The Bulletproof Musician
Episodes
Tim Topham: On How to Maximize Your Effectiveness When Teaching Lessons Online
22 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Having to go from live in-person lessons, to teaching through a laptop screen overnight can be a stressful experience. In this episode, piano teacher,...
Targeted Memory Reactivation: A Hack to Improve Learning During Sleep?
15 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's well known that sleep is a key ingredient in optimal learning. But a recent study takes things a step further and suggests that we can selec...
Lynne Aspnes: On Breathing, Singing, and the Value of Cultivating a Diverse Range of Musical Influences
08 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Harpist Lynne Aspnes shares insights on the role of singing in music-making, how to make breathing a more organic part of your playing, and the value ...
What Does Science Say About the Notion That We Don't Utilize Our Full Potential?
01 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's often said that we are capable of more than we realize - but is there any research evidence suggesting that we consistently underestimate ou...
Fact or Myth: Does Thinking “Don’t Miss” Really Make Us More Likely to Mess Up?
23 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably heard that saying "don't miss" to yourself makes you more likely to mess up. But is this actually true? Or is it j...
How to Get Better at Detecting Errors - Especially If They’re Hiding in Plain Sight
16 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are we actually as good at detecting errors and imperfections in our playing as we think? We definitely are on stage - but research suggests we might ...
The Mindsets That Make It Easier (and Harder) to Bounce Back from Mistakes Mid-Performance
09 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Recovering from a poor start to your performance, or bouncing back from a botched excerpt in an audition can be a real challenge - though very much do...
Jennifer Johnson: On Learning to Play More Effortlessly, Through a Better Understanding of the True Design of Your Body
02 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like you've reached a wall, and can't get your body to do what it needs to do to produce what you hear in your head? Violinist Jen...
Is Videotaping Yourself Worth the Time and Trouble? And If Yes, How So? (Part 2 of 2)
26 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Athletes have been using videotape analysis to enhance learning and performance for years. But is it really worth the investment of time necessary? Do...
Is Videotaping Yourself Worth the Time and Trouble? And If Yes, How So? (Part 1 of 2)
19 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Athletes have been using videotape analysis to enhance learning and performance for years. But is it really worth the investment of time necessary? Wh...
Mental Practice Not Working for You? This Might Be the Reason Why…
12 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Research has found that doing mental practice while watching video could be more effective than imagery alone. But if this sort of thing hasn't w...
Nathan Hughes: On Being Honest in the Practice Room, and Learning How to Balance Being Analytical and Being Expressive
05 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Met Opera oboist Nathan Hughes shares insights on how he prepares, so that he can play more confidently on stage, under pressure. Not just in terms of...
Structured Vs. Free Practice: Why You Probably Shouldn’t Just Be “Winging It” in the Practice Room
22 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Research suggests that "structured practice" could lead to much more improvement in the same amount of practice time as "free practice&...
How Do Fear, Anxiety, and Other Negative Emotions Affect the Learning Process?
15 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's an intimidating conductor or the fear of falling short of expectations in a lesson, there are many moments in our music studies wher...
Musical Charades: Should This Be Part of Your Regular Practice Routine?
07 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Doing impressions of famous musicians is a fun game to play with friends when you're in the mood to procrastinate - but could this actually be a ...
Erik Ralske: On Developing a Stronger Internal Pulse, and the Paradoxical Benefits of Giving Yourself Permission to Miss Notes
01 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Horn player Erik Ralske (Met Opera) provides insights on how to get into "the zone," and the paradoxical way in which giving yourself permis...
How Long Does It REALLY Take to Form a New Habit?
24 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's often said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. But is this actually true? How Long Does It REALLY Take to Form a New Habit?More from...
Phonetography: Does This Enhance or Diminish Our Enjoyment of an Experience?
17 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Nowadays, camera phones are everywhere. And we seem to photograph everything. But what effect does this have on our enjoyment of these experiences? P...
The Misinterpreted-Effort Hypothesis, and Why We Often Practice Less Effectively than We Could
10 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
One of my teachers once said that if you sound good in the practice room, you're probably not practicing. Indeed, research suggests that there is...
