo Performance! What Would YOU Do?!](https://artoffreedom.me/no-warning-solo-performance-what-would-you-do/) - I have a friend and colleague, Emi Tanabe, who is an extraordinary musician (see her bio below). The other day, she posted a story about a recent experience, in which she had NO advance notice to prepare for a solo performance on a violin that was not even hers - from memory! I found her story to
- [Are You Dividing or Integrating Yourself When You Make Music, and Does it Really Matter?](https://artoffreedom.me/are-you-dividing-or-integrating-yourself-when-you-make-music-and-does-it-really-matter/) - I discovered years ago that I, like most people, have a tendency to keep different aspects of my life separate, and that this habit of compartmentalizing things is not at all conducive to living the fullest, best expression of myself as a whole person. Over the years, I have been countering that habitual tendency to
- [How to Be an Independent Musician](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-be-an-independent-musician/) - Today, July 4th, is national Independence Day in the USA. So, it's got me thinking a bit about how we could celebrate our freedom and independence as individuals and as musicians. I firmly believe we can have a powerfully positive effect on the world by paying more attention to our own body-mind-spirit integration, and sharing ourselves
- [4-Part Challenge for Musicians: Improve Your Relationship with Your Instrument](https://artoffreedom.me/a-4-part-challenge-refresh-your-relationship-with-your-instrument/) - We musicians love a good challenge, so here's a simple little 4-part experiment to improve your relationship with your instrument! First, take a moment to go get your instrument and a piece of paper so you can jot down what you discover. If you're a singer, you can still do these exercises - they're just a
- [TOP 10 TIPS for Memorizing Music](https://artoffreedom.me/top-10-tips-for-memorizing-music/) - In my last post, I spoke about my current challenge, which is to memorize two pieces to perform with Apollo's Fire, the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, at Tanglewood this summer on July 2nd. Here's one of the pieces I need to memorize: Glory in the Meetinghouse. (You can read here about my shotgun surprise performance of that piece
- [My Fear of Being a Soloist, Fear of Playing from Memory](https://artoffreedom.me/my-fear-of-being-a-soloist-fear-of-playing-from-memory/) - I mentioned in my last post that Life keeps giving us new challenges to grow from. My current challenge has to do with performing and memorization. I haven't done much playing from memory since my early 20's, when I was used to performing solo repertoire from memory on a regular basis. One of the reasons
- [What is Your Passion? Let's Explore Together!](https://artoffreedom.me/what-is-your-passion-join-my-online-community-and-explore/) - Like so many people, I love to be in the company of like-minded, like-hearted friends. Community makes me happy! Sharing our difficulties, learning together, celebrating our successes, and marveling with awe whenever pure Beauty shows up in unexpected moments and unexpected places is so gratifying. In order to enjoy more of this, I've decided to open up
- [Can You Dare to Open Up to All-Possibility?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-might-your-life-change-if-you-opened-up-to-all-possibility/) - I've said this before, but for me the most important benefit of the Alexander Technique is that it helps me stay open to the wonders of All-Possibility. It connects me with the Unknown - the grand Mystery of Life. And, giving myself the freedom to open up to this Mystery makes me extraordinarily happy. Things
- [Opening Up to Miracles, and Hearing with the Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/opening-up-to-miracles-and-hearing-with-the-alexander-technique/) - My jetlag is slowly fading, but the most incredible memories remain from my two weeks teaching for BodyChance in Japan! As I sit here, sipping hot soba tea, there are a number of amazing stories that I'd like to share with you. I'll start with one that moved me deeply, as told by Michiko Hatakenaka, about her
- [Diary of an Adventure: Golden Week In Japan, May 2015](https://artoffreedom.me/diary-of-an-adventure-golden-week-in-japan-may-2015/) - It all depends how I look at it. What is happening now? What do I wish to experience? What do I wish to create? I arrived in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday afternoon. I’ve been brought here in order to share my understanding of the Alexander Technique with groups of Japanese at BodyChance’s Golden Week residential, and
- [The "Non-Performance": a New Way for Musicians and Audience to Come Together](https://artoffreedom.me/the-non-performance-a-new-way-for-musicians-and-audience-to-come-together/) - For many years, I've been dreaming of creating a performance environment that would bring musicians and audience together as equals, to share a heightened awareness of the beauty of the present moment through sound and silence. Musicians and listeners would be free to choose how to move, behave, and interact with one another, with much less
- [A Personal Testimony: Alexander Technique for Stress Relief](https://artoffreedom.me/a-personal-testimony-to-alexander-technique-for-stress-relief/) - This is a very personal post, in homage to the Alexander Technique for STRESS-RELIEF. I'm writing honestly about my current experience in order to share the wonders of this Technique with you all, because I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have these skills in my tool-box as I experience some of the
- [A Radical Shift in Preparing for Orchestral Auditions](https://artoffreedom.me/a-radical-shift-in-preparing-for-orchestral-auditions/) - I had such a wonderful experience this week as I sat down to read my CCM students' weekly journal entries. One after another, my Alexander Technique students just blew me away with their mind-boggling insights into how to apply the skills I'm teaching them to their lives, musical practice, performance, and human relationships. In fact,
- [How Long Should I Practice?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-long-should-i-practice/) - Who knows the answer to this question? Really. WHO knows? Your teacher? Your mother? Your father? Your idol? Your habit? Who knows how long YOU should practice? Who knows what is best for you, really? And I mean, really BEST - including your mind, body, soul, and spirit. What is best for you? Who really
- [How to Get the Most from Your Rest-Periods](https://artoffreedom.me/how-to-get-the-most-from-your-rest-periods/) - Constructive Rest (CR) is an indispensable element of my work with teaching and practicing The Art of Freedom and Alexander Technique. This post is not about teaching you how to do it because there are so many great online resources for that, such as this one: http://www.imogenragone.com/self-help/constructive-rest/ Instead, I'd like to offer you just a few
- [The Highest Purpose of Music](https://artoffreedom.me/the-highest-purpose-of-music/) - When you're performing, who are you playing for? It may seem like you have only two options: either yourself or the audience. But why limit yourself and your music? Why exclude yourself? Why exclude your audience? Music is one of the best tools of heart-to-heart communication that we have as humans, and in my humble
- [What Do You Want? Are You Where You Want to Be? Doing What You Want to Do?  YES.](https://artoffreedom.me/what-do-you-want-are-you-where-you-want-to-be-doing-what-you-want-to-do-yes/) - I realized something important today. I mean, REALLY important. First of all, as I was teaching, I was becoming more and more aware of how important it is to have a clear intention. To know what you want. So that you can choose to bring more of yourself towards that goal, and have less of
- [Does Perfectionism Block the Emotions in Your Music?](https://artoffreedom.me/does-perfectionism-block-the-emotions-in-your-music/) - I'm on a rant today. Honestly, that's a bit unusual for me; even more unusual is my going on an ugly rant in public. But this post is about perfectionism, and how unhealthy it is when that perfectionism prevents a musician from feeling certain emotions and being able to express them in a positive way. Personally,
- [Would You Be Rushing If You Were Royalty?](https://artoffreedom.me/would-you-be-rushing-if-you-were-royalty/) - Would you be rushing around if...? Here's an imagination exercise for you, which you might want to think about in conjunction with the podcast ideas on centering that I wrote about in my last blogpost. (Podcast link: Living with Ease at the Center of Everything - Jennifer interviewed by Robert Rickover.) If you were the "good
- [Living Through a Musician's Nightmare](https://artoffreedom.me/living-through-a-musicians-nightmare/) - It wasn't my nightmare, but it could have been. Would it be yours? And how would you respond? Imagine this: You've been REALLY busy for weeks, and you know your work isn't going to let up until the day you travel to your next gig. Normally, you would spend the week before practicing the music for
- [Do You Know HOW to Be Centered?  Here's One Way.](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-how-to-be-centered-heres-one-way/) - Last week, Robert Rickover of The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique interviewed me for a podcast about a centering exercise I like which helps us to stay present to ourselves and balanced in the present moment. Here is the link: Living with Ease at the Center of Everything. This is a wonderful tool to
- [Feeling Alone? Finding Support in Your Dreams](https://artoffreedom.me/feeling-alone-finding-support-in-your-dreams/) - "No man is an island." Of course, no woman is either, haha. We all have periods when we feel more or less alone and more or less unsupported, whether that is objectively true from the outside, or not. Objectively, I am very well supported from the outside, in every way. I'm incredibly grateful for that,
- [Becoming Your Own Best Teacher](https://artoffreedom.me/becoming-your-own-best-teacher/) - It's very interesting to note the conflict between these two opposing desires: a) wanting to be told what to do (to receive help and direction from without - in the form of advice, suggestions, teachings, commands, time-structuring, etc.) and... b) wanting to feel completely free to make our own choices without being told what to
- [You are Free Right Now. Don't Believe Me? Try it Out.](https://artoffreedom.me/you-are-free-right-now-dont-believe-me-try-it-out/) - You are free. Right now. There is no "I'll be free tomorrow...if..." There is no future - the future never arrives. Ever. We are ALWAYS in the present moment. It is always now. Do you want to feel more freedom in yourself, in your life? Then think right now, "I am free," with a free mind
- [Making Music with Necessary Tension](https://artoffreedom.me/making-music-with-necessary-tension/) - You've probably heard of the "pregnant pause", and the best musicians know we need to "play" the silence as much as the notes, in order to give shape and meaning to our phrases. But this week I am noticing the "pregnant moment" - silent or not - and it is not necessarily about pausing in
- [What's the Best Way to Take a Break? Here are My Top 10 Suggestions!](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-the-best-way-to-take-a-break-here-are-my-top-10-suggestions/) - Effective musical practice requires a substantial amount of concentration and focus. The best practice sessions happen when we feel like we've gotten the most accomplished in the shortest amount of time possible and with minimal waste of energy, having enjoyed the process along the way. Unfortunately, there's a tendency that some of us have to keep
- [Learning How to Do Nothing "Better"](https://artoffreedom.me/learning-how-to-do-nothing-better/) - "What should I do now? What should I do about that? How can I fix this?" Common questions. Every day, I have some of the above thoughts. In fact, it just happened a moment ago, which is what gave me the inspiration for this blogpost. I'd just finished a task at the computer, so I
- [Non-Christian Musicians Making Christmas Music](https://artoffreedom.me/non-christian-musicians-making-christmas-music/) - I recently came across an interesting article in the Huffington Post: "Why Were So Many Beloved Christmas Songs Written By Jewish Musicians?", which reminded me of my childhood holidays, which included a curious multi-family tradition. My family celebrated Christmas, even though we didn't consider ourselves religious; we were quiet agnostic/atheists. We loved having a tree
- [On Terrorist Atrocities: "But I'm Just a Musician... What Can I Do?!?"](https://artoffreedom.me/on-terrorist-atrocities-but-im-just-a-musician-what-can-i-do/) - It's so easy to feel powerless in the face of extreme violence such as the horrors caused by terrorism in our world these days. It is so easy to believe that there is nothing we can do about it. Because I am quite sensitive, I never watch the news on television, and I'm often the last
- [From the General to the Specific, with Violin Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/from-the-general-to-the-specific-with-violin-technique/) - I was about to go to bed when I saw my violin. My hands picked it up and I began to play. I had strung Christmas lights up across the tops of my windows earlier, and their light along with the soft light from several lamps lit up the room in a warm glow. First,
- [Practicing for 'ME' Instead of for the Performance: It's Worth It](https://artoffreedom.me/practicing-for-me-instead-of-for-the-performance-its-worth-it/) - Today I was interviewed speaking about the Alexander Technique and I also performed a movement of Bach on my violin for a film documentary on equanimity. It was a very rich experience, not only for the actual two hours of filming and recording, but also for the two weeks leading up to it, as I
- [Loving My Instrument: What an Excellent Friend!](https://artoffreedom.me/loving-my-instrument-what-an-excellent-friend/) - I am appreciating my instrument more and more with every passing day. So subtle and sensitive, sometimes I think it might even be alive... ;) What an excellent friend! It reflects my every mood, my every subtle nuance of feeling, every slightest bit of tension or weakness. And it never complains, judges, or criticizes; it
- [A Well-Musician Interview with Jennifer Roig-Francoli](https://artoffreedom.me/a-well-musician-interview-with-jennifer-roig-francoli/) - Today, I'd like to share with you a lovely interview from another blog called "The Well Musician." The blog is written for musicians and is a great resource for wellness, business marketing ideas for musicians, and interviews of professional musicians who have insights to share. Writer Cara Gray interviewed me for a post last month,
- [A Shocking Exchange on Facebook about Music and Hard Work](https://artoffreedom.me/a-shocking-exchange-on-facebook-about-music-and-hard-work/) - I had a rather shocking exchange on Facebook the other day, which was shocking mostly because I hadn't realized how far I'd come in my thinking, away from what I might call the "old school" of "serious" classically-trained musicians, who are trained to work hard, not to enjoy themselves. The exchange exemplified for me much
- [5 Simple Tips for Big Changes for Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/5-simple-tips-for-big-changes-for-musicians/) - Recently, I created a free 5-day email seminar that gives readers some of the best content I teach in my new Art of Freedom for Musicians classes and Certification Program at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, in Cincinnati. You can sign up for the free seminar by clicking here, if you'd like all five content-rich
- ["Freedom Through Music" Essay Wins United Nations Prize](https://artoffreedom.me/freedom-through-music-essay-wins-united-nations-prize/) - Kudos to Art of Freedom student Ms. D. Zhang, who has just been awarded a 2nd prize in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2014 sponsored essay contest, with a beautiful essay called, "Freedom Through Music," about how Alexander Technique and Freedom Directions can benefit the world. It is with great pleasure that I reproduce her
- [My Vision - Will You Join Me?](https://artoffreedom.me/my-vision-will-you-join-me/) - As a human being, and as a musician, there have been countless moments in my life when something magical has happened, and I believe I have been moved by Inspiration. In those moments, I have disappeared, and I have become aware of Something Greater living and working through me. This Something Greater is who I
- [What's the Key to a Huge Sound?](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-the-foolproof-key-to-a-huge-sound/) - What is the foolproof key to creating a huge sound? The key is to know that your sound reflects who you are. So if you want to create your best possible sound, one which can project to the furthest reaches of the universe (I'm only slightly exaggerating! ;), you must accept to be fully, truly, wholly
- [BIG NEWS!!  2 Levels of Certification in The Art of Freedom for Musicians!!](https://artoffreedom.me/big-news-2-levels-of-certification-in-the-art-of-freedom-for-musicians/) - When it was first suggested to me that I start a certification program in The Art of Freedom for Musicians, my first reaction was to think it was a crazy idea! Yes, I absolutely love my work. Yes, I truly love my students. Yes, we enjoy our work together thoroughly. Yes, it's unique and innovative
- [Do You Know How to Be Yourself Onstage?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-how-to-be-yourself-onstage/) - One of the best pieces of advice my father has ever given me is to "Just Be Yourself"- onstage and everywhere. Not necessarily easy to do... or is it? Having mulled over this bit of enigmatic advice for as long as I can remember, it has become something of a modus operandi for me - a way
- [What's "The ONE" Secret to Baroque Music and Funk?!](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-the-one-secret-to-baroque-music-and-funk/) - When I was a student at Indiana University, I was very fortunate to study with two of the greatest violin pedagogues in modern times: Josef Gingold for modern violin and Stanley Ritchie for baroque violin (who is currently still teaching at I.U.). One of the most important things I learned from Stanley Ritchie, which I've
- [Why Can't I Play Like That?!](https://artoffreedom.me/why-cant-i-play-like-that/) - One of my students recently expressed his frustration in a lesson over the fact that - even after three years of diligent violin practice for several hours a day - he still cannot produce a phrase that sounds anything like the sound of a famous violinist, his teacher, or me. "What's the difference?" he asked.
