The Art of Practicing

The Art of Practicing Synopsis

An illustrated guide for the amateur and professional musician that teaches us how to transform practicing from an often laborious activity into an exhilarating and rewarding experience

Foreword by Yehudi Menuhin  "Give this book to any musician you love and to any person who loves what music does for them and for the world."-Richard Stoltzman, clarinetist 
 
In The Art of Practicing, acclaimed pianist and teacher Madeline Bruser combines physiological and meditative principles to help musicians release physical and mental tension and unleash their innate musical talent. She offers practical techniques for cultivating free and natural movement, a keen enjoyment of sounds and sensations, a clear and relaxed mind, and an open heart and she explains how to:

 Prepare the body and mind to practice with ease
 Understand the effect of posture on flexibility and expressiveness
 Make efficient use of the hands and arms
 Employ listening techniques to improve coordination
 Increase the range of color and dynamics by using less effort
 Cultivate rhythmic vitality
 Perform with confidence, warmth, and freedom

Complete with photographs to show essential points of posture and movement for a variety of instruments, this is the definitive guide to turning practice from a sometimes frightening, monotonous chore to a fun, fulfilling activity.

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