Unleashing the Authentic Musician Within An integrative model combining three mind-body approaches: Mindfulness, Focusing and the Art of Practicing

As a musician, have you ever experienced blocks during practice or performance, sensed self-criticism or self-doubt? And what about stage fright?

With so much focus given to proficiency and achievement in music education, this workshop aims to address the inner mind-body experience of musicians.

By combining practices from the worlds of Mindfulness, Focusing and the Art of Practicing, participants will be invited to experientially learn how to release tension, to be more fully present in performance, strategies to deal with self-judgment, stage fright and more.

The practice of Mindfulness can bring a sense of ease with keen alertness, the ability to notice and appreciate the subtle details in the here and now. Released from thoughts of the past and projections regarding the future, it is possible to perform from a place of presence and authenticity.

Combining mindful-awareness with healthy body mechanics, participants will explore how the Art of Practicing can develop physical, mental and emotional freedom in making music.

Used worldwide as a tool for everyday self-management, Focusing can bring relief, understanding and deep inner knowing. By learning to pay attention to bodily felt sensations connected to life situations and the feelings they evoke, participants will practice using Focusing techniques to clear their inner space from stress and fears. Focusing can also be used to access and enhance creativity, decision making, to reinforce emotional resources, and more.

Diverse in their application, this workshop will introduce participants to the principles and practice of Mindfulness, Focusing and the Art of Practicing as applicable to the practice and performance of music. Scientifically demonstrated to help with stress-reduction, emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as concentration and task performance, these approaches provide effective tools for musicians, music students and music educators.

Whether in the practice room, on stage or in everyday life, this integrative approach can enhance expressiveness, resourcefulness and relaxation. Bringing a means to sustain and thrive, the authentic musician within can develop and grow, the artist within emerge.

Tal Varon – saxophonist, teacher, authorized Mindfulness instructor, Focusing trainer and faculty member at the Art of Practicing Institute, NY. Teaching in Israel and abroad, he is on the faculty of the Israel Conservatory and New School University joint program, and is a New School alumni.

Dr. Atsmaout Perlstein – Clinical psychologist working with diverse issues. Active for 35 years, she was a student of Dr. Gendlin, philosopher, psychologist and founder of the Focusing process. Introducing Focusing to Israel in 2000, she is an internationally certified Focusing teacher leading groups, teaching and lecturing in Israel and worldwide.