- [What's Wrong with Performance Anxiety?](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-wrong-with-performance-anxiety/) - Who says there’s anything wrong with performance anxiety, anyway?! Getting “butterflies” before a performance is NORMAL, and I’ve decided there’s nothing wrong with it. Sure, it’s uncomfortable sometimes (like when you feel in danger of dying because your heart is pounding so hard!), but it’s a normal – albeit not essential – reaction to exposing
- [Fewer Clothes, Better Music!  Tips for Outdoor Music-Making](https://artoffreedom.me/fewer-clothes-better-music-tips-for-outdoor-music-making/) - Have you ever practiced your instrument outdoors? What is your experience when you practice outside? How is different for you from practicing indoors? Do you enjoy it? If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it – this is one of my very favorite activities! See below for TIPS to make the most of your
- [What's the Most Natural Way to Fall in Love with Music?](https://artoffreedom.me/whats-the-most-natural-way-to-fall-in-love-with-music/) - A musical moment I'll never forget: A few days ago, I was lying on the hotel bed on the exquisite island of Formentera, Spain (in the Mediterranean close to the island of Ibiza where my husband grew up), feeling nearly comatose after a long afternoon nap induced by a bit too much beach sun in
- [Can You See the Sound of Silence?](https://artoffreedom.me/can-you-see-the-sound-of-silence/) - “The hills are alive…with the sound of music…” begins the famous song from the musical, The Sound of Music. And it is true: the hills are very much alive -- with the music of Nature. On my daily mountain walks in the Swiss Alps this week, I am entranced by the multitude of sounds that
- [Musicians and Runners ~ Sharing Moving Moments Together](https://artoffreedom.me/musicians-and-runners-sharing-moving-moments-together/) - A few weeks ago, I had an amazing experience I will never forget. My 12-year old son is a violinist member of the Peraza Music Workshop, a fabulous Suzuki-and-beyond studio of string players taught by outstanding teacher Marion Peraza de Webb. It has become a new tradition for the group to offer violin music at
- [YOU are Your Primary Instrument ~ How is it Played?](https://artoffreedom.me/you-are-your-primary-instrument-how-do-you-play-it/) - Your mind/body/self is your primary instrument. Not the violin, not the piano, not the guitar... this is your secondary instrument. YOU are your primary instrument. Too bad the mind-body-self doesn't come with an owner's manual and private lessons from an expert from the time we are very young! When we're little, we learn how to
- [Advice for Parents of Young Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/advice-for-parents-of-young-musicians/) - I'm delighted! I've just received my free hardcopy of the book, "The Music Parents' Survival Guide ~ A Parent-to-Parent Conversation", by Amy Nathan, for which I was interviewed as a contributor last year. The book is published by Oxford University Press, and is available through Amazon.com. I'd like to reproduce here the section on pp.
- [Can You Still Practice Your Musical Instrument if You're Injured?](https://artoffreedom.me/can-you-still-practice-your-musical-instrument-if-youre-injured/) - I smashed the tip of my middle finger (left hand) a couple weeks ago. OUCH!! I cried. Seriously. The pain triggered an outpouring of pent-up emotion from a difficult morning, and I wept! The finger turned black and blue, and it still hurts...should probably go get it checked out, even though I wonder what can
- [The Perfection Reflex ~ What is your Soul-Purpose, Musician?](https://artoffreedom.me/musician-what-is-your-souls-purpose/) - There is such a thing as a Perfection Reflex. in an instant, a flash magic happens when suddenly I am reminded within myself from inside to inside of what I know: I am free and yes, you are free none of us is bound except by illusion but when I remember this Truth the illusion
- [Do You Want a Deep, Open, Beautiful Sound?  Be That in Yourself First.](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-want-a-deep-open-beautiful-sound-be-that-in-yourself-first/) - I love teaching. In teaching others, I teach myself. There is no difference. Do you know who you are and how you are designed to be? You are, of course, simply who you are. And you are designed to be up and open. This is the beautiful natural design of all humans. Made to share,
- [Your Voice Reveals Who You Are, and It is Free](https://artoffreedom.me/your-voice-reveals-who-you-are-and-it-is-free/) - a singer comes for her lesson today she wants to learn how to sing freely from her heart I work with her, reminding her of the truth of who she is beauty, beauty, so beautiful... and FREE she sings her songs, they are beautiful and free she sings with her voice, and her voice is
- [Not "mine" or "its"... Insights into Finding OUR Sound](https://artoffreedom.me/not-mine-or-its-insights-into-finding-our-sound/) - Last week, I was very fortunate to participate in a 4-day workshop for teachers that I organized for our Cincinnati Alexander Technique community, led by Tommy Thompson, an amazing Alexander Technique teacher at the American Repertory Theater at Harvard. I thoroughly enjoyed being in student role, and learned so much! Now that the workshop is
- [Move Your Audience by Loving Your Instrument](https://artoffreedom.me/move-your-audience-by-loving-your-instrument/) - When you touch your instrument, are you truly aware of the significance of what you are touching? Or do you just approach it because you want something from it? Would you treat a person the way you treat your instrument? If not, here are some things you might want to keep in mind next time
- [Do You Have a Healthy Relationship With Your Instrument?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-have-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-instrument/) - Have you stopped recently to wonder what you're actually doing when you play your instrument? Whenever you approach your instrument, you are entering into the experience of a relationship. As with any relationship, it takes focused attention to improve the relationship between you and your instrument. As with people, a good relationship with your musical
- [Do You Know How to Use Your Internal GPS?](https://artoffreedom.me/do-you-know-how-to-use-your-internal-gps/) - Is your personal GPS working? What is it that really gives you good direction in your life? How do you know if you're on the right track or not? Wouldn't it be nice if you could just flip an internal switch and aim your life in the best possible direction? Good news - it's possible!
- [A Treasure-Trove of Blog-posts on the Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/a-treasure-trove-of-blog-posts-on-the-alexander-technique/) - Dear Musical Friends, I just sat down to write my weekly Wednesday blogpost for you, and I'm feeling just a wee bit nostalgic for my old blog, which was a purely Alexander Technique blog, not just for musicians, where I wrote whenever I was inspired between 2011 to 2014. So today I've decided to share my
- [How Can I Stop Reacting to Things?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-can-i-stop-reacting-to-things/) - F.M. Alexander wrote: “Mine is a method for the control of human reaction.” This seems to be the topic of the week, for myself and my students. It seems that we could all benefit greatly from learning to have better control over our reactions. These are magic words: "I am not reacting." Practiced frequently
- [Don't Let the Doubt-Monsters Get You!](https://artoffreedom.me/dont-let-the-doubt-monsters-get-you/) - Over the last year or so, I've started labeling negative thinking habits "the doubt-monsters", both for myself and for my students. This weekend, I had a chance to use this idea to help my 12-year old son, Rafael, as he prepared for a musical competition today. Just last night, I was listening to him do
- [A Musician's Primary Focus Must be Within](https://artoffreedom.me/a-musicians-primary-focus-must-be-within/) - Last Saturday, I enjoyed coaching an ensemble as part of an adult chamber music workshop at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division. Here's one of the things we worked on. As soon as the group began playing, I noticed that everyone's attention was completely focused on the sheet music in front of
- [Making Music is a Unified Mind-Body Activity](https://artoffreedom.me/making-music-is-a-unified-mind-body-activity/) - No, making music is NOT just a mental activity! I admit - that's what I thought when I was young. Like so many people in our culture, I used to think there was a clear division between so-called "mental" activities (like playing the violin, reading a book, or doing homework), and "physical" activities (such as
- [Musician:  Is Your Audience Judgmental?  Are You?](https://artoffreedom.me/musician-love-thy-audience-love-thyself/) - Today's blogpost offers an answer to another great question brought up by a respondent to my recent survey for creative and performing artists. Q: When I perform, I often sense that others are judging me and finding me inadequate; and I am also judging and finding myself inadequate. How might I get over myself and make
- [Making Music with Your Feet!](https://artoffreedom.me/making-music-with-your-feet/) - Just curious about your feet. Yes, your feet! What do you do with your feet when you perform? Have you ever thought about it? What about when you practice? Do you include your feet in your awareness when you're using your instrument? When you're singing? How about right now? Were you aware of your
- [Long-Term Pain Relief for Musicians Must Address BOTH the Mind and the Body](https://artoffreedom.me/long-term-pain-relief-for-musicians-must-address-both-the-mind-and-the-body/) - Throughout my many years of experience as a performer, and as a teacher of the Alexander Technique, I have come into contact with literally thousands of musicians. It has been my impression since childhood that most of them are suffering from some kind of physical pain, performance anxiety, and/or some level of depression. In fact,
- [Pain at Cello and Computer, and Million-Dollar Ideas](https://artoffreedom.me/pain-at-cello-and-computer-and-million-dollar-ideas/) - This is Part 2 of a Q&A series, based on two questions that performers asked on a survey I did in November for creative and performing artists. Q1: "Is there a way to avoid chronic discomfort/pain in the neck/back/shoulders while still spending as much time at the cello and the computer as I want/need to?"
- [How can a Musician become a Better Lover?](https://artoffreedom.me/how-can-a-musician-become-a-better-lover/) - In honor of Valentine's Day this coming Friday, I thought I'd write a post about Love and musicians. I'm convinced that musicians can become better lovers (in every sense, including sexual) simply by becoming better musicians and seeing the unity between the two things. Heartfelt music-making is an act of Love! I'm sure there are
- [Q & A: Performance Anxiety Tips and Musical Networking](https://artoffreedom.me/favorite-performance-anxiety-tips-and-musical-networking/) - This is the first of a series of blogposts answering some of the questions that were asked by respondents to my Survey for Creative and Performing Artists (see last blogpost), in response to this survey question: If you could have one hour to sit down with me and get inspiring answers and magical solutions (sure,
- [Survey Highlights Common Struggles for Artists](https://artoffreedom.me/265/) - Last November, I created a survey for creative and performing artists, because I wanted to understand better what the general problems are that we all face as a group. I was delighted that 56 people responded to that survey, and I'd like to share some of the results with you. Some of the results really
- [Welcome to The Art of Freedom Blog!](https://artoffreedom.me/welcome-to-the-art-of-freedom-blog/) - ~ Helping musicians experience extraordinary ease through freeing up the body, mind, and soul ~ Hello, dear Readers! I hadn’t planned to start writing here until after my new website is fully in place and all of my new service programs are designed and ready for public offering. But it seems that the “Inspiration Bug”

## Pages

- [Home](https://artoffreedom.me/)
- [Quick-Start Suite](https://artoffreedom.me/quick-start-suite-2/) - A Taste of The Art of Freedom® — Quick, Powerful Ways to Begin The offerings below are just a sampling of the many ways you can experience The Art of Freedom® Method. Each one gives you a simple, accessible way to start transforming tension, pain, and anxiety into ease, confidence, and creative flow — all
- [Meet Jennifer Roig-Francolí](https://artoffreedom.me/meet-jennifer/) - “I help musicians FEEL great and PLAY great!™” NOTES: High-Performance Coach and Creator of The Art of Freedom® Method International Prize-Winning Violinist, Baroque Violinist, Recording Artist Former Associate Concertmaster and Soloist for the Grammy-Award winning ensemble Apollo’s Fire Former Faculty at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University
- [Book](https://artoffreedom.me/book/) - Expect to be inspired! Rekindle joy in your music and your life! Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards for 2024 The Definitive Guide to Great Music-Making for All Musicians … * Endorsed by Juilliard Faculty, Grammy Award Winners, and World Class Holistic Experts * What if you could play relaxed, break through pain, banish anxiety,
- [Contact](https://artoffreedom.me/contact/) - I’m here to help you! Thank you for your interest in The Art of Freedom®. You can contact me with comments or questions using the form or email me directly at Jennifer@ArtofFreedom.me. Click the button below to request information about my online courses and coaching programs. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, but I work with
- [Thank You](https://artoffreedom.me/thank-you/) - I’m so glad you grabbed my free Guide: ‘7 Keys to Make Your Music Great’ Check your inbox for your copy. BEFORE YOU GO! Grab The Performance Anxiety SOS Kit for Calm & Confident Performance and Save $30 When You Purchase Today! The Performance Anxiety SOS Kit is filled with proven, powerfully effective mind-body tools
- [Events](https://artoffreedom.me/events-2/) - Upcoming Events How to Play with Relaxed Confidence, Ease, and Joy! [Online Masterclass] - April 28, 2024 3 Keys to Play Your Instrument PAIN-FREE! [2-Part Workshop] - April 1 & 2, 2024 Workshop for the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) National Conference, Louisville, KY: Nurtured by Love: Inspired Self-Care for Teachers - March 22, 2024
- [Make Great Music with Ease!](https://artoffreedom.me/makegreatmusic/) - Expect to be inspired! Rekindle joy in your music and your life! ‘Make Great Music with Ease!’ is a transformative guide brimming with inspiring stories and practical tools that empower you to find better balance and express yourself with skillful mastery, confidence, and joy. The book provides deep insight and lasting solutions to the challenges
- [Bonuses](https://artoffreedom.me/book/bonuses/) - YOUR BONUS MATERIALS! Click on the links to access and download: Basic Self-Care & Personal Life-Balance Assessment The Art of Freedom® Method Fundamentals Cheat-Sheet Dealing with Performance Anxiety Article & Video Practice Success Worksheet Inspiration for Musicians Poem: “It’s Not About the Body”, from Chapter 5 Book Outline & Summary of Key Points © 2024
- [Make Great Music with Ease!](https://artoffreedom.me/make-great-music-with-ease/) - Expect to be inspired! Rekindle joy in your music and your life! ‘Make Great Music with Ease!’ is a transformative guide brimming with inspiring stories and practical tools that empower you to find better balance and express yourself with skillful mastery, confidence, and joy. The book provides deep insight and lasting solutions to the challenges
- [The Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living & masterful artistry](https://artoffreedom.me/the-art-of-freedom/) - Does your body hurt or tense up when you play your instrument? Do you get nervous when you perform? Wish you could just RELAX and ENJOY your artistry whenever you want, free of pain, perfectionism, self-doubt, and negative thinking? If so…. there’s HOPE! The best musicians and artists of all kinds know how to relax in
- [Bonus Materials](https://artoffreedom.me/book/bonusmaterials/) - YOUR BONUS MATERIALS! Fill out the form below to access your bonuses. © 2023 Jennifer Roig-Francolí. All rights reserved. Website by Stephenie Zamora Media. Privacy Policy.
- [Training](https://artoffreedom.me/book/training/) - VIDEO TRAINING Want a video training that will teach you the fundamental mind-body awareness skills taught in this book? Check out this mini-course to make your life and your music easier right away! In this training we’ll cover 3 things: What you’re doing unconsciously that’s holding you back How to let go, think and move differently
- [Audiobook](https://artoffreedom.me/audiobook/) - DOWNLOAD THEAUDIOBOOK FREE! READ THIS FIRST To thank you for getting this book, I would like to give you the Audiobook version 100% FREE! I know you’re more likely to finish this book if you have the audiobook. I even narrated the book myself so it will feel like we are having a conversation! Instead
- [Custom Payment Page](https://artoffreedom.me/custom-payment-page/) - REGISTRATION for The Musician's Advantage 'Forte' 4-Month Private Coaching program with Jennifer Special custom payment plan for Chris Wojahn 16 weekly payments of $130 each. No cancellations, no refunds. Start date: Monday, May 11, 2023
- [Shop](https://artoffreedom.me/shop/)
- [Your Training Video!](https://artoffreedom.me/training/) - Watch your training video! The Art of Freedom® Method is my unique five-pillared approach to conscious living and masterful artistry. Need more support? Get information about my programs and to request an application:
- [7 Keys to Make Your Music Sing](https://artoffreedom.me/7-keys-to-make-your-music-sing/) - CONGRATULATIONS on taking a BIG step towards musical mastery with EASE! Here’s your Checklist & Starter Guide, “The 7 Keys to Make Your Music Great!”. Before you dive in, I want you to know this guide is a big-picture overview of a holistic, unique approach to PAIN-free, ANXIETY-free, and TENSION-free music-making, which I call The Art of
- [Break Free](https://artoffreedom.me/breakfree/) - Are you ready to enjoy a healthy, balanced life and abundantly successful career, while making a real difference in the world? The Art of Freedom® Method is my unique five-pillared approach to conscious living and masterful artistry. Get instant access to this free training and begin improving every aspect of your life and music making!
