In the same way, the closer the link is from your mind to your instrument, the higher your level of performance will become; provided you've created a clear mental picture. So how do you go about creating a mental image? By practicing of course, but not in the traditional sense. First, sit in a quiet area. Take your music in hand and try to hear yourself playing it as you read it through (you might have to get a pitch from a nearby piano). Now, choose a section that has caused you difficulty. Do you hear mistakes? Keep fine-tuning your mental picture until it's mistake-free. Don't be discouraged if this takes a while. Visualization takes a lot of concentration at first, but gets easier with time.

Now move on to hearing yourself play with great expression and with the most beautiful tone. When you pick up your instrument, continue the same thought process. Keep your attention on the image in your mind. The time for assessing how well you've done comes after you've played, not during. Arnold Jacobs, a world-renowned brass pedagogue, says "Make a statement." You cannot simultaneously make a statement and ask a question. It diffuses your performance. There is plenty of time for evaluating after you've played.

When you finish, ask yourself a couple of questions. Was that what you wanted to play? Are you truly playing what you think you are? Sing the line and see if your playing matches it. Your control is internal, not external. When you practice, keep the picture of what you want to do always in the forefront. Don't play mindlessly.

If you practice this way, your overall playing will excel and the enjoyment you glean from the experience will multiply. Using mental imagery makes you choose how you want to perform. It makes you have an opinion. When you're mirroring the performance on your instrument to the performance in your mind, you're free to explore new interpretations. You'll find several ways to perform the same passage. You are only limited by your imagination. That's the beauty of music. That's the beauty we all want to experience and express. So go for it. Picture yourself becoming the next great artist.

© 2000-2008 Bruce Daugherty