Mike Block: On Discovering Your Musical Identity, “Exploratory” Practice, and Taking Creative Risks
03 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel creatively stuck, unsatisfied, or inhibited somehow - but can't quite figure out how to get out of your rut? Cellist Mike Block describ...
Why Highly “Representative” Practice Is so Important (Except When It Isn’t)
27 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of "performance practice," and preparing for the unique demands of performances makes a lot of intuitive sense - but are there time...
Change This One Word to Get More Useful Feedback From Peers and Colleagues
20 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Both giving and receiving feedback can be tricky (and icky). And if you've found feedback you've received to be kind of vague or otherwise u...
Can Young Students Be Taught to Engage in Deliberate Practice Too?
13 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Deliberate or "deep" practice is widely acknowledged to be a critical factor in cultivating talent and ability. But at what age is this some...
Angela Beeching: On the Keys to Developing a Career That’s Totally “You”
06 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever freak out about what exactly you're going to do when you finish school, and how you're going to get there? Or maybe you're on the ...
Quirky Pre-Performance Rituals: Do They Really Work?
29 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Many athletes and musicians engage in quirky rituals before each show. Do these really work? And if so, why? Quirky Pre-Performance Rituals: Do They ...
Get into a Better Pre-Audition Headspace with a "Heroic" Playlist
22 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Staying in a good headspace when you have a lot of time to kill before a concert or audition can be a real challenge. But research suggests that liste...
Why the “Task Completion Bias” Could Give You the Illusion of Productive Practice, but Make You Less Productive in the Long-Term
15 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is it more productive to front-load easy problems or to work on difficult ones? Well, research suggests that working on easy problems can be deceptive...
A Simple Technique That Could Help You Give Better Advice to Your Students
08 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There's a legitimate reason (the "curse of expertise") why it can sometimes be difficult for experts to teach less experienced players ...
Claire Stefani: On Chinrests, Shoulder Rests, and How the Right Setup Can Facilitate More Effortless, Tension-free Playing
01 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
High chinrest? Low chinrest? Centered? Shoulder rest? Shoulder pad/sponge? Or no shoulder rest at all? Finding the right setup can feel like a bewilde...
How to Use Positive “Trigger Words” for More Expressive Performances
25 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Research suggests that positive "trigger words" can help you get into character more effectively, and facilitate more expressive performance...
The “Gesturing Effect": A Way to Learn New Skills More Quickly?
18 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Need to get a new piece learned faster? Here's a study which suggests we might be able to give ourselves a head start by gesturing while watching...
How Many of Our Worries Actually Come True?
11 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I once read a claim that 90% of the things we worry about never come true. But is this true? Or is it one of those made-up stats like how 73.6% of all...
Blaise Dejardin: On Emotion, Technique, and the Kind of Practice That Facilitates Consistently Beautiful Performances
04 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Boston Symphony Principal Cello Blaise Déjardin shares insights on how he practices for consistently beautiful performances, and what he did to get i...
Your “Stress Mindset,” and How This Could Make Stress Work For or Against You
28 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Emerging research suggests that our "stress mindset" influences our physical, mental, and emotional response to stress - and whether it has ...
Why Day-of-Performance Butterflies May Actually Be a Good Thing
21 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wished there were a way to make performance days feel more like normal days and not have to deal with the butterflies? Well, research su...
"Action Observation," And How to Get More out of Your Mental Imagery Practice
14 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Turns out mental imagery has a much bigger effect on learning and performance if you are good at imagery. So what are your options if imagery is somet...
Tom Hooten: On Being Curious, and Elevating Learning and Growth Above Ego
07 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Hear LA Phil Principal Trumpet Tom Hooten describe the uncommon mindset and approach to learning that has helped him become the player he is today. T...
How to "Reset" Your Body Clock and Shift Your Peak Performance Window (& Thrive in AM Rehearsals)
30 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a "night owl" that struggles with sluggishness in morning rehearsals or practice sessions? A recent study suggests that you can actu...
Are Coffee Naps Legit?
23 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever heard of a coffee nap? It's exactly what it sounds like - but is there any research supporting such a thing? Actually, yes! A few s...