- [Videos](https://artoffreedom.me/videos/) - Visit Jennifer’s YouTube Video Library: Jennifer’s YouTube channel Violin Performances For Professional Musicians Support During Covid-19 ​Experts Interview Jennifer
- [Professional Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/professional-musicians/) - Are you: Feeling stuck professionally and unable to overcome the physical or emotional blockages preventing you from breaking through to the next level? Feeling stagnant, close to burnout, uninspired, and like you can’t fully express your creativity? Experiencing physical pain that’s limiting your ability to perform well? Working under conditions and circumstances they aren’t satisfying
- [Amateur Musicians and Aspiring Professionals](https://artoffreedom.me/amateur-musicians-and-aspiring-professionals/) - Whether you identify as an amateur or aspiring professional musician, you’re passionate about making music and want to feel confident and successful so that you can make rapid progress towards your goals! Are you struggling with: Pain, excessive tension, or slow recovery from an injury? Performance anxiety, self-doubt, and lack of confidence? Lack of motivation,
- [Musical Performance and Keynote Speaking](https://artoffreedom.me/musical-performance-and-keynote-speaking/) - Are you looking for: A unique offering that will attract and stimulate audiences, giving them a moving and sensual experience of masterful artistry? A speaker with a proven track record who can guarantee a performance that will draw an audience who is excited about what you have to offer? A performance that leaves your audience
- [Music](https://artoffreedom.me/music/)
- [Success Stories](https://artoffreedom.me/success-stories/) - “ I met Jennifer when I was desperately looking for relief from overuse injuries I sustained from playing my fiddle.She was able to help me learn to play with a MUCH lighter touch, making my playing faster, easier, and more fluid. Practice and performance is now fun again! Kitty McIntyre Bluegrass fiddle “ My body
- [CINCINNATI, OHIO](https://artoffreedom.me/current-programs/) - 2017-2018 THE CENTERED PERFORMER: Conquer Stress and Perform Your Best! Group & Private Classes for Teens & Adults All skill levels and instruments welcome THREE CINCINNATI LOCATIONS: The Centered Musician Group Classes at the Cincinnati Music Academy Saturdays 9:00-10:30 THE CINCINNATI MUSIC ACADEMY CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS! The Centered Performance Program Group & Private Classes
- [1-Day Intensives](https://artoffreedom.me/1-day-intensives/) - 1-DAY INTENSIVE FOR MUSICIANS with 60-DAY FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT Essential Mind-Body Skills for Musicians Learn essential keys to free yourself from pain, tension, and mental obstacles that interfere with technical skills, flowing creativity, and calm confidence onstage and everywhere. IN PERSON, PRIVATE or SEMI-PRIVATE (2-4 INDIVIDUALS) Jennifer Roig-Francolí, Art of Freedom Facilitator https://artoffreedom.me; Cell: 513-923-0921; jennifer@staging2.artoffreedom.me
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://artoffreedom.me/privacy-policy/) - We respect your rights to privacy and we are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the law when you are dealing with us. This privacy notice tells you how we collect and look after your personal data and what your privacy rights are. 1. WHO WE ARE The Art of Freedom, LLC
- [Free Interactive Class with Jennifer!](https://artoffreedom.me/free-interactive-class-with-jennifer/) - FREE! * MUSICIANS, GET INSPIRED!*I'm excited to host this FREE online class for you! Register using the form below.*Class #1: Saturday, October 12th at noon (Eastern) Sign up using this link >*Class #2: Monday, October 14th at 7pm (Eastern)Sign up using this link >*Online conferencing with zoom (you can use any device - smartphone, tablet,
- [Privacy Policy: Fearless MusicMakers](https://artoffreedom.me/privacy-policy-fearless-musicmakers/) - We respect your rights to privacy and we are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the law when you are dealing with us. This privacy notice tells you how we collect and look after your personal data and what your privacy rights are. 1. WHO WE ARE Fearless MusicMakers is a business
- [Blog](https://artoffreedom.me/blog-2/) - To add blog posts click on Posts - Add New in the WordPress Dashboard
- [FREE STUFF!](https://artoffreedom.me/online-learning-2/) - Get a taste of Jennifer's teaching right now! Free Download: TAKE THE 5-DAY "BEST WARM-UP" CHALLENGE! This is an extremely EASY and very powerful way to introduce more ease into your music-making! Learn the BEST practice warm-up ever! Join here: 5-Day Challenge Free Facebook Community with Weekly LIVE Teaching Sessions: "MIND-BODY SPIRIT TRIBE for MUSICIANS"
- [BLOG & VIDEO](https://artoffreedom.me/blog-video/) - See drop-down menu under "BLOG & VIDEO"
- [ONLINE LEARNING](https://artoffreedom.me/online-learning/) - > to explore... THE ART OF FREEDOM ONLINE LEARNING SPACE featuring... The Centered Musician™ The Centered Violinist™ Online group classes and private lessons with Jennifer Roig-Francoli Membership Program with Weekly Classes "Effortless Music-Making! An Introduction to the Alexander Technique" An 8-Week Self-Study Course Jennifer's Original 30-Day Practice Challenge Video Set
- [NEWSLETTER](https://artoffreedom.me/newsletter/) - Inside the Newsletter: A personal message from Jennifer Student success stories and tales of transformation Recent blogposts & videos Art of Freedom® updates and news More.... Thank you for your interest! I wish you abundant joy on your musical journey! :)
- [PRACTICE HELP!](https://artoffreedom.me/practice-community/) - Need a bit of extra support when you practice? Musical practice can feel a bit lonely sometimes, but it doesn't have to! You're invited to join more than 450 like-hearted musicians in my FREE facebook community - "Musical Practice Community with Jennifer Roig-Francoli" - where we gather together to share our musical insights, struggles, and breakthroughs. Discussions about music
- [Welcome, CMS Summit Participants!](https://artoffreedom.me/educators/) - YOU are your primary instrument. Self-mastery is the key to artistic mastery. Thanks for following up on my "BIG Idea" talk at the College Music Society Summit in June, 2016! ...for instructions on how to receive your free article on practicing Constructive Rest with my "3 Magic Phrases", and how to book your private Discovery Session
- [不安の根にあるものは？どうやって取り去れるのでしょう？ What is the Root of ANXIETY and How Can I Make it GO AWAY??](https://artoffreedom.me/rootofpanicjapanese/) - 皆さんは、演奏の不安を体験することはありますか？ 私にはあります。頻繁にではないけれど、時にはそういうことが。そして、音楽の演奏に限ったことではありません。 時には、初めて会う人との会話の中や、初めて訪れる場所で。それに全く新しくて不慣れな状況がきっかけになったりもします。 この不安は何なのでしょう？根っこにあるのはもちろん、様々な恐怖です。 将来に対する恐怖や、未知の可能性に対する恐怖。どんな文脈におけるものかは本当の問題ではありません。本当に重要なのは、私達がどのようにそれを体験するかです。 不安や恐怖は一千通りもの、様々な姿で現れます。けれど、根本にあるものはいつも同じー私たち自身の本質的な部分から離れているということです。他の可能性に対する気付きの欠如。この現在の瞬間に対して存在しているということ、それに意識的に気づいているということが欠けているのです。 不安になったり、恐れたり、恐怖を覚えるときはいつも、私が普段はすぐに気付くことができない重要な何かが起きています。そして、この何 かというのは私がどのように、何を考えているかということに関わっているのです。 私が恐れを感じるとき、私の中の何かが、「私は恐れている」と感じていて、これが全くの真実だと信じ切っていて、そして私は自分自身をこの体験と同一視してしまっています。「私は恐れている」と信じることは、自分自身を恐怖の体験と重ね合わせることです。私は自分自身を騙して、この体験に対する自分の気付き以外に現実は存在し得ないと納得させようとしています。 行き着くところ、私は「私は恐怖だ」と考えて信じているのです。 けれど、恐怖は本当に私達の在り方なのでしょうか？ その瞬間においてはその通りなのかもしれません。けれどそれは私たちの存在の本の一片でしかありません！ 鍵となるのは、こうした考えに対する、私たち自身の考えと信念を問い直すことです。私は自分に問うことができます。 「私が恐怖であると私が信じるとき、その考えを持ち続けて信じ続けた結果はどんなものだろう？」 私はどんな風に反応するのか。私の身体、考え、気分や態度には何が起こるのだろう。そしてどんな振る舞いに私を導いていくのだろう。 あなたが自分は恐れている信じるとき、何が起こりますか？試してみましょう。断言しますが、あなたが自分は恐れていると信じると、現実に恐怖を感じるでしょう。そして、あなたがそれについて考えるほど、恐怖の感覚は大きくなっていきます。 けれど、あなたが「自分は恐れている」と考えていることに気付いたとき、立ち止まって、それは本当に本当なのかと考えたら何が起こるでしょう。本当にあなたは恐れているのでしょうか？あなたが恐怖と一体になっているというのは本当でしょうか？これが本当のあなただというのは本当でしょうか？あなたは恐怖からできているー恐怖があなたの真の気質だというのは本当なのでしょうか？ そんなことはあり得ません！理由があります。これまでに、あなたは自分の恐怖を見つめている自分の一部が、恐怖の体験をただ見つめているだけで、恐怖そのものではないということに気付いたことはありますか？ ほんの一瞬だけ、自分を恐怖の体験と重ね合わせることをやめて、自分の注意を自分の中にいる観察者へ向けることができるでしょうか？あなたの中にある、恐怖に気付き、驚き、それに興味を抱いている存在と、自分自身を一つにすることができますか？自分の心身が感じていることを経験し、感じ続けながら、そのときも、あなたの中にいる、その観察者に注意を向けてその「あなた」に集中することができますか？ さあ、ほんの一瞬立ち止まって、別の大切な問いを尋ねてみましょう。愛とは何でしょうか？無条件の愛とは何でしょうか？真実の愛とは何でしょうか？ 私にとって、本当の愛は、観察者である自己が行うことの中に埋め込まれているものです。 観察者である自己は、気付いて、観察して、けれど判断は下さない。 観察者である自己は、私の中にいる、恐怖の世界に飲み込まれ彷徨っている、痛みを抱えた存在に意識を向けている。 観察者である自己は、私の、その小さな、押しつぶされて堅くなった部分を見つめて、労ってくれる。 観察者である自己は、私と共に居続けることで私を愛してくれるー今ここに在り続けながらー他の誰よりも私の側にいてくれるー慈悲の心と理解に満たされてー無条件で私を愛してくれるーこの瞬間に私が私であることを許してくれるー私に人間的な体験を体験させてくれるー私に、無限に広がる人間的な感情を表現する自由を与えてくれるー私に、そして私のあらゆる内なる想いに耳を傾けてくれるー私の心と体の動きに付き添いながらーそして優しく、繊細な気付きで私に触れてくれる。 観察者である自己は他の誰でもない私 。 私自身の中のこんな一面と自分を重ね合わせることを選ぶこと。それが愛に焦点を合わせることを選ぶことです。恐怖はまだそこにあるかもしれません。けれど、私が愛とより深く重なるほど、私の恐怖は消えていくのです。究極的には、私の魂を照らす、私が自分に向ける愛の光が、私の恐怖の闇を消し去るでしょう。恐怖は死に向かっています。愛は命そのものです。 「たとい、死の陰の谷を歩くことがあっても、私はわざわいを恐れません。あなたが私とともにおられるからです。」 私自身の心の中の他に、どこにそのように安らぎをもたらしてくれる心地良い存在が在るのでしょう。私の細胞の一つ一つにそんな愛の存在が住んでいるならば、私を導いてくれる観察者である自己こそ、私の恐怖を消し去ってくれるそのような存在でないことがあるでしょうか。 だから、「尋ねよ、さらば見出さん」と言うのです！ 愛を尋ねれば、あなたは愛を見出すでしょう。恐怖を尋ねれば、あなたは恐怖を見出すのです。あなたはどちらを求めますか？ あなたの中に愛が住まうこと。そうしてあなたがいつも愛の中を生きられるように。それを感じて、その中に浸り泳ぐこと。そうしてそれをあなたの心からあなたの音楽へと届け、あなた自身と、あなたが音楽を届ける全ての魂たちの心に触れ、暖かく鎮めること。それをあなたは求めているのではないですか？ これを考えることを私は選びます。これが私を幸せにしてくれます。私を恐怖と暗闇から救い上げてくれます。そして私はこの考えが、ほかの人たちがより軽やかに幸せに感じることの助けになると知っています。 自分の持つ考えを良く吟味してください。。。そしてその結果を見てみましょう。 あなたは選ぶことができます。あなたは本当は何を求めていますか？ 今がそれを生きるときです。 ２つの無料セミナーをお届けします。 全ての音楽家のためのメールセミナー・シリーズのご購読はこちらからhttp://jenniferrf1_1.gr8.com 弦楽器奏者のためのメールセミナー・シリーズのご購読はこちらからhttps://artoffreedom.leadpages.co/freestringsecourse/ この記事を気に入られましたら、私の月次ニュースレターをご購読ください。音楽家のためのお知らせやレッスンをお届けします。右下のボックスからご購読いただけます。 この記事をぜひシェアしてください。一緒に世界中にインスピレーションの輪を広げましょう！！ PanicのイメージはFreeDigitalPhotos.netのStuart Milesのご厚意で使用しています。
