Step 1: Watch Video

 

Step 2: Respond to the following questions for the first video

1.  What happens in the mind of a musician while performing?

Always thinking about everything BUT the music; "I'm nervous" "I'm out of tune" "I need to practice more" "I bet people are thinking I'm bad" etc. The mind is rarely present because we get so consumed in the thoughts of everyone else instead of focusing on our playing.

2.  What positive outcomes are achieved by practicing the Inner Game concepts?

One will be present during the playing and as a result their playing will improve. When your thoughts are everywhere but the music, you are playing from your unconscious resulting in poorer playing. If you think about your playing you will be producing your best work.

3.  Describe the difference between an Inner Game and an Outer Game.

An inner game is thinking about the music, listening to the music, scanning the body for the feelings, etc. An outer game is thinking about what your parents and friends and the audience is thinking, stressing about nerves and messing up, etc.

4.  Give an example of how a musician can improve their awareness.

Being present during your playing and focusing only on the playing; your volume, dynamics, tambour, and rhythm, you'll be more focused on  the playing and not the voice in your head and all the crazy thoughts. If you focus on the feeling like the touch on the instrument and how you feel while playing and just being present and aware. If you understand the music (style, tune) you will be able to tackle it better.

 

Step 3: Watch Video

 

Step 4: Respond to the following questions for the second video

5. Give an example of how a musician can improve their commitment.

A musician can improve their commitment by practicing on a deeper level; becoming aware of how the song is supposed to sound. two ends of the spectrum: knowing the music and applying it to the instrument. Committing to playing and practicing (fingerings and rhythms)

6.  Give an example of how a musician can improve their trust.

Trust the markings on the paper; tempo, articulations. Trust in the character in the music and the mood of the music. Trust the people around you to capture the energy and the qualities of the music.

7.  How do the ensemble conductors use trust in their rehearsals as a technique to improve the musicians?

By getting people to follow you by explaining how they should play in detail and maybe even relating them to famous musicians will get them to trust your taste and envision your end goal. 

8.  What is the ultimate goal of mastering the Inner Game of Music?

Being present, trusting, and being able to play to the best of your ability with a clear mind and emotions. Getting over the doubts and fears that appear in our head during our playing. It helps us to connect deeper with music. 

 

Step 5: Provide a brief over view of your practice week

On a scale from 1 to 10, how much did you improve during this week?

I improved a significant amount especially in the Star Spangled Banner arrangement. 

How can you use the information provided by the Inner Game of Music to enhance your outcome?

I can trust what the markings on the page suggest, what Dave suggests, and I can learn to be more present while playing. If I can apply the Inner Game logics, during my assembly performance of SSB, I hopefully won't have any doubts or fears and will just be connected to the live music. 

 

Inspirational Quotes & Pre-Recital Preparation

Step 1

Provide a list of 8 inspirational quotes that resonate with you regarding music and cite their source/origin

 

1. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato
2. “How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our fears, our highest aspirations?” ― Jane Swan
3. “Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.” ― Keith Richards
4. “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” ― Maya Angelou
5. “Music is to the soul what words are to the mind.” ― Modest Mouse
6. “Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” ― Alphonse de Lamartine
7. “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” ― Kahlil Gibran
8. “You have to, take a deep breath. and allow the music to flow through you. Revel in it, allow yourself to awe. When you play allow the music to break your heart with its beauty.” ― Kelly White

Step 2

Pair and Share an excerpt from 1 of the 2 repertoire pieces you will be playing for the final

1.  Who was your partner?

Alejandro from A Block

2.   Describe your excerpt and performance outcome.

I sent him some parts of the Star Spangled Banner and Flamenco piece that I will be performing

3.   Describe your partner's excerpt and performance outcome.

He played Bach Prelude from the well tempered Clavier and it was very well done! His playing was smooth and very well rehearsed.

4.   Cite any surprises or take aways.

Taking time to record it really shows you the spots you need to rehearse most.  

Brief Overview of Practice this week: 

This past week I have been working very hard to tighten up my Star Spangled Banner piece before Monday's performance. I have advanced from focusing on playing the right rhythms and pitches, to applying the articulations and accents. I also have been able to make style changes when I'm playing with the group. I have advanced my playing so I listen to those around me and not just myself while playing. I'd say I went from a 7 to a 9 within the last week in my playing.