The Role of Self-Compassion in Overcoming Setbacks and Cultivating Mental Toughness
16 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Setbacks are inevitable, and there may not be much we can do to prevent them - but we do have control over how we respond. A recent study illustrates ...
Conflicted Between Two Different Choices? Here’s a “Random” Way to Accelerate the Decision-Making Process.
09 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever get paralyzed and indecisive when faced with a choice between two things that are either similar, or have competing pros and cons? Research sugge...
Uri Vardi: On the Way Unconscious Habits Shape Our Playing, and How Feldenkrais Can Help Us Unlock More of Our Potential
02 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Cellist and Feldenkrais practitioner Uri Vardi explains what Feldenkrais is (and isn't) and shares some examples of how this body awareness modal...
Self-Monitoring, and How “Happy Face” May Have Been a More Potent Practice Strategy than I Realized…
26 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A 2017 study found that "self-monitoring" was a significant predictor of whether athletes were competing at an elite, less-elite, or recreat...
Three Different Types of Practice Strategies - Which One Works Best?
19 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Research suggests that not all practice strategies are equally effective. So between blocked, random, and win-shift/lose-stay practice, which one is b...
A Way to Amplify (or Weaken) the Effect of Self-Talk on Performance
12 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study suggests that there is a simple self-talk hack that could make it even more effective in enhancing performance. A Way to Amplify (or W...
Menahem Pressler: On Following Your Heart
05 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview originally recorded over Skype and telephone back in 2012, renowned pianist Menahem Pressler speaks about the importance of finding ...
A Goal-Setting Tweak That Could Be the Difference Between an OK Performance and a Great Performance?
28 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We often hear that positive thinking, and envisioning the future we want is an important step in getting there - but research suggests that the best p...
How Exaggerating Technical Errors Could Improve Your Technique
21 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling to nail a tricky shift or hit a difficult high note? Believe it or not, research suggests that instead of trying to do everything right, it...
Should Phones and Laptops Be Banned in the Classroom? Or Is This Just Much Ado about Nothing?
14 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is banning phones and laptops in class a good idea - or totally unnecessary? A new study provides answers, but it's a little more nuanced than yo...
Margo Drakos: On Creating a Safety Net and Taking a Chance on Yourself
07 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Cellist-turned-entrepreneur Margo Drakos shares some of the key strategies that have been instrumental to her success both in music (Oregon, San Dieg...
Why Learning the Wrong Way to Play Could Enhance Performance (and Confidence Too)
31 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A study suggests that we can learn more effectively and build more confidence by learning more about the wrong ways to perform a skill, instead of onl...
The Potential Upside of Having a "Rival"
24 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Rivalries are often thought of as being really competitive, and sometimes unhealthy, but are there situations in which they could be a good thing? Th...
How to Keep Your Cool Backstage Before Auditions and Performances
17 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When you have too much time to wait backstage, it can be easy for your thoughts and emotions to spiral out to the bad place. Learn the specific strate...
8 Strategies for Breaking Out of a Performance Slump
10 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever find yourself stuck in a performance "slump"? Where you struggle through a string of subpar auditions/performances, and can't figu...
Catherine Cho: On Developing Great Rhythm (and Why Old-School Metronomes Are the Way to Go)
03 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt that the music was "stuck"? Or wondered why your metronome practice wasn't working? Learn how to get unstuck and cul...
The Performance Post-Mortem: A Review Process to Bounce Back Better and Faster
24 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling a little demoralized after a sub-par performance? Here's a research-based post-performance reflection process developed at Florida State ...
A Visualization Hack to Get More Out of Your Mental Practice
17 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's common to vary one's speed/tempo when you're doing physical practice. But is there any benefit in doing this when engaged in menta...
A Mental Tweak to Reduce the Gap Between Your Best Playing and What Happens Under Pressure
10 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Research suggests that a new mental adjustment and shift in how we view the stakes in stressful performance situations could help us avoid choking und...
David Kim: On Letting Go and Being Yourself
03 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim shares insights on his most effective practice techniques, biggest failures (and successes), and more. ...
A Scientific Rationale for Keeping Photos of Friends and Family in Your Case
27 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Are people who have pictures of family and friends in their case on to something? A study suggets that simply imagining our partner can help us reduce...