- [あなたの楽器をよりよく響かせる一番簡単な方法 The Easiest Way to Make Your Instrument Sound Good](https://artoffreedom.me/easiestwayjapanese/) - これは私のモダン・バイオリンの写真です。 このバイオリンを最初に弾いたのは私で、それから他に弾いた人は殆どいません。そうだとしたら、私たちの関係は一際特別なものだと思うかもしれませんね。けれど、本当は全てのバイオリニストが自分のバイオリンと一際特別な関係を築いているんです。 私は自分のバイオリンが大好きですが、春からずっと弾いていませんでした。その頃から私が演奏するのはすべてバロック・バイオリンだったんです。そういうわけで、、、１２月６日に資金集めのイベントで演奏する招待を受けた時は、お返事を躊躇ったのですが、結局はお引き受けしました。 ということは、私のバイオリンを壁から降ろす時が来たということです（そう。楽器を壁にかけてるんです。ケースにしまってるより、こうしておいた方が側を通った時に弾いてみようという気になりますから）…そして練習です！！ 火曜日に、私はバイオリンを取り上げるとタイスの瞑想曲をいきなり弾き始めました。私のお気に入りの曲で、イベントで演奏すると申し出ていた曲です。普段は、暫く楽器を触れていない後でも自分がどれほど上手く弾けるのかということに私自身驚かされるのですが、この時は何もかも上手くいかなくて、どれも間違っているように感じられて、間違っているように聴こえました。まったく酷くて、すぐにうんざりしてしまいました。何とかしようとする時間も忍耐も持ち合わせていませんでしたから、２分ほど弾いたところで止めてしまいました。その時の私の状態を考えたら、取り敢えずこれはとても良い決断でした！ 今日になって、１２月６日はすぐに迫っていると気がついて私は別のアプローチを取ることを決心しました。音楽にいきなり飛び込むのではなくて（普段はこれがとても上手くいくのです）まず、私の恋人であるこの楽器ともう一度繋がることに少し時間をかけることにしました。私たちが、長い間離れていてお互いのことがもう殆ど分からなくなった他人のようではなく、親しいパートナーとしてこの計画に取り組めるように。 私たちの関係に注意を払うということが何故そんなに重要なのでしょう？自分の楽器を人間に例えて、私たちが上手くいっているかどうかを話すなんて、ちょっと変ですよね？ 変なことだろうとなかろうと、音楽を奏でるということは全て、関係性を築くということなのですーそのあらゆる面において。音楽を奏でることで、関係性に関わらないものは何一つありません。 音楽家として、私の第一の関係性は自分自身の肉体—精神—私自身の一番の楽器である自己との間にあります。これこそ、最初に注意を払うべき関係性です。私は自分自身との正しい関係性に入る必要があったのです。自分の楽器と健全な関係を持つために、私のバイオリンに近づく前から、ウォーミングアップして、私の存在自体とチューニングが合っていなくてはいけませんでした。 今日は、火曜日よりもこのことにより良く気がついていましたから、私はまず横になって建設的休息の体勢をとり、自分が休んでいる間、お腹の上で自分の楽器を静かに休ませました（建設的休息を行う方法について具体的な指示を添えた、８ページの文書については、私の以前の記事をご覧ください）。 10-15分くらい横たわって、私はただ自分の楽器と一緒に存在していることに、感謝と共に注意を払っていました。私は自分自身と楽器に、一緒になって、自分自身と楽器のそれぞれの部分との関係性に、それからバイオリンと弓の間の関係性に気付くための時間とスペースをあげたのです。 この楽器は共にあるために作られたのです。弓のないバイオリンはあまり役に立ちませんし、バイオリンのない弓は音を発することができません。一組のバイオリンと弓があってもそれを弾くバイオリニストがいなければ役に立ちません。だから、私はこの三つの楽器全てが美しくデザインされているということを認めて、それに感謝しました。私は音楽が間もなく生まれてくる空間と沈黙に注意を払いました。 楽器に手を置いて、様々な表面と触れ合って、それらが一緒になって共鳴し、音を奏でる様子を考えました。 しばらくの間、焦らずに、私の注意を私のバイオリンと弓の関係性を愛することに向けていました。一度に一つずつ、そして両方同時に。私自身と繋がりながらーそしてゆっくりと立ち上がって演奏しました。 なんという違いでしょう。 私のバイオリンは私の肩の上に優しく乗っかって、その間に私の弓はバイオリンを撫で、私の腕は空気の支えの上を漂って、私の弓のストロークはまるで柔らかいバターの中に沈んでいくようでした。その関係性は調和に満ちていて、そこに無理強いはありませんでした。 楽器は暖かさと安らかさを帯びて反応すると歌い、タイスの瞑想曲は私自身の肉体ー精神ー自己の中で、そしてバイオリンと弓の中で、本当の瞑想になりました。 必死に働きかける必要もなく、力で強いる必要もなく、試したり、考え込んだり、苛ついたり、何が完璧に働いていないのかということに過度に注目する必要もありませんでした。音楽の美しさが、ただ自然に、感謝の心の大地から立ち上がってきたのです。バイオリンと弓は共にあるために作られたのです。そして、美しく響くためにデザインされているのです。私の仕事はただその自然なデザインを讃え、敬うことなのです。私が私自身を讃え、敬うのと同じように。 私が自分自身と自分の楽器に時間とスペースをーそしてあらゆるものが花ひらくために必要としている愛情をー与えればいつでも、音楽は自らを奏でだしてくれます。そして何もかもが容易くなるのです。 今日はそれほど長い時間練習しませんでした。私の筋肉はまだそれに慣れていなくてすぐに私が疲れ切ってしまいましたから。けれど、一曲を通して弾きましたし、その全ての瞬間を楽しむことができました。 これこそが私が費やす時間に見合う価値のある練習です。そして、望ましい結果をもたらしてくれる練習なのです。これこそ、私が次にバイオリンの側を通り過ぎる時に、楽器を壁から降ろすことが楽しみになる練習なのです。 これこそ、私が求めている繋がりで、私はコンサートの間この繋がりを大きく広げていくのです。私のピアニストとピアノ、そして観客の全員を、美しく調和に満ちた関係の中にある私自身の個人的な三重奏に招待しながら。 これが私が音楽家である理由なんです。 音楽家のための無料の特別なレッスンーメールセミナー・シリーズのご購読はこちらから http://jenniferrf1_1.gr8.com この記事を気に入られましたら、私の月次ニュースレターをご購読ください。 音楽家のためのお知らせやレッスンをお届けします。右下のボックスからご購読いただけます。 この記事をぜひシェアしてください。一緒に世界中にインスピレーションの輪を広げましょう！！
- [憂鬱や不安を感じているあなたへ！〜本当に大切なことを Depressed or Anxious? Read This! It's Essential!](https://artoffreedom.me/depressedanxious/) - あなたはよく憂鬱や不安にとらわれる人でしょうか？ もしそうだとしたら、それはあなただけではありません。多くの音楽家はとても繊細です。そして私たちは外部の（私たちの外にある）出来事と内部の（私たちの内にある）出来事の両方、あらゆる種類の出来事から容易に影響を受けてしまいます。そういう出来事が他の人たちに対しては同じように影響しないのにも関わらず。 これほど繊細であるということは実は私たちの財産です。これによって、私たちは他の人たちには出来ない方法で、音楽の複雑なニュアンスを感じて表現することが出来るのです。繊細さと感情の深さこそが偉大な音楽家を生み出す要素の大部分なのです。ですから、あなたがそれを備えていることを喜んでくださいね！ 不幸にして、私たちの多くは自分の感情を深く感じ取ることは安全ではないと（様々な例を通じて、はっきりとあるいはそれとなく）教えられてきています。時には私たちは、自分がこれほど繊細であることには何か問題があるのではと考えてしまいます。変わらなくてはいけないとも教えられてきました。こういう感情を、本当は問題だと感じながら何の問題もないように振る舞って抑えつけたり、自分の準備ができていないうちから、それを「乗り越える」ように教えられてきたかもしれません。もしかしたら、自分が感じるような感情を一切持つべきではないと言われてきたかもしれませんね。 このことをはっきりお伝えしたいと思います。あなたにはあなたが感じるどんな感情も感じる自由があります。さあ、それをしっかり感じ取りましょう。そうするべきなのです。あなたがそれを感じることを自分に許さないと、あなたはその感情に苦しみ続けることになります。あなたがそれに取り組まない限り、感情は完全に消えることはありません。それが姿を消すくらいに、自分がその感情を無視できたと思うことがあるかもしれません。けれど、ほとんどの場合はその感情はあなたの内側に潜んでいて、次に何かがきっかけになるのを待っているのです。そのときにはよりいっそう激しい感情が姿を現します。もしかしたら、あなたは自分の感情に対して厳格であるあまり、自分の音楽が備える感情に対しても厳格になっているかもしれません。 あなたが人生に心を動かされないのならば、あなたは音楽にも心動かされることはないでしょう。そしてあなたが自分の音楽に心を動かされないのならば、他の誰も大きな感動を得ることはありません。 それなら、山ほどの否定的な感情を伴ってあなたにつきまとい続けるこの不快な感情について、あなたには何ができるのでしょうか？ 第一に、あなたは自由にそれらの感情や考えを持つことができると認めてください。あなたは何も間違っていません。誰でも否定的な考えを持つのです。誰でも恐怖や暗闇、怒りや恥の感情を持つのです。誰でもです！ 大切なのは、あなたがそれらの考えや感情にどのように反応するかです。そしてそれはただあなたの選択なのです。他の誰のものでもありません。 あなたの中に否定的なものがあることを認めることで、あなたが非人間的になるのではありません。それを認めることがあなたを人間らしくするのです。それは当たり前のことです。光のあるところには陰があります。陰があるところには光があるのです。 普通の人間は無限の可能性があり、起こり得るあらゆる感情を抱いています。 自分自身に本当に感情を感じさせてあげましょう。それをありのままにして、感じ取るのです。私はそれに対する振る舞い方について話しているのではありません。あなたが邪魔されることがなくて、現実に、深く自分の感情を感じられる安全な場所を探すことについて話しているのです。自分が感情を感じ取っている様子を見つめて、それについて日記に書いてみたいと思うかもしれません。あるいはただそれを感じ取りたいのかもしれません。 感情に対する反応で、自分の身体を緊張させて感情を妨げることをしなければ、感情は驚くほど素早くあなたの中を通り抜けていくでしょう。あなたがそれを抑えつけ始めなければ、僅か数秒で、時には数分で。あなたの内側で感情を生かしてやることがゴールなのです。それを気づきの光で照らしてやるのです（光の中では闇は生きることが出来ません）。感情を自分の中で、そして外へと動かしてあげましょう。 このことを意図してください。感情を取り除こうとしないでください。それを変えようとしないでください。それを直そうとしないでください。それと戦わないでください。ただそれをそのままにして、あなたの中を動く様を見てみましょう。 千の扉と窓のように、自分を解き放ってください。日の光があなたの中に差し、暗闇を払い去ってくれるように。否定的な考えが、もうあなたを悩ます力がないと悟った途端にあなたの中から出ていくように。そして、否定的な考えがもうあなたを戦いに巻き込むことができないように。 こうしてやれば、否定的な考えは去っていきます。あらゆることが変わります。あなたの意図が明確になればそれは去っていきます。忍耐を持ってそれを待ってください。 あなたがそれと戦っているなら、あなたがそれを憎んでいるなら、あなたがそれに去って欲しいと必死に望んでいるならば、それを恐れてあなたが固まっているならば、否定的な考えは、あなたがそれに、あなたの中を動いてあなたの外に出ていく自由を与えない限りとどまりつづけるでしょう。 音楽家としてあなたがこれを学ぶことが、なぜそんなに重要なのでしょうか？あなたがこの否定的な感情をケアすることをしないと、この感情があなたを乗っ取ってしまうから。そしてそれがあなたを引き下げるからです。否定的な感情はあなたの中にわだかまる限り、あなたを憂鬱にし続けるのです。そして／あるいは、あなたは自分が否定的な感情を追い払えないことで不安を感じるかもしれません。そして愛ではなくて恐怖の中にとらわれてしまうのです。 私が記した方法であなたの感情に取り組むことは、あなた自身に対する愛の振る舞いです。それは全てを包み込んでいます。それはあなた自身を完全な人間として愛することです。そしてそれは力なのです。あなたは自分が自由で、大きく、無限で可能性に満ちていると知ることができるから。あなたは自分が持ちうる最悪の感情よりもずっと大きな存在です。 証拠ですか？あなたにはそれが分かるでしょう。それを感じられるし、自分がその感情を「抱いている」ことを知っているでしょう。あなたはその感情に「なる」のではありません。否定的な感情と自分を同一視しないでくださいね。感情はあなたではありません。感情はあなたの一部です。けれど、あなたはそれよりもずっと大きな存在なのです。「ずっと大きく」あってくださいね！ あなたがそうあるべき、無限の愛の存在であってください。そしてあなたの中にある、あなたが好きになれないものにさえも自由を認めてあげてください。自分自身にあなたがありのままでいる自由を与えてあげてください。あなたの本当のあり方である無限の光、愛、そして善良さになるという意図を、強い望みを持って。 そして、もし私がここに書き記したプロセスに取り組むことが今のあなたにとって難しすぎることならば、自身が信頼できる医療・心療の専門家に相談してください。この記事の意図は診断を下すことでも、医療・心療の専門家があなたの人生において果たすことができる大切な役割に取って代わることでもありません。あなたはそのような専門家からのより個人的な現在進行形の注意を必要としているのかもしれません。それに、憂鬱や不安に対処するために処方されている医薬品こそが自身の状況を管理する本質的な道具だと気づく人もいます。 そのことがあなたに当てはまるとしたら、それを恥じないでください！あなたは一人ではありません。あなたにはこのような抗鬱剤や不安に対する薬品を必要とする自由があるのです。あなたにはそれを使う自由も使わない自由もあります。あなたはより多くの助けとサポートを手にする自由もあります！人を助けることを愛する人たちに、あなたの助けになってもらってください！ 要点を言えば、あなたは自由だということ。そして誰もあなたに何を考えて、何を考えてはいけないか、何をやって、何をやってはいけないか、そして何を感じて、何を感じてはいけないか、強制することなどできないということです。誰にもできないのです。あなたは自分の精神、肉体そして感情の健康に対して完全に責任を負っています。その責任を受け入れて、自分自身を愛情を持っていたわってあげて欲しいのです。あなたが最良の人間となり、そして最良の音楽家となれるように。 あなた自身を愛し、あなた自身であることを学びましょう。あなた自身に耳を傾けることを学びましょう。あなた自身を恐れないことを学びましょう！！ 私たちが経験する感情の強さの扱い方を学ぶことは私たち人間が学ぶべき最も重要なことの一つです。これは簡単ではないこともあります。私はこれこそ生涯を費やすプロセスだと思うのです。自分に対する気づきと明晰な意図を絶え間なく実践するのです。人生は私たちにこの練習の機会を常に与えてくれます！挑戦を始めましょう！ 音楽家にとしてのあなたが、自分自身に、その感情を、自分を固める反応をせずに深く感じさせ、その感情が貴方の中で動き、そしてあなたの外へ、あなたの音楽の中へ、健全な方法で流れていくようにさせてやる術を学ぶことこそ、あなたがなりうる一番強力で、一番素晴らしい音楽家になるために、何よりも本質的なことなのです。疑いの余地はありません。 ここにあげたアイデアを実践する機会が訪れることをあなたは楽しみに思うことさえあるかもしれません。あなたが否定的な感情を持つ体験を小さく抑えつけ、無視したり、それと戦ったり、そこから逃げ出す代わりに、立ち止まって、私が書いたように、自分自身を十分に経験することをしたならば何が起こるでしょう？その瞬間に、あなた自身ではない者になろうとする代わりに、あなた自身を愛することを選んだならばどうでしょう？感情に流されることなく、あなたが自由であることを選んだならば、そして感情をあなたからあなたの音楽へと流れるようにさせたならばどうでしょう？いったいどんなことが起こるのかしらと私は思っています。。あなたもそうでしょう？ 下のコメント欄から、是非あなたの体験を聞かせてくださいね！あなたが素晴らしい旅路を歩まれますように！:) 音楽家のための無料で学べるEメールセミナーの登録はこちらから http://jenniferrf1_1.gr8.com …そして、もしもあなたがこの記事を楽しめたなら、ぜひシェアをお願いします！一緒に世界中にインスピレーションを広げましょう！:) 憂鬱な男性のイメージは FreeDigitalPhotos.netのstockimages のご厚意で使用しています。 人体のイメージはFreeDigitalPhotos.netのdream designsのご厚意で使用しています。
- [楽器との関係、健全ですか？Healthy Relationship With Your Instrument?](https://artoffreedom.me/healthy-relationship-with-your-instrument/) - 立ち止まって、自分が楽器を演奏するときに自分が実際に何をしてるんだろうって最近考えたことはありますか？ [Do You Have a Healthy Relationship With Your Instrument?] あなたが楽器に近づくとき、あなたはいつでも関係性の中にいます。どんな関係性についても言えることですが、あなたとあなたの楽器との関係性をよくするには注意の集中というものが必要なんです。 人との関係と同じで、あなたが楽器と良い関係でいるには必要になるものがあります。 ・敬意ーあなたはこの楽器を、そこにある可能性に対する正当な敬意、驚きや尊敬をもって扱っていますか？ ・信頼ーこの楽器があなたの命じるままにその最大限の能力を発揮できる、発揮してくれることを信じていますか？ ・親切ー楽器に親切に、優しく触れていますか？ ・愛情ー自分の楽器が好きですか？その本質を愛していますか？ ・遊びー楽器と「遊んで」いますか？それとも「働いて」います？苦役をしょった動物みたいに？あなたの楽器との関係って苦痛？それとも喜びでしょうか？ ・思いやりー楽器の弱さやその限界に思いやりを持てていますか？ ・温かさー温かい音色を創りたいなら、あなたが温かく楽器に近づいているか考えてみましょう ・反応するー楽器があなたに反応してくれることを願うならあなたが楽器に反応しているか考えてみましょう ・開かれていることーあなたの楽器、そしてあなたとその楽器の関係性の、新しい可能性や潜在する力を発見することにあなたは心を開いていますか？ ・空間ーあなたとあなたの楽器の間の境界線、必要な空間に気づいていますか？あなたと楽器のどちらも閉所恐怖症にならないように。押しつぶされたり、抑えつけられたりしてません？あなたも楽器も「呼吸する」スペースを持ってますか？ ・慌てず一緒に（質のよい時間を！）ー楽器に対して話す時間をあげていますか？耳を傾けていますか？楽器にあなたの言うことを聞かせようと急いでいません？ ・離れる時間ーどんな関係性も、一緒にいる時間が長すぎると苦痛です。十分な休憩をとって、楽器との関係性から離れて他にあなたが好きなことをして自分を養えています？ ・優しさー自分の楽器を、生まれたばかりの赤ちゃんに触れるように、愛情深く、柔らかく優しく扱っていますか？それとも考えなく、習慣的に扱ってます？ ・好奇心と実験精神（ミステリー）ー楽器と一緒に新しい発見をすることを興奮と期待で楽しみにしてますか？ ・受容ー楽器に多くを期待しすぎていませんか？楽器が変われば良いのになん思っていません？ ・平和（押しつけない）ー自分の楽器の気分と仲良くなれてますか？自分の楽器が「二日酔い」の時にはそれを受け入れてますか？それを無理やり変えようとしていませんか？自分がちょっと気分の良くない時、楽器にあなたがやりたいように強いしていませんか？それとも一緒に進みたい方向をそっと提案していますか？ ・パートナーになるーこの関係性は、あなたにとって一緒に働くパートナーであることですか？それともご主人様と奴隷の関係なのでしょうか？ ・自由ー自分の楽器に、それ自身の声を持つ自由を与えていますか？それとも、楽器が自ら成長し、変化し、拡大するスペースを与えないで、自分のアイデアを押し付けていませんか？ ・生き生きとしてーこの関係性は生きてますか？死んでますか？どのくらいの気づきがありますか？成長は？時間とともに変化し、動いて、花が開くようにより良くなっていますか？それともどんどん悪くなってます？ いくつかの提案しましょう。 時間をかけて、沢山の意識と気づきを持って、ここに挙げたポイントを確かに全て実践して、それでもあなたが満足がいかないこともあるかもしれません。それまで自分の楽器をあきらめないでくださいね。チャンスをあげてください。海には沢山の「お魚」がいますけど、自分のもとにいる魚に、本当に餌をあげているでしょうか？自分の魚にまずは餌をあげましょう。あなたが持ってるすべてをあげたなら、自分にもとてもよくしてあげたことになります。何故かというと、ここに挙げたポイントを念頭に置いていれば、あなたが作る関係性は全部より良くなっていくからです。ここで費やした時間とエネルギーを後悔することは決してないはずです。 もちろん、楽器については離別も、離婚も、売り払うこともありますし、重婚だって許されます。もちろん大切に持ち続けることも。ですから自由に進んでくださいね。あなたが最善を尽くして、それで他にもっと良い関係を見つけられることが分かったのなら…。人間関係の多くの場合と違って、楽器については、他を探した方が良い時っていうのは分かりやすいはずですから あなたからのメッセージをお待ちしています！こんな風に自分の楽器との関係性を考えていますか？何があなたには新しかったでしょうか？他に付け加えるご提案はありますか？あなたの関係性についても、下のコメントからお聞かせくださいね。あなたにとっての困難や、あなたのアドバイスをお聞かせください（訳注：コメントを頂ける際には英語での投稿をお願い致します）。 Help a musician – please share this post! If you enjoy reading this blog, subscribe via email and sign up
- [FOR YOU!](https://artoffreedom.me/services/) - Curious about how to learn The Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living and masterful artistry? Click here to visit the AOF STORE Or contact me at Jennifer@ArtofFreedom.me if you're interested in private coaching, or if you'd like to discuss what your best options would be. Learn powerful, simple skills to overcome... pain excess muscular
- [ようこそ Japanese](https://artoffreedom.me/japanese-welcome/) - Welcome! はじめまして！音楽家のためのThe Art of Freedom®（アート・オブ・フリーダム）にようこそ！ （私のブログの日本語訳へのリンクはこの下にあります！） 私は（今のところはですが！）日本語が話せません。けれど、音楽とアレクサンダー・テクニークの世界で、日本の皆さん、とりわけ、東京のBody Chanceそして御殿場で一緒にワークした素晴らしい音楽家の皆さんと、新しいつながりを作ることをとても楽しんでいます。私のお気に入りは、5日間の合宿の間、毎朝富士山の美しく雄大な姿からインスピレーションを得た体験でした。 私は、音楽家のためのThe Art of Freedom®を教え続けるために、定期的に日本に戻ってきたいと思っています。私は日本が大好きですし、日本で出会う人達との間には素晴らしい体験しかありませんでした！このページが、あなたがこれから成長していく私達のコミュニティに参加して、ステージでそしてあらゆる場所であなたがあなた自身であることを学び、そして自分を痛みや緊張や不安から解放する術を学ぶきっかけになってくれればと思います。私のワークについて質問があれば連絡をくださいね！ このページについて： このページは、日本での私のワークショップについてのお知らせに特化したページです。それから、私のブログ記事のいくつかの日本語訳を皆さんに共有します。ご親切にも、この翻訳を用意して、日本の読者の皆さんにお知らせすることを手伝ってくださる外池康剛さんに感謝します。 康剛さんは、ブログの記事を少なくとも月に1本ずつのペースで翻訳したいと計画しています。日本語訳を、投稿されたらすぐに直接メールで受け取りたいという方は、問い合わせ（”CONTACT”）ページから、私の日本向けメーリングリストに参加されたい旨を添えて 私にお名前とEメールアドレスをお知らせください。英語版の私の毎月のニュースレターも購読していただけます。 このページを音楽家のお友達にシェアしてくださることも大歓迎です！ 5日間の無料Eメールセミナーのご紹介： 英語をお読みになる方でしたら、ぜひ私の5日間の無料Eメールセミナーにもご登録ください。そこでは、あなたを音楽家のためのThe Art of Freedom®にご招待します。ご登録いただくと、Facebookの私の非公開オンライン・コミュニティThe Art of Freedom Village for Musiciansにも参加していただくことができます。コミュニティでは他の日本人の生徒さん達とお話したり、私に質問していただくこと、あなたの得た洞察や、壁を打ち破った体験、喜びや困難をシェアしてもらうこともできます。 あなたにお会いすることを楽しみにしています！ 平和と喜びを願って Jennifer 疑い怪獣につかまらないで！Doubt-Monsters!
