Within my practice routine this week, I surveyed my posture to gain a better understanding of how effective or ineffective my practice methods are. I discovered that at many moments, I would automatically form an incorrect posture without being aware of it. More specifically, I was slouching, putting myself in a position that was not conducive to correct Body Mapping or adequate breath support. Similar to how the first article approaches the issue, I began to wonder if my mind and body were in agreement about focusing on the music — was I in a state of mind that allowed me to focus on the performance, mentally and physically? Upon further reflection and practice, I realized that I had a habit of thinking about topics unrelated to the performance (e.g., what I was going to eat for dinner, how many projects I need to complete). As a result of this mindset, I subconsciously developed a posture reflective of this mental disengagement; in other words, my posture acted as a symbol of this unfocused attitude.
To address this downfall, I took an approach similar to the second article — that is — intensely focusing on the performance itself. To elaborate, I thought about the meaning and emotion behind the music. I thought of every note as an opportunity to develop the story of the piece, allowing me to focus on what made each musical idea special. For instance, I took greater care with executing the most appropriate articulation and dynamics as a means to enhance the composition’s underlying story. Ultimately, this approach enabled me to feel more connected to the music, allowing for a more convincing performance.
References
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