Get Into "The Zone" More Frequently with This Subtle Mental Adjustment
20 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is getting into "the zone" something that just happens randomly? Or do we have more control over this than we realize? New research suggests...
A Comparison of Two Types of Anti-Choking Strategies
13 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Pre-performance routines often consist of a number of different elements. But might simply squeezing a ball in your left hand a few times be just as e...
Lori Schiff: On How Alexander Technique Can Enhance Learning and Performance Under Pressure
06 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What is Alexander Technique, really? Will it help our playing? If so, in what way? How do we know if we need it? Learn more in this chat with Juilliar...
How Perfect Does Your Intonation Have to Be?
30 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How much wiggle room do we have when it comes to intonation? Do pitch issues affect audience (and other musicians') opinions of the quality of a ...
Does Focusing on Musical Expressiveness in Performance Come at the Expense of Technical Precision?
23 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's often said that we should focus on "the music" when performing instead of the notes and technique per se. But does this come at a ...
A Mental Shift That Could Help You Produce a More Beautiful Sound on Stage
16 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have a teacher tell you to imagine performing to the very last row in a hall? Research suggests that this might be better advice than we realize....
Can’t Shut Off Your Brain and Get to Sleep? This 5-min Exercise Could Help.
09 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have difficulty shutting off your brain and getting to sleep? A recent study found that this 5-min writing exercise could help. Can’t Shut Off...
Mark Kosower: On Learning Music, Slow Practice, and the Kind of Focus That's Associated With His Best Performances
02 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Cleveland Orchestra principal cellist Mark Kosower talks about how he approaches learning music, and describes what exactly he is thinking about when ...
A "Backwards" Strategy for Cultivating More Passion about Music You're Not in Love With
25 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we have to play music that we don't necessarily love. So is there anything we can do to cultivate some more enthusiasm about the piece ...
Should You Be Using a Metronome When You Do Mental Practice?
18 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
When you engage in mental practice, how aware are you of tempo? Might you be rushing or dragging? Here's some research on how that could have mor...
Why Worrying about Shaky Bow Just Makes Things Worse (and What You Could Focus on Instead)
11 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a string player like a shaking bow arm. Of course, worrying about shaking is a surefire way to experience the sha...
Jason Haaheim: On Practice, Talent, Motivation, and Playing the "Long Game"
04 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered (or worried) if you were talented enough? Met principal timpanist Jason Haaheim explains why this is the wrong question to be a...
How to Minimize Jet Lag and Perform Your Best When Crossing Multiple Time Zones
28 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wish there was a way to fight jet lag and not be such a zombie when you travel across multiple time zones? Here are 9 tips from two Stanford orth...
Do Other People Really Learn As Quickly As It Seems Like They Do?
21 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever practiced or studied in secret, afraid to let on how long it takes for you to learn something? Good news - other people are probably wor...
2 Ways to Shrink the “Intention-Behavior Gap,” Improve Your Follow-through, and Get Things Done
14 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever get frustrated by how difficult it can be to follow through on big plans? Here are two strategies that research suggests can help you get over th...
Jay Larranaga: On Becoming the Best Version of Yourself That You Can Be
07 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's conversation, Boston Celtics assistant coach Jay Larranaga shares some of the key habits and characteristics that seem to be essen...
Why an “Improvisational Mindset” Could Be Vital to Reducing Performance Anxiety and Increasing Audience Engagement
30 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It wouldn't seem that improvisation would have a place in classical music performance - but could this be one of the keys to a better performance...
How a Post-Practice Workout Could Help Boost Learning and Retention
23 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Research suggests that exercising after learning a new skill can help enhance the learning of that skill. So maybe the best time for musicians to work...
Do Classical Musicians Get More Nervous Than Non-Classical Musicians? (And If so, Why?)
16 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Is there something inherently different about classical music that makes classical musicians more anxious on stage? And if so, what could that possibl...
8 Strategies Musicians Use to Create Their Own Unique Interpretation of a Piece
09 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what exact strategies experienced musicians use to come up with their own unique interpretation of a piece? Research suggests that these 8...