- [疑い怪獣につかまらないで！Doubt-Monsters!](https://artoffreedom.me/dont-let-the-doubt-monsters-get-you-japanese-version/) - 疑い怪獣につかまらないで！ [Don’t Let the Doubt-Monsters Get You!] この一年くらいのこと、私は私自身のため、それから私の生徒達のために、否定的な思考の習慣のことを「疑い怪獣」と呼び始めました。この週末、私の12歳になる息子ラファエル（彼は今日のコンクールのための準備をしていました）を助けるために、このアイデアを利用する機会がありました。 ちょうど昨日の夜、彼がバイオリンの小品3曲の最後のおさらいをしているのを聴いていて、私はラファエルが「ドジった」ところから回復するのに苦労していることに気がつきました。 「疑い怪獣」についての私のお話の出番でした－小さな男の子にはとても訴えるところのお話ですが、もちろん私にとっても迫るものがあるお話です！ この時は、ラファエルは手強いパッセージで躓いていて、私には彼がミスに過剰な緊張で反応して眉をしかめているのが見えました。ラファエルが、起こったことを手放していなこと、それに、彼の反応がその後に続くパッセージにも影響を与え始めていることが私には分かりました。フラストレーションと不安が演奏に悪い影響を与え始めて、彼を押し下げていました。 私は疑い怪獣のことはとてもよく知っています。きっとあなたもそうでしょう。こんな感じのことを良く言っています。 「今のは本当にまずい！全然音が外れてるし、酷い音色。ああー信じられない。こんなこと前はやらかさなかったでしょう！あー次のパッセージもめちゃめちゃになり始めてるし。。。明日の準備が全然できていないわ。。。どうしてこれうまくいかないんだろう。どうやってこれを直したらいいのか検討もつかない。酷い。これは本当に酷い。。何でもっと上手く弾けないの？酷いバイオリニストだわ。誰だって私よりは上手。みんなこんな演奏はうんざりするわ。望みがないわね。本当に嘘っぱちな演奏。もうこれ以上はましにならないわ。何にもやった甲斐がないし、どこにも行けない。あんたって出来損ないだわ。。。」 それからあんなことやらこんなこと！！ けれど、これらは全部習慣です。そしてこのような考えは本当のあなた、あなたの最良の自己を反映してはいません。これは過去からの、特にあなた以外の人達からの古い声です。これは「疑い怪獣」が発しているものです！ もし勇敢な戦士が、怪獣に攻撃されていることに気がついたら、彼らは何をするでしょう？ 逃げ出したりするかしら？いいえ！諦める？いいえ！固まっちゃう？いいえ！戦うかしら？その通り！ …うーん。ちょっとまって、、、本当に？私達が戦う？でも私って平和主義者なんですけど。争いは良くないですよね？ （警告：こんな声が聞こえましたか？これは疑い怪獣のスパイです。忍び込んで来てるのですよ…!） いいえ。たとえ平和な、愛すべき人達だって、平和な戦士になることは学ぶ必要があります。 実は、疑い怪獣はあなたが反撃してくることを望んでいます。ただし、古いやり方－つまり私達がやろうとするあらゆることに干渉する、沢山の役に立たない過剰な緊張を作る方法で。でも、奇襲を仕掛けて、騙してやりましょうね。私達は、今回はあいつらに古い、予想通りのやり方、私達自身を否定的な考えで打ちのめしてしまう方法では反撃しません。今回は、私達はただ、あいつらには一切の注意を払わないことにしましょう。 私達は、今・此処に平和に生きることで疑い怪獣達と戦うのです。 疑い怪獣達は、あなたに過去に引っかかっていて欲しいのです。どんな風に失敗したか、どれほど酷かった等々。。。あいつらはあなたが間違えた音符１つを大きく拡大して、上手く演奏できた100の音符よりずっと大きく見えるようにしたがっているのです。あなたが現実を歪めることを望んでいるのです。疑い怪獣達はあなたを未来にも押し出そうとしています。そうしてあなたが不安になることを願っているのです。これから間違えるかもしれないあらゆることにあなたが焦点を合わせるようにしたがっているのです。あいつらが本当にあなたにしてほしくないこと。それはたった今は何もかもが上手くいっているということに気づくことなのです。 あいつらの使命は、現在の素晴らしさにあなたが気付くのを妨害することなのです。 あなたの仕事はそれに気づくこと。そして、疑い怪獣に向かって、毅然として即座の確信を持って、ただNoと言うことです。分別の剣を手に持って、あいつらの首を刎ねてやりましょう。見つけ次第に一匹ずつ。今すぐに。（私の言葉を疑ってますか？それがチャンスです！ためらわず、あなたの最初の疑い怪獣の首を刎ねてやりましょう。すぐに！やってみましょう。あなたの美しい人生の現在という瞬間を味わいましょう！） ラファエルと私が発見したことですが、「No」に「W」を付けてあげるとそれだけで「NOW」（現在）になるんです。 今こそあなたの内なる平和な戦士（それとも女戦士笑？）、神（それとも女神）に出会い、疑い怪獣との戦を始める時です。あなたはリラックスして、あなたの演奏と人生に相応しい全てのものを愛することができます。今すぐに。思いっきり楽しみましょう！ ラファエルは教訓を得ました。今日の私は誇り高い母親です。彼は疑い怪獣を攻撃することを楽しんで、戦いに勝利しました。ラファエルがコンクールで「優秀」な成績を収めたかどうかは関係ありません。彼が自分の内面で勝ち得たものには遙かに優れた価値があるのです。 あなたの今日の疑い怪獣との戦いはどんな感じですか？ Help a musician – please share this post! If you enjoy reading this blog, subscribe via email and sign up for our newsletter on the
- [PAST EVENTS](https://artoffreedom.me/events/) - A Sampling of Jennifer's Past Events 2017 "How Do They Make it Look so EASY?!! How to Master any String Technique with Ease" ~ Workshop for the Freedom to Play Music conference in NYC Conquer Stress and Perform at Your Best!" ~ Workshop for musicians at the Cincinnati Music Academy Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association ~ "Pain, Tension, and
- [Give Yourself Five Minutes of Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/five-minutes-of-freedom-at-the-computer/) - FREE AUDIO GUIDE Take a break and relax with this 5-minute Art of Freedom audio guide I created for you. Enjoy! :) ~ 5 Minutes of Freedom ~ If you enjoyed this, please show your support by clicking on the buttons below to "like" my facebook page and share! Your click will unlock access to MY

## Products

- [Solo con Spirito! Celebrating 50](https://artoffreedom.me/product/solo-con-spirito-celebrating-50/) - Solo con Spirito! Celebrating 50 represents a special personal achievement, as I’ve finally fulfilled my childhood dream of making a solo violin recording. Shortly after I began work on the project, the pandemic took over the world. I used the imposed isolation to build a recording studio in my home, and with the remote support of two engineers and a Grammy-Award winning producer, I produced this recording on the occasion of my 50th birthday. This was a fantastic learning adventure and a beautiful collaboration during very stressful times. Made with Love - ENJOY! The physical CD is no longer available. You'll receive a link to download the Mp3 files after purchase.
- [Make Great Music with Ease! Paperback](https://artoffreedom.me/product/make-great-music-with-ease-paperback/) - ‘Make Great Music with Ease!’ is a transformative guide brimming with inspiring stories and practical tools that empower you to find balance and express yourself with skillful mastery, confidence, and joy. The book provides deep insight and lasting solutions to the challenges musicians face, including pain, performance nerves, and emotional stress. The author shares her personal journey as an accomplished violinist and as an Alexander Technique teacher specializing in touch-free teaching. She presents case studies from her coaching practice illustrating how unifying the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being a musician with mindful awareness can lead to greater freedom and success in both music and life. At the heart of the book is The Art of Freedom® Method, her comprehensive system integrating Alexander Technique principles with her own experience in performance, meditation, and personal development. The innovative explorations and daily Awareness Etudes introduced in this book will enable you to release tension, improve your musical technique and practice skills, and play with inspired flow. ‘Make Great Music with Ease!’ challenges you to wake up your curiosity and access your inner wisdom so you can create music with your whole self while making a positive impact in the world. Grab your copy today and get FREE access to the book's companion Bonus Materials, including a 4-Part Video Training, Practice Success Worksheet, Self-Care and Life-Balance Assessment, Performance Anxiety Article & Video, and more!

