The next time you catch yourself reaching, take a mental step back. Assess the situation, be “on you” and try focusing on the outcome instead of the effort. It’s ok if you miss.

Once I figured out that it was me in the way, and how I was slowing myself down, it got easier to make better choices.

So, here’s to living with spirit in 2022. And, a little encouragement to choose a word for yourself.

Education is built upon a series of agreements from everyone involved.

Most of us are more capable than we give ourselves credit for. We become discouraged when we can’t do something instantly or quickly, dismissing it as a failure. Designate your goal and determine the work that needs to be done. Create a plan and commit to it. Put in the work.

My best teachers taught me that we are students for life, and you never have to learn alone.

When we practice in a truly productive way, we identify the difficult transitions and dissect the issues using informed practice techniques from the toolbox we fill during our studies. In turn, our brain builds stronger and stronger pathways for the actions we need.

It’s not simple, but you have to remember that in life and in music, no one holds all the answers for you. You have what you need to create the space that feels like home, but you have to be willing to hold that space for yourself. No one else can do it for you.

What happens if you truly focus on the feeling of playing in this exact moment?

Most of us habitually over-breathe. Check yourself right now: is your mouth open? Are you breathing in and out of your mouth while you read? Let’s talk about how your everyday breathing habits are affecting your musicianship.

Suggestions for how we can get the most out of our lessons and efforts while in school through tracking and reflection.

The moment you realize that you have all the tools at your disposal is the moment you can access your full potential, and it’s available to you any time.

Our awareness, self trust, and the toolbox we build can aide us in navigating both music and life with ease.

The body is the home of our creativity. By developing a truer understanding of our experience in the world we become adept at helping ourselves adjust to the changes and challenges that will certainly come.