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Playing Clarinet with Asthma
Clarinetists know that one of the most important elements of clarinet-playing is, well….air. So, what can asthmatic clarinetists do to overcome respiratory difficulties when playing the clarinet? Asthma doesn’t have to stand in the way of your clarinet goals! The good news is that many studies have shown that playing a wind instrument “has the potential of being a long-term therapeutic agent for asthmatics” (you can read a few studies here and here). Here is some advice for clarinetists suffering from asthma to maximize their respiratory potential: DISCLAIMER: I am a clarinetist – not a qualified medical expert. Please consult your doctor before incorporating any of these into your practice routine.…
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How Musicians Can Avoid Becoming A Grinch This Holiday Season
December is a busy time of year, but it’s especially hectic if you are a musician. It’s easy to become a bit Grinch-like if you’re running from gig to gig, consisting of caffeine and adrenaline, and trying to enjoy your family and friends at the same time. Here are a few ways musicians can avoid turning into a Grinch and regain some holiday cheer: Be selective about which gigs you commit to. Gigs are great, but being so overcommitted that you barely have any time to enjoy your family or friends defeats the purpose of the holidays. Try to be selective and prioritize the most important gigs this season so…
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13 Ways Musicians Can Spread Holiday Cheer
As you’ve probably heard by now, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! You might not be convinced if you’re trying to find last-minute gifts, preparing to host family and friends, or just experiencing the end-of-year craziness, so here are a few ways musicians can spread some holiday cheer this December: Perform at local hospitals, nursing homes, or anywhere music would be appreciated. Leave a complimentary and encouraging comment on another musician’s social media pages. Write a thank you letter to a teacher, mentor, colleague, or any other musician who has made a difference in your life. Donate reeds, cork grease, mouthpieces, or any other equipment or accessories to…
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How to Play Well When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
It’s that time of year again – and I’m not talking about the holiday cheer! Stress is high, immune systems are weak, and many of us are battling the unfortunate realities of cold and flu season. Unfortunately, the music doesn’t always stop when we’re feeling under the weather. As we all know, the show must go on, even if you’re not feeling 100%. If you are sick but have to perform, I’ve created a few tips to help you get through your performance. These are intended for performing – not practicing – while you’re sick. If at all possible, you should take a few days off practicing to fully recover.…
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The Complete Guide to Mindfulness and Meditation for Musicians
Around a year ago, I began meditating as a way to regain focus and perform more intentionally (both onstage and in the practice room). Meditation has helped me grow creatively and artistically, and I’ve noticed its effects both in music and other aspects of my life. Meditation is completely risk-free, and I strongly believe that all musicians should consider incorporating meditation and mindfulness into their practice and performance routines. (Edit: It has come to my attention that some may experience adverse reactions to meditation, so please consult with a licensed professional or discontinue should you experience any adverse reactions.) Here’s everything you need to know to get started: What is…
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A Musician’s Guide to Fighting Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever had a nagging feeling that despite all your years of hard work, dedication, and accolades, you still aren’t good enough to be a “real” musician? Maybe you won an audition, got a teaching position, or some other awesome post (congratulations!) but feel like your colleagues might think you don’t deserve to be there. Perhaps you chalk up your success to mere luck or factors beyond your control. That, my friend, is called the imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone, but musicians seem especially prone to this phenomenon. Perhaps it’s all those years of ingrained sky-high expectations and fierce competition for opportunities. Whatever the reason, this…
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How to Focus on Your Own Musical Progress and Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One of my favorite aspects of being a musician is all the wonderful friendships that have developed throughout my musical journey. I’m so #blessed to have met and performed with people from around the globe, and it’s so awe-inspiring to think that music is what brought us all together. Thanks to the powers of social media, it’s easy to stay in touch with my music friends. The downside of this is that it can be all too easy to get caught up in comparing your musical progress with the progress of your friends. Musicians embark on a multitude of different paths, and there is no universal journey – so why…
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Why You Should Create Practice Rituals to Boost Motivation & Productivity
Musicians sign a lifetime contract to commit to practicing consistently. Oftentimes, the hardest part is simply opening the case and committing to practicing – which is why you should embrace the power of rituals to increase motivation. Although you might not be able to practice at the same time or in the same place every day, you can build tiny rituals that signal to your brain it’s time to switch to practice mode. Scientific studies have proven that rituals can provide us with a sense of control and can even improve confidence – both of which are beneficial for a productive practice session. Here are a few suggestions to build…
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Why You Should Cultivate a Fulfilling Life Outside of the Practice Room
I used to think that everything I did should serve the clarinet and my musical growth. In addition to practicing unhealthy amounts each day, I would devour books on musicianship and artistry. I agonized about my slow progress from mere clarinetist to musical artist with compelling yet unique interpretations. I would wake up every morning at 5am to practice before class, and I would stay up late to do some score study and learn new repertoire. Even my exercise routine was tailored with lots of cardio to maximize my lung capacity when I played clarinet. I tried to live a lifestyle where everything was related to the clarinet. If I…
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Why You Should Treat Long Tones Like Musical Meditation
Over the past year, I’ve started exploring musical mindfulness and intentionality. I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation and noticing the parallels they share with music, and these have greatly benefited me as a musician. Meditation and mindfulness can mean different things to different people. For me, they are a chance to focus on the present moment without worrying about the past or future. They are also a chance to focus on breathing and connecting with your body. During this journey, I came across this profound realization: Long tones are meditation in a musical form. I am a firm believer in the power of long tones, but too often they are…