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://artoffreedom.me/category/uncategorized/)
- [Art of Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/category/art-of-freedom/)
- [Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/category/alexander-technique/)
- [performance anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/category/performance-anxiety/)
- [pain](https://artoffreedom.me/category/pain-2/)
- [awareness](https://artoffreedom.me/category/awareness/)
- [Body](https://artoffreedom.me/category/body/)
- [suffering](https://artoffreedom.me/category/suffering/)
- [Mind-Body Unity](https://artoffreedom.me/category/mind-body-unity/)
- [balance](https://artoffreedom.me/category/balance/)
- [chamber music](https://artoffreedom.me/category/chamber-music/)
- [habit](https://artoffreedom.me/category/habit/)
- [self-control](https://artoffreedom.me/category/self-control/)
- [thinking](https://artoffreedom.me/category/thinking/)
- [anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/category/anxiety/)
- [challenge](https://artoffreedom.me/category/challenge/)
- [change](https://artoffreedom.me/category/change/)
- [direction](https://artoffreedom.me/category/direction/)
- [fear](https://artoffreedom.me/category/fear/)
- [improvement](https://artoffreedom.me/category/improvement/)
- [violin](https://artoffreedom.me/category/violin/)
- [reactions](https://artoffreedom.me/category/reactions/)
- [stress](https://artoffreedom.me/category/stress/)
- [Love](https://artoffreedom.me/category/love-2/)
- [relationships](https://artoffreedom.me/category/relationships/)
- [instruments](https://artoffreedom.me/category/instruments/)
- [freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/category/freedom/)
- [open](https://artoffreedom.me/category/open/)
- [life](https://artoffreedom.me/category/life/)
- [life purpose](https://artoffreedom.me/category/life-purpose/)
- [soul](https://artoffreedom.me/category/soul/)
- [children](https://artoffreedom.me/category/children/)
- [posture](https://artoffreedom.me/category/posture/)
- [practicing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/practicing/)
- [musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/category/musicians/)
- [beauty](https://artoffreedom.me/category/beauty/)
- [nature](https://artoffreedom.me/category/nature/)
- [education](https://artoffreedom.me/category/education/)
- [phrasing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/phrasing/)
- [technique](https://artoffreedom.me/category/technique/)
- [union](https://artoffreedom.me/category/union/)
- [classes](https://artoffreedom.me/category/classes/)
- [teachers](https://artoffreedom.me/category/teachers/)
- [sound](https://artoffreedom.me/category/sound/)
- [competition](https://artoffreedom.me/category/competition/)
- [joy](https://artoffreedom.me/category/joy/)
- [wellness](https://artoffreedom.me/category/wellness/)
- [success](https://artoffreedom.me/category/success/)
- [emotions](https://artoffreedom.me/category/emotions/)
- [non-doing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/non-doing/)
- [peace](https://artoffreedom.me/category/peace/)
- [tension](https://artoffreedom.me/category/tension/)
- [time-space](https://artoffreedom.me/category/time-space/)
- [depression](https://artoffreedom.me/category/depression/)
- [constructive rest](https://artoffreedom.me/category/constructive-rest/)
- [concerts](https://artoffreedom.me/category/concerts/)
- [performance](https://artoffreedom.me/category/performance/)
- [inhibition](https://artoffreedom.me/category/inhibition/)
- [all-possibility](https://artoffreedom.me/category/all-possibility/)
- [spirituality](https://artoffreedom.me/category/spirituality/)
- [community](https://artoffreedom.me/category/community/)
- [beliefs](https://artoffreedom.me/category/beliefs/)
- [strings](https://artoffreedom.me/category/strings/)
- [teaching](https://artoffreedom.me/category/teaching/)
- [neck](https://artoffreedom.me/category/neck/)
- [voice](https://artoffreedom.me/category/voice/)
- [ease](https://artoffreedom.me/category/ease/)
- [end-gaining](https://artoffreedom.me/category/end-gaining/)
- [virtue](https://artoffreedom.me/category/virtue/)
- [auditions](https://artoffreedom.me/category/auditions/)
- [inspiration](https://artoffreedom.me/category/inspiration/)
- [goals](https://artoffreedom.me/category/goals/)
- [discipline](https://artoffreedom.me/category/discipline/)
- [motivation](https://artoffreedom.me/category/motivation/)
- [stories](https://artoffreedom.me/category/stories/)
- [healing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/healing/)
- [facebook live videos](https://artoffreedom.me/category/facebook-live-videos/)
- [rushing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/rushing/)
- [concentration](https://artoffreedom.me/category/concentration/)
- [focus](https://artoffreedom.me/category/focus/)
- [primary instrument](https://artoffreedom.me/category/primary-instrument/)
- [exercise](https://artoffreedom.me/category/exercise/)
- [online teaching](https://artoffreedom.me/category/online-teaching/)
- [presence](https://artoffreedom.me/category/presence/)
- [burnout](https://artoffreedom.me/category/burnout/)
- [Muse](https://artoffreedom.me/category/muse/)
- [health](https://artoffreedom.me/category/health/)
- [worry](https://artoffreedom.me/category/worry/)
- [creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/category/creativity/)
- [Creativity Challenge](https://artoffreedom.me/category/creativity-challenge/)
- [workshop](https://artoffreedom.me/category/workshop/)
- [improvisation](https://artoffreedom.me/category/improvisation/)
- [productivity](https://artoffreedom.me/category/productivity/)
- [coaching](https://artoffreedom.me/category/coaching/)
- [recording](https://artoffreedom.me/category/recording/)
- [time management](https://artoffreedom.me/category/time-management/)
- [career](https://artoffreedom.me/category/career/)
- [mindset](https://artoffreedom.me/category/mindset/)
- [online performance](https://artoffreedom.me/category/online-performance/)
- [career advice](https://artoffreedom.me/category/career-advice/)
- [interviews](https://artoffreedom.me/category/interviews/)
- [marketing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/marketing/)
- [music teachers](https://artoffreedom.me/category/music-teachers/)
- [The Musician's Advantage](https://artoffreedom.me/category/the-musicians-advantage/)
- [pandemic](https://artoffreedom.me/category/pandemic/)
- [injury](https://artoffreedom.me/category/injury/)
- [skills](https://artoffreedom.me/category/skills/)
- [mind-body connection](https://artoffreedom.me/category/mind-body-connection/)
- [stretches](https://artoffreedom.me/category/stretches/)
- [success story](https://artoffreedom.me/category/success-story/)
- [Jumpstart](https://artoffreedom.me/category/jumpstart/)
- [orchestra](https://artoffreedom.me/category/orchestra/)
- [mind-body skills](https://artoffreedom.me/category/mind-body-skills/)
- [testimonials](https://artoffreedom.me/category/testimonials/)
- [learning](https://artoffreedom.me/category/learning/)
- [Music lessons](https://artoffreedom.me/category/music-lessons/)
- [testimonial](https://artoffreedom.me/category/testimonial/)
- [Music](https://artoffreedom.me/category/music/)
- [Art](https://artoffreedom.me/category/art/)
- [Mindfulness](https://artoffreedom.me/category/mindfulness/)
- [Book](https://artoffreedom.me/category/book/)
- [Empowerment](https://artoffreedom.me/category/empowerment/)
- [Resources](https://artoffreedom.me/category/resources/)
- [Painting](https://artoffreedom.me/category/painting/)
- [Exploration](https://artoffreedom.me/category/exploration/)
- [Transformation](https://artoffreedom.me/category/transformation/)
- [Podcast Feature](https://artoffreedom.me/category/podcast-feature/)
- [Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/category/expression/)
- [Artistic Inspiration](https://artoffreedom.me/category/artistic-inspiration/)
- [Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/category/growth/)
- [Resilience](https://artoffreedom.me/category/resilience/)
- [Self-Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/category/self-growth/)
- [Stress Relief](https://artoffreedom.me/category/stress-relief/)
- [perfectionism](https://artoffreedom.me/category/perfectionism/)
- [Reviews](https://artoffreedom.me/category/reviews/)
- [Wisdom](https://artoffreedom.me/category/wisdom/)
- [Authority](https://artoffreedom.me/category/authority/)
- [Trust](https://artoffreedom.me/category/trust/)
- [Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/category/confidence/)
- [Vulnerability](https://artoffreedom.me/category/vulnerability/)
- [Authenticity](https://artoffreedom.me/category/authenticity/)
- [Patience](https://artoffreedom.me/category/patience/)
- [Gratitude](https://artoffreedom.me/category/gratitude/)
- [Travel](https://artoffreedom.me/category/travel/)
- [Personal Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/category/personal-growth/)
- [Identity](https://artoffreedom.me/category/identity/)
- [Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/category/practice/)
- [Flow](https://artoffreedom.me/category/flow/)
- [Podcast Interview](https://artoffreedom.me/category/podcast-interview/)
- [Self-Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/category/self-expression/)
- [Women](https://artoffreedom.me/category/women/)
- [People-Pleasing](https://artoffreedom.me/category/people-pleasing/)
- [Self-Doubt](https://artoffreedom.me/category/self-doubt/)
- [Self-Care](https://artoffreedom.me/category/self-care/)
- [Meditation](https://artoffreedom.me/category/meditation/)
- [Mastery](https://artoffreedom.me/category/mastery/)
- [Artistry](https://artoffreedom.me/category/artistry/)
- [Embodiment](https://artoffreedom.me/category/embodiment/)
- [Integration](https://artoffreedom.me/category/integration/)
- [Imagination](https://artoffreedom.me/category/imagination/)
- [Connection](https://artoffreedom.me/category/connection/)
- [Intuition](https://artoffreedom.me/category/intuition/)
- [Reflection](https://artoffreedom.me/category/reflection/)
- [Musicianship](https://artoffreedom.me/category/musicianship/)
- [Alignment](https://artoffreedom.me/category/alignment/)
- [Philosophy](https://artoffreedom.me/category/philosophy/)
- [Science](https://artoffreedom.me/category/science/)
- [Sanctuary](https://artoffreedom.me/category/sanctuary/)

## Tags

- [Alexander Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexander-technique/)
- [consciousness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/consciousness/)
- [musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians/)
- [performers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performers/)
- [Pain](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/pain/)
- [love](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/love/)
- [cello](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/cello/)
- [money](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/money/)
- [strings](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/strings/)
- [orchestral musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/orchestral-musicians/)
- [suffering](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/suffering/)
- [Awareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/awareness-2/)
- [mind-body unity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-body-unity-2/)
- [wellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wellness/)
- [balance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/balance/)
- [chamber music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/chamber-music/)
- [concentration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/concentration/)
- [focus](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/focus/)
- [doubt](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/doubt/)
- [doubt-monsters](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/doubt-monsters/)
- [negative thinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/negative-thinking/)
- [positive thinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/positive-thinking/)
- [alexander technique cincinnati](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexander-technique-cincinnati/)
- [change](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/change/)
- [direction](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/direction/)
- [self-control](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-control/)
- [habit](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/habit/)
- [reactions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/reactions/)
- [choice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/choice/)
- [infinitude](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/infinitude/)
- [instruments](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/instruments/)
- [relationships](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/relationships/)
- [practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practice/)
- [sound](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sound/)
- [freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedom/)
- [self](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self/)
- [life](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/life/)
- [music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music/)
- [control](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/control/)
- [purpose](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/purpose/)
- [soul](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/soul/)
- [mental practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mental-practice/)
- [thinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/thinking/)
- [posture](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/posture/)
- [connection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/connection/)
- [goals](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/goals/)
- [nature](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nature/)
- [silence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/silence/)
- [joy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joy/)
- [music education](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-education/)
- [anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/anxiety/)
- [self-knowledge](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-knowledge/)
- [competition](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/competition/)
- [world peace](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/world-peace/)
- [technique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/technique/)
- [violin](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violin/)
- [violence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violence/)
- [spirituality](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/spirituality/)
- [tension](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tension/)
- [time-space](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/time-space/)
- [depression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/depression/)
- [dreams](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/dreams/)
- [support](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/support/)
- [performance anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance-anxiety/)
- [emotions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotions/)
- [perfectionism](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/perfectionism/)
- [constructive rest](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/constructive-rest/)
- [excerpts](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/excerpts/)
- [classical music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/classical-music/)
- [listening](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/listening/)
- [all-possibility](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/all-possibility/)
- [mystery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mystery/)
- [community](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/community/)
- [education](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/education/)
- [fear](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/fear/)
- [independence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/independence/)
- [learning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/learning/)
- [potential](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/potential/)
- [beliefs](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/beliefs/)
- [practicing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicing/)
- [being](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/being/)
- [spirit](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/spirit/)
- [Non-Doing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/non-doing/)
- [litany](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/litany/)
- [meaning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/meaning/)
- [stories](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stories/)
- [natural design](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/natural-design/)
- [teaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teaching/)
- [mind](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind/)
- [meditation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/meditation/)
- [trust](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/trust/)
- [space](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/space/)
- [self-help](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-help/)
- [students](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/students/)
- [The Art of Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/the-art-of-freedom/)
- [neck](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/neck/)
- [Self-Realization](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-realization/)
- [speaking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/speaking/)
- [ease](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ease/)
- [challenge](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/challenge/)
- [heart](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/heart/)
- [acceptance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/acceptance/)
- [ego](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ego/)
- [end-gaining](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/end-gaining/)
- [mistakes](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mistakes/)
- [politics](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/politics/)
- [high heels](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/high-heels/)
- [auditions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/auditions/)
- [inspiration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inspiration/)
- [now](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/now/)
- [presence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/presence/)
- [music practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-practice/)
- [movement](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/movement/)
- [beauty](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/beauty/)
- [wonder](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wonder/)
- [masterclass](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/masterclass/)
- [forgiveness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/forgiveness/)
- [oboe](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/oboe/)
- [motivation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/motivation/)
- [emotion](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotion/)
- [expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/expression/)
- [musicality](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicality/)
- [peace](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/peace/)
- [rodeo](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rodeo/)
- [story](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/story/)
- [3 magic phrases](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/3-magic-phrases/)
- [compassion](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/compassion/)
- [epiphany](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/epiphany/)
- [freedom directions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedom-directions/)
- [healing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/healing/)
- [three magic phrases](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/three-magic-phrases/)
- [facebook live](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/facebook-live/)
- [performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance/)
- [video](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/video/)
- [interview](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/interview/)
- [cycle](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/cycle/)
- [etude](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/etude/)
- [metronome](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/metronome/)
- [rushing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rushing/)
- [timing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/timing/)
- [coordination](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/coordination/)
- [exercises](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/exercises/)
- [primary instrument](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/primary-instrument/)
- [passion](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/passion/)
- [emotional stuff](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-stuff/)
- [my story](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/my-story/)
- [struggle](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/struggle/)
- [success](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/success/)
- [transformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/transformation/)
- [viola](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/viola/)
- [scoliosis](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/scoliosis/)
- [exercise](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/exercise/)
- [stretching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stretching/)
- [online teaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/online-teaching/)
- [performance preparation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance-preparation/)
- [burnout](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/burnout/)
- [enthusiasm](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/enthusiasm/)
- [life purpose](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/life-purpose/)
- [Muse](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/muse/)
- [vocation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/vocation/)
- [grief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/grief/)
- [poetry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/poetry/)
- [yearning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/yearning/)
- [ergonomics](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ergonomics/)
- [sitting](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sitting/)
- [standing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/standing/)
- [illness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/illness/)
- [coronavirus](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/coronavirus/)
- [health](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/health/)
- [worry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/worry/)
- [calm](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/calm/)
- [teach online](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teach-online/)
- [creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativity/)
- [curiosity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/curiosity/)
- [recording](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/recording/)
- [studio](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/studio/)
- [George Floyd](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/george-floyd/)
- [racism](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/racism/)
- [creative healing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-healing/)
- [workshop](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/workshop/)
- [improvisation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/improvisation/)
- [journaling](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/journaling/)
- [organization](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/organization/)
- [productivity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/productivity/)
- [writing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/writing/)
- [Bach](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bach/)
- [Carnegie Hall](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/carnegie-hall/)
- [authenticity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticity/)
- [software](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/software/)
- [improve techniques](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/improve-techniques/)
- [home studio](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/home-studio/)
- [performance mindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance-mindset/)
- [confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confidence/)
- [mindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindset/)
- [pandemic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/pandemic/)
- [injury](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/injury/)
- [recovery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/recovery/)
- [stretches](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stretches/)
- [coaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/coaching/)
- [future](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/future/)
- [planning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/planning/)
- [projects](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/projects/)
- [slowing down](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/slowing-down/)
- [time](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/time/)
- [career](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/career/)
- [plan](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/plan/)
- [dissatisfaction](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/dissatisfaction/)
- [covid-19](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/covid-19/)
- [frustration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/frustration/)
- [online performing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/online-performing/)
- [performing online](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performing-online/)
- [teaching online](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teaching-online/)
- [career change](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/career-change/)
- [updating](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/updating/)
- [career advice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/career-advice/)
- [Dave SImon](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/dave-simon/)
- [music teachers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-teachers/)
- [tips for teachers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tips-for-teachers/)
- [hope](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/hope/)
- [The Musician's Advantage](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/the-musicians-advantage/)
- [violin music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violin-music/)
- [virtual collaboration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/virtual-collaboration/)
- [new year's resolutions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/new-years-resolutions/)
- [how to practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/how-to-practice/)
- [chiropractic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/chiropractic/)
- [doctors](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/doctors/)
- [massage](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/massage/)
- [medicine](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/medicine/)
- [specialists](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/specialists/)
- [stress](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stress/)
- [improve technique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/improve-technique/)
- [skills](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/skills/)
- [integration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/integration/)
- [mind-body connection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-body-connection/)
- [wholeness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wholeness/)
- [body wisdom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/body-wisdom/)
- [inner wisdom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-wisdom/)
- [listen](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/listen/)
- [mind-body skills](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-body-skills/)
- [success story](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/success-story/)
- [Jumpstart](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/jumpstart/)
- [skills improvement](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/skills-improvement/)
- [stage fright](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stage-fright/)
- [comparisons](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/comparisons/)
- [imposter syndrome](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/imposter-syndrome/)
- [self-esteem](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-esteem/)
- [jaw](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/jaw/)
- [singer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/singer/)
- [surgery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/surgery/)
- [treatment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/treatment/)
- [Alexander](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexander/)
- [Constructive Thinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/constructive-thinking/)
- [Jennifer's music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/jennifers-music/)
- [streaming](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/streaming/)
- [audition](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/audition/)
- [preparation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/preparation/)
- [mind-body awareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-body-awareness/)
- [effortlessness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortlessness/)
- [practice techniques](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practice-techniques/)
- [improve skills](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/improve-skills/)
- [The Art of Freedom Method](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/the-art-of-freedom-method/)
- [Sunday Success](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sunday-success/)
- [communication](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/communication/)
- [testimony](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/testimony/)
- [Violinists](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinists/)
- [30 Days](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/30-days/)
- [Violin Tension-Tamer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violin-tension-tamer/)
- [Primal Alexander](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/primal-alexander/)
- [Rachmaninov](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rachmaninov/)