Nathan Cole and Akiko Tarumoto: On Practice, Lifelong Learning, and Balancing Life With Work and Audition Preparation
02 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have one of those days where you question if it's possible to balance practicing, performing, and having a life? In this week's chat, L...
Have Difficulty Staying Awake During Mental Practice? Try "Dynamic" Mental Imagery Instead! Have Difficulty Staying Awake During Mental Practice? Try "Dynamic" Mental Imagery Instead!
26 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Research suggests that a different way of doing mental practice - "dynamic imagery" - could actually lead to better performance results than...
The Correct Way to Sit in a Chair (and How This Could Help Your Performance in More Ways Than You’d Think)
19 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Apparently we've all been sitting incorrectly our whole lives - and paying a price for it not just in terms of comfort, but cognitive performance...
An Easy-to-Overlook “Hack” for Enhancing Concentration in the Practice Room
12 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Having difficulty concentrating in the practice room? Sounds simple, but research suggests that taking a drink of water could help increase concentrat...
Carol Rodland: On Learning to Work with Your Body, Not Against It
05 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Playing a musical instrument can be physically awkward at times - but it shouldn't feel quite as uncomfortable as it often does. In this week&apo...
The “Urgency Effect” and How to Prioritize More Effectively in the Practice Room
29 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Some things are urgent (a gig today), while other things are important (a big audition in 2 months). How can we make the best use of our practice time...
Does It Help (or Hurt) to Have Friends and Family in the Audience?
22 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We've all heard of "home-court advantage." But research suggests that there are times when performing in front of a supportive audience...
Perform Better Under Pressure with This Subtle Adjustment to Your Self-Talk
15 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's normal to feel pressure in high-stakes auditions and performances, but too much can lead to a meltdown. Is there any way to relieve some of ...
Julie Landsman: On Getting into the Zone and Developing Trust in Your Playing
08 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What do great performers think about while performing? Technique? Sound? Images? In this week's conversation, former Met principal horn player Ju...
Research Suggests That While Mental Practice Is Good, This Hybrid Approach Is Even Better
01 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
You probably already know about the benefits of mental practice. And you may also have heard of "observational practice." But recent researc...
What's the Most (and Least) Helpful Thing to Text a Friend Before Their Audition?
24 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What's the right thing to say to someone before a high-pressure event? Good luck? You'll do great? Just breathe? Research suggests that a te...
Janet Horvath: On Preventing Overuse Injuries and Playing Pain-Free
17 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How do "overuse" injuries occur? Is it simply a matter of playing too much? Or are there other factors involved that are often overlooked? I...
A Better Way to Teach Complex Skills, Borrowed From…Doggy Training?
10 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy for lessons to become completely focused on all the things we are doing wrong. And while glossing over mistakes is not the answer, is t...
Listening to Music While Studying: Ok or Not Ok?
03 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We've all done it. And some swear that it helps them to focus and concentrate. But what does the research say? Do we actually study better if the...
Memorize More Music by Remembering to Press "Pause"?
27 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Why you may want to give yourself a little bit of quiet time after practicing (or studying), instead of jumping immediately into another activity. Me...
Rob Knopper: On Overcoming the Fear of Recording Yourself (and Making It Your New Favorite Practice Tool)
20 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I used to dread recording myself. And listening back was even worse. So why do some musicians swear by it? How exactly does it help us in the practice...
“Mistake Rituals” and Why it's Important to Prepare for On-Stage Surprises
13 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
There are two kinds of mistakes we make on stage. The kind that we see coming (ack! difficult passage ahead!). And the kind we never could have imagin...
Does Stress Make Us More Susceptible to Injury?
06 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Stress is never any fun - but does stress also contribute to injury? Research suggests that it can...giving us another reason to make sure we are taki...
Creativity Sounds Important…but at the Elite Level, How Valuable Is It Really?
29 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Creativity sounds like a good thing - but does creativity on stage actually lead to more success in auditions and competitions? Or is it just about ex...
Peter Miksza: On the Overlooked Value of Improvisation in Musical Training
22 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Indiana University music education researcher and professor Peter Miksza and I chat about some of the research on improvisation, and talk...