The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections.
1. Publications that will REVIEW your music
2. Radio Stations/Shows that will PLAY your songs
3. Labels, Vendors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD
4. Sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists
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SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED
The Math Rock Blog
themathrockblog.co.uk
Math Rock is a rhythmically complex guitar-based style of Experimental Rock that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by complex, atypical rhythmic structures (including irregular stopping and starting), angular melodies, and dissonant chords. We're down with anything twinkly, tappy, folksy, emotional, progressive or otherwise interesting.
Dingus
905 Atlantic Ave. 2nd Fl. Brooklyn, NY 11238
Andrew Prieto
dingus.tips@gmail.com
www.dingusonmusic.com
It's here, on this humble blog that we shed light on bedroom artists in their most defining moments. If you want what's popular today, Dingus is not the blog for you. But, if you want what's fringe, pure and passionate then you've come to the right place. We welcome all DIY submissions. E-mail a Bandcamp or Soundcloud LINK with your music. We appreciate personally written e-mails. Sending us a physical copy of your album will put you in contention for our Let’s Get Physical weekly column as well as on the top of our listening pile.
MetalTalk.net
49a Murray Rd. London, W5 4XR UK
PH: 07462-735635
info@MetalTalk.net
www.metaltalk.net
Heavy Metal and Hard Rock news, reviews and opinions.
The Indie Place
3720 Gattis School Rd. #800-165, Round Rock, TX 78664
Raymie Hickman
raymie@theindieplace.com
www.theindieplace.com
A web community by and for Indie Artists. There are MANY sites out there that cater to Indie artists of one kind or another like Musicians, Actors or Filmmakers. Our goal is to bring ALL Indie Artists together in one place. It doesn’t matter if you are focusing your career in film or theatre, being the #1 Band on the road, writing the next bestseller or even sculpting the next Olympic statue. If you are an Independent Artist, this place is for you. As we get up and running, you will see different features enabled and enhanced. Currently we offer articles that are newsworthy as well as how to articles. Do you have a product you would like for us to review? We can do that as well. We do written as well as Vlog reviews via our YouTube channel. Submit your music via our online form.
UMusicians
Amandah
umusicians@gmail.com
www.umusicians.com
A place to showcase talent by the Underground music scene, mainly in the form of interviews and news updates. Includes artist features, reviews, interviews and unique features such as 12 Days of Music (Christmas), Artist of The Month and Playlists. We are constantly looking for new music to feature on UMusicians. The “U” in UMusicians stands for community (it’s a long story). We want you to become part of our musical community where we feature all artists no matter if you’re signed or unsigned.
alltomorrowmusic
alltomorrowmusic@gmail.com
www.alltomorrowmusic.com
An indie music blog based in Portugal, focused on sharing music, videos and exploring new artists/bands.
SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS
2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS
WSCS
541 Main St., New London, NH 03257
PH: 603-526-3493
DJ Frederick wscs@colby-sawyer.edu
www.colby-sawyer.edu/wscs
non-commercial educational radio focused on playing indie folk, indie pop, classical and jazz.
Aspenbeat
PO Box 133, Aspen, CO 81612
PH: 970-920-4708 FX: 866-819-2329
Andrea Young andrea@aspenbeat.com
www.aspenbeat.com
Aspenbeat is #1 a label that sells independent music, and #2 a radio show that plays independent music.
Awesome Metal Bands
Daniel awesomemetalbands@hotmail.co.uk
www.awesomemetalbands.com
The #1 Metal Community, for Awesomeness: AMB Radio, chat rooms, forums & awesome Metal competitions!
Smokestack Lightnin' Blues Radio - WUCF
200 Shell Point W., Maitland, FL 32751
PH: 321-284-1427
Tommy
blues@smokestacklightnin.com
www.smokestacklightnin.com
Features the very best New Blues and newly reissued Classic Blues, Adult R&B, Adult Soul, Blues Rock, Zydeco Blues and Gospel.