- [Fritz Kreisler](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/fritz-kreisler/)
- [Videos](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/videos/)
- [mind-body](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-body/)
- [body](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/body/)
- [Artistry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistry/)
- [Aspiration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/aspiration/)
- [Finances](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/finances/)
- [Financial](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/financial/)
- [Energy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/energy/)
- [Facebook](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/facebook/)
- [ConstructiveThinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/constructivethinking/)
- [pain-free](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/pain-free/)
- [guitar](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/guitar/)
- [mind-wandering](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-wandering/)
- [time management](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/time-management/)
- [testimonial](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/testimonial/)
- [judger mode](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/judger-mode/)
- [learner mode](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/learner-mode/)
- [Ciaccona](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ciaccona/)
- [Chaconne](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/chaconne/)
- [style](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/style/)
- [baroque](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/baroque/)
- [modern](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/modern/)
- [Gingold](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/gingold/)
- [CD](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/cd/)
- [registration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/registration/)
- [student success](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/student-success/)
- [podcast](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/podcast/)
- [abuse](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/abuse/)
- [emotional abuse](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-abuse/)
- [music lessons](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-lessons/)
- [talent](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/talent/)
- [hesitation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/hesitation/)
- [inner critic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-critic/)
- [public speaking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/public-speaking/)
- [social anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/social-anxiety/)
- [appreciation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/appreciation/)
- [Accessibility](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/accessibility/)
- [Value](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/value/)
- [Selfcare](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfcare/)
- [Reviews](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/reviews/)
- [Development](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/development/)
- [book review](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/book-review/)
- [celebration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/celebration/)
- [Mindfulness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulness/)
- [Personal Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/personal-growth/)
- [Private coaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/private-coaching/)
- [Musician Wellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musician-wellness/)
- [offer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/offer/)
- [Creative](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative/)
- [Self expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-expression/)
- [Art of freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/art-of-freedom/)
- [Experimentation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/experimentation/)
- [Freedom with Structure](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedom-with-structure/)
- [creativesoul](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativesoul/)
- [deepfeelings](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/deepfeelings/)
- [selflistening](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selflistening/)
- [innerpeace](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerpeace/)
- [surrender](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/surrender/)
- [creativeblocks](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativeblocks/)
- [healingarts](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/healingarts/)
- [Free Month](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/free-month/)
- [Artistic Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-growth/)
- [Confidence Boost](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confidence-boost/)
- [Community Support](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/community-support/)
- [Skill Improvement](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/skill-improvement/)
- [Creative Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-freedom/)
- [MediaShowcase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mediashowcase/)
- [MusicForTheSoulPodcast](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicforthesoulpodcast/)
- [PerformanceAnxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performanceanxiety/)
- [MusicMindfulness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicmindfulness/)
- [HolisticMusicTeaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holisticmusicteaching/)
- [StressRelief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stressrelief/)
- [FreedomInMusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedominmusic/)
- [MakeGreatMusicWithEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/makegreatmusicwithease/)
- [Authenticity in Art](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticity-in-art/)
- [Artistic Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-expression/)
- [Inner Transformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-transformation/)
- [Creative Process](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-process/)
- [Healing Through Art](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/healing-through-art/)
- [Overcoming Perfectionism](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-perfectionism/)
- [Joy in Art](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joy-in-art/)
- [Breaking Free from Conformity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/breaking-free-from-conformity/)
- [Artistic Empowerment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-empowerment/)
- [Mindful Creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindful-creativity/)
- [Artistic Fulfillment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-fulfillment/)
- [Embracing Vulnerability](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embracing-vulnerability/)
- [Reclaiming Creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/reclaiming-creativity/)
- [Creative Fear](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-fear/)
- [Artistic Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-confidence/)
- [Authentic Self-Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authentic-self-expression/)
- [Overcoming Self-Doubt](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-self-doubt/)
- [Freedom in Art](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedom-in-art/)
- [Fearless Creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/fearless-creativity/)
- [Expressing Vulnerability](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/expressing-vulnerability/)
- [Embracing Your Inner Artist](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embracing-your-inner-artist/)
- [Creative Mindset Shifts](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-mindset-shifts/)
- [Shining Your Light](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/shining-your-light/)
- [Creativity and Courage](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativity-and-courage/)
- [Inner Voice of an Artist](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-voice-of-an-artist/)
- [Transforming Fear into Art](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/transforming-fear-into-art/)
- [Process](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/process/)
- [Overcoming](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming/)
- [Visualization](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/visualization/)
- [Resilience](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/resilience/)
- [Tools](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tools/)
- [Unlocking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/unlocking/)
- [Simplicity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/simplicity/)
- [EmotionalFreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalfreedom/)
- [CreativeSpirit](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativespirit/)
- [ArtOfFreedomMethod](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artoffreedommethod/)
- [MusicHealing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musichealing/)
- [ViolinPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinpractice/)
- [Alchemy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alchemy/)
- [Flow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/flow/)
- [Artist](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artist/)
- [Comparison](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/comparison/)
- [Triggers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/triggers/)
- [Imposter](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/imposter/)
- [Observation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/observation/)
- [Self-Doubt](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-doubt/)
- [Embodiment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embodiment/)
- [MakeGreatMusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/makegreatmusic/)
- [TheStrad](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/thestrad/)
- [BookReview](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bookreview/)
- [PerformingArts](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performingarts/)
- [MusicStrategies](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicstrategies/)
- [CoachingInsights](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/coachinginsights/)
- [Gratitude](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/gratitude/)
- [HolidayGift](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holidaygift/)
- [EmotionalAlchemy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalalchemy/)
- [HolidayStress](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holidaystress/)
- [Relaxation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/relaxation/)
- [InnerSilence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innersilence/)
- [MusicPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicpractice/)
- [ArtisticFreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artisticfreedom/)
- [LettingGo](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/lettinggo/)
- [MusicalBreakthrough](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalbreakthrough/)
- [TrustInCreativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/trustincreativity/)
- [MusicCoaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiccoaching/)
- [overwhelm](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overwhelm/)
- [Don Juan](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/don-juan/)
- [Review](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/review/)
- [The Strad](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/the-strad/)
- [intensity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intensity/)
- [Inner](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner/)
- [Humility](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/humility/)
- [Guidance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/guidance/)
- [imagination](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/imagination/)
- [Trust in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/trust-in-music/)
- [Musical Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musical-freedom/)
- [Confident Performing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confident-performing/)
- [Mindful Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindful-music/)
- [Transformative Coaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/transformative-coaching/)
- [Artistic Joy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-joy/)
- [Relaxed Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/relaxed-performance/)
- [Inner Peace](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-peace/)
- [Self-Discovery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-discovery/)
- [Violinist Journey](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinist-journey/)
- [Holistic Artistry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holistic-artistry/)
- [Artistic Transformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-transformation/)
- [Masterful Living](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/masterful-living/)
- [Ease in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ease-in-music/)
- [Conscious Musicianship](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/conscious-musicianship/)
- [Emotional Alchemy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-alchemy/)
- [Creative Vulnerability](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-vulnerability/)
- [Authentic Artistry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authentic-artistry/)
- [Fear and Creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/fear-and-creativity/)
- [Transforming Emotions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/transforming-emotions/)
- [Inner Artist Journey](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-artist-journey/)
- [Permission to Create](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/permission-to-create/)
- [Artistic Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-freedom/)
- [Balance in Creativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/balance-in-creativity/)
- [Life Lessons](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/life-lessons/)
- [Mindful Living](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindful-living/)
- [Practicing Patience](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicing-patience/)
- [Overcoming Challenges](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-challenges/)
- [Spiritual Journey](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/spiritual-journey/)
- [Musical Insights](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musical-insights/)
- [Inner Strength](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-strength/)
- [India](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/india/)
- [Patience](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/patience/)
- [Yoga](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/yoga/)
- [Ayurveda](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ayurveda/)
- [Music Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-performance/)
- [Pain Relief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/pain-relief/)
- [Coaching Success](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/coaching-success/)
- [Tension Management](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tension-management/)
- [Online Programs](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/online-programs/)
- [Student Achievements](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/student-achievements/)
- [Orchestral Auditions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/orchestral-auditions/)
- [travel](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/travel/)
- [Music & Spirituality](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-spirituality/)
- [Emotional Resilience](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-resilience/)
- [Music Coaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-coaching/)
- [Personal Transformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/personal-transformation/)
- [Life as Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/life-as-practice/)
- [Stage Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stage-confidence/)
- [Overcoming Anxiety](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-anxiety/)
- [Flow State](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/flow-state/)
- [Performance Recovery Skills](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance-recovery-skills/)
- [Masterclass Invitation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/masterclass-invitation/)
- [Holistic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holistic/)
- [Musicianship](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianship/)
- [Body Awareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/body-awareness/)
- [Holistic Approach](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holistic-approach/)
- [Holistic Learning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holistic-learning/)
- [Overcoming Fear](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-fear/)
- [Emotional Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-freedom/)
- [Light](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/light/)
- [Creative Flow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-flow/)
- [Stage Presence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stage-presence/)
- [Stress Management](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stress-management/)
- [Centering](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/centering/)
- [Relaxation Techniques](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/relaxation-techniques/)
- [Podcast Feature](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/podcast-feature/)
- [Make Music with Ease](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/make-music-with-ease/)
- [Happiness is a Skill](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/happiness-is-a-skill/)
- [Music and Mindfulness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-and-mindfulness/)
- [Performance Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance-confidence/)
- [Musicians’ Wellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-wellness/)
- [Freedom in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedom-in-music/)
- [Ease and Joy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ease-and-joy/)
- [Inspired Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inspired-musicians/)
- [Music and Healing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-and-healing/)
- [Violinist](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinist/)
- [Music Masterclass](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-masterclass/)
- [Baroque Violin](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/baroque-violin/)
- [Expressive Playing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/expressive-playing/)
- [Emotional Healing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-healing/)
- [Toxic Relationships in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/toxic-relationships-in-music/)
- [Musician’s Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-confidence/)
- [Musical Joy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musical-joy/)
- [Effortless Playing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortless-playing/)
- [Conscious Living](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/conscious-living/)
- [Injury Prevention](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/injury-prevention/)
- [Awareness Etudes](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/awareness-etudes/)
- [Joy in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joy-in-music/)
- [Music and Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-and-confidence/)
- [Authenticity in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticity-in-music/)
- [Musician’s Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-growth/)
- [Music with Purpose](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-with-purpose/)
- [Conscious Music-Making](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/conscious-music-making/)
- [Artistic Integrity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistic-integrity/)
- [Musician’s Empowerment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-empowerment/)
- [Violin Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violin-performance/)
- [Musician’s Mindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-mindset/)
- [Letting Go in Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/letting-go-in-performance/)
- [Overcoming Tension](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-tension/)
- [Focused Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/focused-practice/)
- [Musician’s Well-Being](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-well-being/)
- [Self-Expression in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-expression-in-music/)
- [Joyful Playing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joyful-playing/)
- [Inner Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-freedom/)
- [Musical Flow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musical-flow/)
- [Alexander Technique for Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexander-technique-for-musicians/)
- [Emotional Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-expression/)
- [Overcoming Stage Fear](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-stage-fear/)
- [Confidence in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confidence-in-music/)
- [Performance Flow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performance-flow/)
- [Mastering Stage Presence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mastering-stage-presence/)
- [Music and Emotional Freedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-and-emotional-freedom/)
- [Relaxed Confidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/relaxed-confidence/)
- [Joyful Music-Making](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joyful-music-making/)
- [Emotional Freedom in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotional-freedom-in-music/)
- [Overcoming Stage Fright](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-stage-fright/)
- [Confident Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confident-performance/)
- [Letting Go of Tension](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/letting-go-of-tension/)
- [Relaxed Playing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/relaxed-playing/)
- [Music & Self-Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-self-expression/)
- [Mindful Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindful-practice/)
- [Mastering Nerves](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mastering-nerves/)
- [Playing with Joy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/playing-with-joy/)
- [Expressive Music-Making](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/expressive-music-making/)
- [Musician’s Inner Strength](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicians-inner-strength/)
- [Effortless Technique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortless-technique/)
- [Smart Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/smart-practice/)
- [Effortless Mastery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortless-mastery/)
- [Self-Love in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-love-in-music/)
- [Inspired Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inspired-practice/)
- [Authentic Expression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authentic-expression/)
- [Balanced Practice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/balanced-practice/)
- [Mindful Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindful-performance/)
- [Expressive Arts](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/expressive-arts/)
- [Confident Music-Making](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confident-music-making/)
- [Creative Empowerment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creative-empowerment/)
- [Performing with Joy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performing-with-joy/)
- [Music as Activism](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-as-activism/)
- [Inner Peace Through Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inner-peace-through-music/)
- [Women Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/women-musicians/)
- [Mind-Body-Spirit Integration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mind-body-spirit-integration/)
- [Authentic Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authentic-performance/)
- [Free Music Workshop](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/free-music-workshop/)
- [Musician Empowerment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musician-empowerment/)
- [Female Role Models](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/female-role-models/)
- [Gender in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/gender-in-music/)
- [Confidence in Performance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confidence-in-performance/)
- [Overcoming Limiting Beliefs](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overcoming-limiting-beliefs/)
- [Perfectionism in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/perfectionism-in-music/)
- [Confidence for Musicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confidence-for-musicians/)
- [Music Auditions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/music-auditions/)
- [Empowering Women in Music](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/empowering-women-in-music/)
- [Musician Mindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musician-mindset/)
- [People-Pleasing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/people-pleasing/)
- [Empowerment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/empowerment/)
- [Self-Care](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/self-care/)
- [ImposterSyndrome](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/impostersyndrome/)
- [GenderBias](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/genderbias/)
- [RoleModels](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rolemodels/)
- [SelfDoubt](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfdoubt/)
- [GrowthMindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/growthmindset/)
- [Clarity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/clarity/)
- [Discipline](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/discipline/)
- [Growth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/growth/)
- [Fulfillment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/fulfillment/)
- [Mastery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mastery/)
- [HealingThroughMusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/healingthroughmusic/)
- [StringPlayers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stringplayers/)
- [OnlinePrograms](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/onlineprograms/)
- [MusicWithMeaning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicwithmeaning/)
- [SummerImmersion](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summerimmersion/)
- [SmarterPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/smarterpractice/)
- [MusicAndHealing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicandhealing/)
- [ViolinistLife](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinistlife/)
- [BodyAwareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bodyawareness/)
- [MusicMentorship](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicmentorship/)
- [SummerIntensive](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summerintensive/)
- [MusicWithEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicwithease/)
- [MusicalGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalgrowth/)
- [SuzukiRoots](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/suzukiroots/)
- [MusicianFamily](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianfamily/)
- [JoyfulPlaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joyfulplaying/)
- [MusicianWellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianwellness/)
- [StainedGlassPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stainedglasspractice/)
- [VacationMindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/vacationmindset/)
- [MusicalBreakthroughs](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalbreakthroughs/)
- [MusicEducation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiceducation/)
- [FreedomInPerformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedominperformance/)
- [MusicianMindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianmindset/)
- [GlobalMusicCommunity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/globalmusiccommunity/)
- [PositivePracticing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/positivepracticing/)
- [AlexanderTechniqueForMusicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexandertechniqueformusicians/)
- [SummerProgram](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summerprogram/)
- [TheMusiciansAdvantage](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/themusiciansadvantage/)
- [ProStringPlayers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/prostringplayers/)
- [BeHereNow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/beherenow/)
- [EffortlessMastery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortlessmastery/)
- [ProblemSolvingForMusicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/problemsolvingformusicians/)
- [EaseInPerformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/easeinperformance/)
- [MindBodyConnection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindbodyconnection/)
- [PresenceInPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/presenceinpractice/)
- [MindfulMusician](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulmusician/)
- [SummerImmersion2025](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summerimmersion2025/)
- [StringPlayersUnite](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stringplayersunite/)
- [MusicianFlow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianflow/)
- [WordlessAwareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wordlessawareness/)
- [ConsciousPerformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/consciousperformance/)
- [SummerWithEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summerwithease/)
- [PlayWithFreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/playwithfreedom/)
- [RediscoverYourWhy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rediscoveryourwhy/)
- [MindfulMusicMaking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulmusicmaking/)
- [PresenceOverPerfection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/presenceoverperfection/)
- [AlexanderTechniqueForStrings](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexandertechniqueforstrings/)
- [MusicianSupport](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciansupport/)
- [StringPlayerLife](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stringplayerlife/)
