MINDFULNESS FOR MUSICIANS-RECLAIMING YOUR ATTENTION IN A MULTITASKING WORLD
Present-centered awareness is a critical condition for peak musical performance. This presentation explores what mindfulness is, how it is practiced, and why it is valuable for music teachers and students. Participants will practice techniques to awaken students’ attention and musicality during lessons and individual practice. Daily practices will be offered to help musicians increase focus, be calm, and maintain present-centered awareness in their musical and non-musical activities. Teachers can implement these practices immediately and effectively in their teaching and daily practice. Versions of this workshop have been presented for the national conference of MTNA, the state music teachers’ associations of Delaware and PA, West Chester University, MLMTA, LVMTA, and WGMTA. The handout below provides detailed instructions for a variety of meditation practices as well as an annotated bibliography.