New Driven Radio
Sherry Sabine
NewDriven@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/NewDrivenRadio
The NEW DRIVEN shows bring the hottest professional level independent rock to syndicated radio. Our weekly shows feature the best in emerging Soft Rock, Hard Rock, Alt Rock, Pop, Acoustic, Folk Rock, Punk & Melodic Metal. NEW DRIVEN also produces a weekly talk show that focuses on professional independent artists and a live show with call-in interviews and guest co-hosts. Artists on our shows are full-time musicians, (or nearing that step) with a rigorous touring schedule We spin newer release original music. @NewDriven
2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS
Indie 360 (Radio Now! Vol. 18) Project
PO Box 180902, Utica, MI 48318
PH: 586-480-3000
Terrance D. Schemansky
go@3000records.com
www.access.indie360.com
We include your music in high quality on a Co-Op (compilation) Album called "Radio Now!" For Major Promotion playable on any computer, CD player, or DVD player made within the last 10 years with MP3 playable technology! Next we add your music on Two Thousand copies of the CD (including B&W printing on the CD, and cardboard sleeve to be used for promotion with other great Bands & Artists. We also include your information on a Band And Artist Description Sheet. Your music also becomes available on Twelve Thousand download cards. The cards are used for promotion to new listeners who can download a digital copy of the "Radio Now" compilation. This is done through a "zip file" which allows for quick and easy download for users to load their MP3 players with new independent music. You benefit from great exposure along with potential airplay, reviews, and other opportunities when we mail out a physical copy of your song(s) to our established Contacts within the Music Industry, including 175 college & independent radio stations, plus satellite, online radio, podcasts, magazines, record companies, and film & T.V. production companies looking for new music (each Music Industry Contact will receive 1 free copy of the Co-Op CD, and Band & Artist Description Sheet).
Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion
1828 Broadway, 2nd Fl. Santa Monica, CA 90404
PH: 310-998-8305 FX: 310-998-8323
Bryan
airplay@radio-media.com
www.radio-media.com
Indie airplay promotion to commercial, commercial specialty and college radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.
Grit PR & Promotion, LLC
4207 SE Woodstock Bl. #269, Portland, OR 97206
info@gritpr.com
www.gritpr.com
We offer the perfect blend of traditional and web based publicity and promotion services, completely customized to your needs. Grit works with all genres of music and represents Emmy and Latin Grammy nominees. 20+ years experience in the music industry!
Howard Rosen Promotion
521 W. Channel Islands Blvd. #15, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
PH: 805-382-2200 FX: 805-201-7816
info@howiewood.com
www.howiewood.com
Since 1985 We have been helping artists reach their goals of obtaining radio airplay, expanding their fan base, and creating awareness throughout the industry. @Howiewoodpromo
SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY
Independent Music Promotions
James Moore
james@independentmusicpromotions.com
www.independentmusicpromotions.com
Founded in 2010 as "an ethical solution to the PR problem" by bestselling author of "Your Band Is A Virus" James Moore. I.M.P works exclusively with "music with depth" worldwide.
chillMedia NORTH
PH: 917-300-8882
Elissa Jane Mastel ejm@chillmedianorth.com
www.chillmedianorth.com
We specialize in tour press, publicity, social media, digital development, self-publishing packages and much more.
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157, Hollywood, CA 90093
PH: 323-806-0400 FX: 323-462-0829
mhpmanagement@mileshighproductions.com
www.mileshighproductions.com
Created to bridge the gap of companies working directly with music artists and entertainment based projects who are in need of additional marketing support. MHP also focuses on non-music ventures such as corporate brand building, cosmetics, gaming, sports and other industries. MHP's goal is to elevate your product or artist to a higher ground in an expedient timeframe by exposing them to new and existing online audiences. MHP also focuses on taking our campaigns one step further by cross-promoting all traditional methods of marketing with online opportunities for further outreach. @MilesHigh
Countdown Entertainment
110 West 26th St., New York, NY 10001-6805
PH: 212-645-3068 FX: 212-989-6459
James Citkovic
james@countdownentertainment.com
www.countdownentertainment.com
We broker intellectual properties (sell major gold & platinum recording artists music publishing catalogues and catalogues of masters). We also represent bands, groups, singers, songwriters, musicians, composers, music producers and music managers, to independent music labels, production companies and major recording labels. We provide music publishing deals, music licensing deals, film music deals, TV music deals, and record distribution, as well as non-exclusive, non-commission *personal* music consultant services to help your career.