- [ViolinistCoach](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinistcoach/)
- [MusicianSelfDiscovery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianselfdiscovery/)
- [MusicianSummerRetreat](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciansummerretreat/)
- [PracticeLessPlayBetter](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicelessplaybetter/)
- [CrushingClassical](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/crushingclassical/)
- [JennetIngle](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/jennetingle/)
- [MusicianLife](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianlife/)
- [AlexanderTechnique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexandertechnique/)
- [Summer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summer/)
- [ArtOfFreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artoffreedom/)
- [Rehearsal](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rehearsal/)
- [Intention](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intention/)
- [DailyNugget](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/dailynugget/)
- [MindfulMusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulmusic/)
- [SanctuaryForStrings](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sanctuaryforstrings/)
- [PracticeWithPurpose](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicewithpurpose/)
- [MusicJoy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicjoy/)
- [ProfessionalStrings](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/professionalstrings/)
- [MindFlowPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindflowpractice/)
- [ConsciousPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/consciouspractice/)
- [MentalPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mentalpractice/)
- [ViolinTechnique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violintechnique/)
- [MusicPerformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicperformance/)
- [HolisticMusicTraining](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holisticmusictraining/)
- [ArtisticMastery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artisticmastery/)
- [BodyMindConnection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bodymindconnection/)
- [PracticeTransformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicetransformation/)
- [Sanctuary](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sanctuary/)
- [MindBody](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindbody/)
- [PracticeHabits](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicehabits/)
- [MusicianHealth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianhealth/)
- [Vulnerability](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/vulnerability/)
- [InnerWork](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerwork/)
- [ProfessionalMusicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/professionalmusicians/)
- [StudentSuccess](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/studentsuccess/)
- [MindBodyMusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindbodymusic/)
- [PracticeWithEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicewithease/)
- [PerformanceGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancegrowth/)
- [EmotionalResilience](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalresilience/)
- [SpiritualPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/spiritualpractice/)
- [EmbodiedPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embodiedpractice/)
- [ImaginativePractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/imaginativepractice/)
- [CreativeFreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativefreedom/)
- [MindBodyIntegration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindbodyintegration/)
- [MusicalEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalease/)
- [AwarenessEtudes](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/awarenessetudes/)
- [InspiredPerformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inspiredperformance/)
- [PerformanceAnxietyRelief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performanceanxietyrelief/)
- [SoulfulMusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/soulfulmusic/)
- [MindBodyAwareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindbodyawareness/)
- [IntonationFix](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intonationfix/)
- [LearnerMode](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/learnermode/)
- [PerformanceBreakthrough](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancebreakthrough/)
- [WholeSelfAwareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wholeselfawareness/)
- [EasefulPlaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/easefulplaying/)
- [SummerMusicProgram](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summermusicprogram/)
- [BowTechnique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bowtechnique/)
- [ViolinPlateau](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinplateau/)
- [WholeBodyPlaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wholebodyplaying/)
- [NaturalCoordination](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/naturalcoordination/)
- [SpiccatoSolutions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/spiccatosolutions/)
- [ProfessionalStringPlayers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/professionalstringplayers/)
- [EffortlessSound](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortlesssound/)
- [PracticeBreakthrough](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicebreakthrough/)
- [SummerPracticeRetreat](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/summerpracticeretreat/)
- [PurposefulPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/purposefulpractice/)
- [EmbodiedArtistry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embodiedartistry/)
- [JoannaPenn](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joannapenn/)
- [TheCreativePenn](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/thecreativepenn/)
- [MusicAndWriting](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicandwriting/)
- [PodcastSpotlight](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/podcastspotlight/)
- [ViolinAndWriting](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/violinandwriting/)
- [EmbodiedCreativity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embodiedcreativity/)
- [JenniferRoigFrancoli](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/jenniferroigfrancoli/)
- [CreativeJoy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativejoy/)
- [MediaShowcaseSeries](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mediashowcaseseries/)
- [PostureTruth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/posturetruth/)
- [EffortlessTechnique](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortlesstechnique/)
- [MusicWithoutPain](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicwithoutpain/)
- [EmbodiedMusician](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embodiedmusician/)
- [PoiseAndPerformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/poiseandperformance/)
- [PlayingWithEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/playingwithease/)
- [PersonalPoiseAssessment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/personalpoiseassessment/)
- [PerfectionTrap](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/perfectiontrap/)
- [MindfulPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulpractice/)
- [PracticeWithPresence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicewithpresence/)
- [MusicianGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciangrowth/)
- [EmotionalAwareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalawareness/)
- [PracticeMalpractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practicemalpractice/)
- [PerformanceUnderPressure](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performanceunderpressure/)
- [BadDayBreakthroughs](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/baddaybreakthroughs/)
- [MusicianResilience](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianresilience/)
- [ShiftYourState](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/shiftyourstate/)
- [PlayingWithJoy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/playingwithjoy/)
- [AwarenessPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/awarenesspractice/)
- [PeakPerformanceTools](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/peakperformancetools/)
- [JoyfulPracticing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joyfulpracticing/)
- [musicalfreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalfreedom/)
- [youtubeplaylist](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/youtubeplaylist/)
- [effortlessplaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/effortlessplaying/)
- [fallregistration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/fallregistration/)
- [musicalexpression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalexpression/)
- [innerteacher](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerteacher/)
- [ivangalamian](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ivangalamian/)
- [highlysensitive](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/highlysensitive/)
- [introvertedmusicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/introvertedmusicians/)
- [careerdissatisfaction](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/careerdissatisfaction/)
- [creativeblock](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativeblock/)
- [authenticliving](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticliving/)
- [musicianscoaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianscoaching/)
- [innertransformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innertransformation/)
- [overthinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/overthinking/)
- [performanceflow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performanceflow/)
- [musicconfidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicconfidence/)
- [intuitiveplaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intuitiveplaying/)
- [creativeliving](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativeliving/)
- [musicalfulfillment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalfulfillment/)
- [careertransition](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/careertransition/)
- [performancetrust](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancetrust/)
- [musicretreat](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicretreat/)
- [desire](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/desire/)
- [happiness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/happiness/)
- [manifestation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/manifestation/)
- [neckpain](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/neckpain/)
- [shoulderpain](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/shoulderpain/)
- [performancerelief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancerelief/)
- [innerfreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerfreedom/)
- [constructivecontrol](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/constructivecontrol/)
- [decisiveness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/decisiveness/)
- [musicalflow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalflow/)
- [wholeheartedliving](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wholeheartedliving/)
- [innerwisdom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerwisdom/)
- [performancemindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancemindset/)
- [mindbodyspirit](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindbodyspirit/)
- [performanceready](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performanceready/)
- [holisticmusician](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holisticmusician/)
- [musicwellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicwellness/)
- [nervoussystemcalm](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nervoussystemcalm/)
- [teachingwithjoy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teachingwithjoy/)
- [careerbalance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/careerbalance/)
- [musicalconnection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalconnection/)
- [soultosoul](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/soultosoul/)
- [authenticexpression](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticexpression/)
- [performancerisk](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancerisk/)
- [divinepresence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/divinepresence/)
- [heartcentered](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/heartcentered/)
- [innerlight](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerlight/)
- [musicburnout](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicburnout/)
- [performancestress](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancestress/)
- [creativewellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativewellness/)
- [musiccareer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiccareer/)
- [emotionalhealth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalhealth/)
- [physicalpain](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/physicalpain/)
- [cleandecision](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/cleandecision/)
- [innerguidance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerguidance/)
- [intuitivechoice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intuitivechoice/)
- [mindfulnesspractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulnesspractice/)
- [wholepersonliving](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wholepersonliving/)
- [freedomandease](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedomandease/)
- [shouldtoshift](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/shouldtoshift/)
- [consciousliving](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/consciousliving/)
- [primalalexander](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/primalalexander/)
- [musicalmastery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalmastery/)
- [holisticpractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holisticpractice/)
- [instrumentalcompass](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/instrumentalcompass/)
- [receivermode](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/receivermode/)
- [nervoussystemregulation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nervoussystemregulation/)
- [holisticmusic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holisticmusic/)
- [trustyourself](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/trustyourself/)
- [stopoverpreparing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stopoverpreparing/)
- [flownotforce](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/flownotforce/)
- [confidentplaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/confidentplaying/)
- [coachingbreakthrough](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/coachingbreakthrough/)
- [performancepressure](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancepressure/)
- [worklifebalance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/worklifebalance/)
- [emotionalwellbeing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalwellbeing/)
- [holisticmusicianship](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holisticmusicianship/)
- [artistburnout](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistburnout/)
- [consciousmusician](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/consciousmusician/)
- [privatecoaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/privatecoaching/)
- [groupcoaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/groupcoaching/)
- [musicalalignment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalalignment/)
- [musicteachers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicteachers/)
- [musiciancommunity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciancommunity/)
- [musicandmindfulness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicandmindfulness/)
- [musiciantransformation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciantransformation/)
- [joyfulpractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/joyfulpractice/)
- [performanceconfidence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performanceconfidence/)
- [authenticartistry](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticartistry/)
- [sacredpractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sacredpractice/)
- [hopeinteaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/hopeinteaching/)
- [alexandertechniqueteachers](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alexandertechniqueteachers/)
- [selftrust](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selftrust/)
- [teacherreflection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teacherreflection/)
- [mindfulteaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindfulteaching/)
- [heartsbasedlearning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/heartsbasedlearning/)
- [nurturedbylove](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nurturedbylove/)
- [suzukimethod](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/suzukimethod/)
- [teachingwithpresence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teachingwithpresence/)
- [learningcontainer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/learningcontainer/)
- [unlearning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/unlearning/)
- [compassionatepedagogy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/compassionatepedagogy/)
- [internationalATcongress](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/internationalatcongress/)
- [safetoplay](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/safetoplay/)
- [performancefreedom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancefreedom/)
- [musiciansmindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciansmindset/)
- [selfregulation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfregulation/)
- [musicandthebrain](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicandthebrain/)
- [nervoussystemwisdom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nervoussystemwisdom/)
- [perfectionismrecovery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/perfectionismrecovery/)
- [embodiedmusicmaking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/embodiedmusicmaking/)
- [traumainformedperformance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/traumainformedperformance/)
- [musicwithoutfear](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicwithoutfear/)
- [somaticmusicpractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/somaticmusicpractice/)
- [Art of Freedom Method](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/art-of-freedom-method/)
- [SelfAwareness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfawareness/)
- [MusicTeaching](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicteaching/)
- [ContinuousLearning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/continuouslearning/)
- [Intelligence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intelligence/)
- [Efficiency](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/efficiency/)
- [Limitations](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/limitations/)
- [SelfReflection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfreflection/)
- [PersonalGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/personalgrowth/)
- [Adaptation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/adaptation/)
- [Breakthrough](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/breakthrough/)
- [Consistency](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/consistency/)
- [Musician](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musician/)
- [Multitasking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/multitasking/)
- [Breathing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/breathing/)
- [SelfKnowledge](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfknowledge/)
- [Dedication](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/dedication/)
- [SelfObservation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfobservation/)
- [Introspection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/introspection/)
- [Improvement](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/improvement/)
- [Perspective](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/perspective/)
- [Positivity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/positivity/)
- [Progress](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/progress/)
- [MusicianJourney](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianjourney/)
- [StudentStory](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/studentstory/)
- [SelfHolding](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfholding/)
- [Softness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/softness/)
- [Flexibility](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/flexibility/)
- [Rigidity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rigidity/)
- [Generosity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/generosity/)
- [Reflection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/reflection/)
- [Nerves](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nerves/)
- [Grounding](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/grounding/)
- [Alignment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/alignment/)
- [Sensitivity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/sensitivity/)
- [Tone](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tone/)
- [Feedback](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/feedback/)
- [Vibrato](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/vibrato/)
- [Puzzle](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/puzzle/)
- [SelfHealing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfhealing/)
- [PeoplePleasing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/peoplepleasing/)
- [NervousSystem](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/nervoussystem/)
- [Logic](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/logic/)
- [Inhibition](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/inhibition/)
- [KansasCitySymphony](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/kansascitysymphony/)
- [Habits](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/habits/)
- [SelfCriticism](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfcriticism/)
- [MusicalSanctuary](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicalsanctuary/)
- [Piano](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/piano/)
- [Orchestra](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/orchestra/)
- [Symphony](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/symphony/)
- [Leadership](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/leadership/)
- [Retreat](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/retreat/)
- [Breakthroughs](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/breakthroughs/)
- [Wellbeing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wellbeing/)
- [elfAgency](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/elfagency/)
- [Belief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/belief/)
- [Thoughts](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/thoughts/)
- [MindFlow](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindflow/)
- [SelfDiscovery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfdiscovery/)
- [SpiritualGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/spiritualgrowth/)
- [TensionRelief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tensionrelief/)
- [PainRelief](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/painrelief/)
- [CreativityFound](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativityfound/)
- [Hea](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/hea/)
- [InnerGPS](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innergps/)
- [SelfCoordinator](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfcoordinator/)
- [Openness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/openness/)
- [Intentions](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intentions/)
- [#MusicianLife #MusicWithEase #PerformanceAnxiety #ArtOfFreedom #ProfessionalMusician #AlexanderTechnique #TrustTheProcess #ChildlikeCuriosity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianlife-musicwithease-performanceanxiety-artoffreedom-professionalmusician-alexandertechnique-trusttheprocess-childlikecuriosity/)
- [ArtisticIntegrity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artisticintegrity/)
- [EmotionalIntelligence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalintelligence/)
- [Dulcimer](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/dulcimer/)
- [InjuryRecovery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/injuryrecovery/)
- [MusicianSuccess](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musiciansuccess/)
- [Crisis](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/crisis/)
- [Strength](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/strength/)
- [Awakening](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/awakening/)
- [Feelings](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/feelings/)
- [Friendship](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/friendship/)
- [Educator](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/educator/)
- [OnlineLearning](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/onlinelearning/)
- [Shoulds](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/shoulds/)
- [PracticeRoom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/practiceroom/)
- [Discernment](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/discernment/)
- [Responsibility](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/responsibility/)
- [Ethics](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/ethics/)
- [Courage](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/courage/)
- [Kindness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/kindness/)
- [AllPossibility](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/allpossibility/)
- [Faith](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/faith/)
- [Unknown](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/unknown/)
- [Intuition](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/intuition/)
- [Wisdom](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wisdom/)
- [MindControl](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mindcontrol/)
- [MusiciansWellness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianswellness/)
- [PlayWithEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/playwithease/)
- [HolidaySpecial](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/holidayspecial/)
- [Readiness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/readiness/)
- [SelfUse](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfuse/)
- [Insight](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/insight/)
- [WholeSelf](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wholeself/)
- [Evolution](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/evolution/)
- [PrimaryConcern](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/primaryconcern/)
- [AuthenticVoice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/authenticvoice/)
- [SurvivalMode](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/survivalmode/)
- [Regulation](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/regulation/)
- [Renewal](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/renewal/)
- [Unity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/unity/)
- [Empathy](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/empathy/)
- [Resonance](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/resonance/)
- [Stillness](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stillness/)
- [Bliss](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bliss/)
- [Essence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/essence/)
- [HumanConnection](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/humanconnection/)
- [Expansion](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/expansion/)
- [Return](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/return/)
- [FreedomMethod](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedommethod/)
- [HealingJourney](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/healingjourney/)
- [TensionRelease](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/tensionrelease/)
- [EmotionalEase](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/emotionalease/)
- [Rebirth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/rebirth/)
- [Selfmastery](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/selfmastery/)
- [Painfree](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/painfree/)
- [Anxietyfree](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/anxietyfree/)
- [Jazz](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/jazz/)
- [Classical](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/classical/)
- [Vocalist](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/vocalist/)
- [ArtistMindset](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/artistmindset/)
- [DoubtMonsters](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/doubtmonsters/)
- [FreedomToCreate](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/freedomtocreate/)
- [HappinessIsASkill](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/happinessisaskill/)
- [InnerGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innergrowth/)
- [MusicJourney](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicjourney/)
- [MusiciansLife](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/musicianslife/)
- [ViktorFrankl](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/viktorfrankl/)
- [CreativeHealing](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativehealing/)
- [EaseInPlaying](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/easeinplaying/)
- [StudioGrowth](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/studiogrowth/)
- [TeacherLife](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/teacherlife/)
- [TransformationJourney](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/transformationjourney/)
- [WellnessForMusicians](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/wellnessformusicians/)
- [AttentionTraining](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/attentiontraining/)
- [BodyMindIntegration](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/bodymindintegration/)
- [ClearThinking](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/clearthinking/)
- [ConcentrationSkills](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/concentrationskills/)
- [CreativePresence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/creativepresence/)
- [FocusInPractice](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/focusinpractice/)
- [InnerConflict](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/innerconflict/)
- [MentalClarity](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/mentalclarity/)
- [PerformanceFocus](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/performancefocus/)
- [StagePresence](https://artoffreedom.me/tag/stagepresence/)

## Product categories

- [Uncategorized](https://artoffreedom.me/product-category/uncategorized/)
- [Book](https://artoffreedom.me/product-category/book/)