3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS
Aspenbeat
PO Box 133, Aspen, CO 81612
PH: 970-920-4708 FX: 866-819-2329
Andrea Young andrea@aspenbeat.com
www.aspenbeat.com
Aspenbeat is #1 a label that sells independent music, and #2 a radio show that plays independent music.
SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s
OR VIDEOS
BEAT100
www.beat100.com
A music video and social network, which has been designed and developed in-house, to give musicians, music lovers, friends and fans a place to connect.
FDRMX - First Dedicated Real Music Xchange
185 Ocean Ave. #7C, Brooklyn, NY 11225
PH: 516-643-9187
Fedor Kurj info@fdrmx.com
www.fdrmx.com
An online music video platform that prides itself in promoting talented independent musicians. Based in New York City, FDRMX brings together creative musicians from around the globe.
NorthStar Hip Hop
admin@northstarhiphop.com
www.northstarhiphop.ca
We are Canada’s premier urban destination for Hip Hop videos and music. Send us an e-mail for video submissions & interview requests.
Godtube
www.godtube.com
A video sharing platform offering online Christian videos with faith-based, family friendly content.
official.fm
www.official.fm
Artists pick the brands they want to be seen next to and get paid for each view. Brands communicate through a non-intrusive and yet powerful format. People discover the music they love without any interference while generating revenue for the artists by listening and sharing their songs. How it works: Artists share their new tracks on Facebook, Twitter, blogs. By clicking on the link, the fan is directed to the artist’s full screen page. The fan clicks play, the music starts and the brand is revealed in full screen. Fans can re-share the song wherever they want.
ArtistServer.com
www.ArtistServer.com
Free independent music, 11,000 MP3 downloads by more than 10,000 artists - join the community!
RisingHype
www.risinghype.com
Created to provide a platform for upcoming Hip Hop artists to showcase their talent. RisingHype lets artists upload, promote and share their videos to get seen by more fans. We also let artists create profiles and consolidate all their social media platforms in one place for easy reach and distribution to fans. Ever wanted your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud and Youtube videos all in one place. Well Rising Hype lets you do that.
JukeBoxAlive
311 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
PH: 828-232-0016
Will Cumberland cumberland@jukeboxalive.com
jukeboxalive.com
Our Advanced Jukebox Player protects your music from being digitally downloaded, yet allows fans to hear your music online. This creates exciting possibilities for you to present yourself to new audiences without being ripped off.
SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES
MetalRanks
info@metalranks.com
www.metalranks.com
An online Metal community. Add your band (free lifetime promotion). Add videos & photos of your band. Publish announcements.
Gracehope.com
www.gracehope.com
A social networking platform custom-built for Christian believers. It has a simple vision of connecting believers around the world.
Acoustic Guitar Community
www.acousticguitarcommunity.com
Through interviews, reviews, workshops, sheet music, and song transcriptions, members of the Acoustic Guitar community learn guitar techniques and music from around the globe and get to know the artists who create it. With product reviews and expert advice, Acoustic Guitar also helps its community members become smarter buyers and owners of acoustic guitars and related gear.
SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND
6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL
RadioInfo
785 Williams St., PMB 429, Longmeadow, MA 01106
PH: 413-739-8255
Matthew Harrison matthew@radioinfo.com
www.radioinfo.com
We are a trade publication for music radio stations that offers charts and reviews of music they should be playing.
Canadian Music News
610 W. Mary St., Thunder Bay, ON P7E 4L4
PH: 807-709-0709
Destrukto contact@canadianmusicnews.com
www.canadianmusicnews.com
We publish news about Canadian musicians, artists and bands. Exclusively Canadian content.
10th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards
2881 E. Oakland Pk. Blvd #414, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Jessica Brandon info@inacoustic.com
www.inacoustic.com
IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes excellence in Acoustic Music Performance and Artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
FUZE Luxembourg
contact@fuze.lu
www.fuze.lu
An English language platform dedicated to supporting and helping the promotion of local music to, and beyond, the Luxembourgish community.
Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Dedicated to providing the highest quality restoration. We offer the highest quality stereo and 5.1 pre-mastering, CD, CD Enhanced, and DVD-A authoring and full audio restoration. Our staff is exceptional at giving our clients the best quality and service, guiding them through the final phase of their sonic process with ease and expertise. We are uniquely equipped to provide the highest quality mastering available anywhere. We have the expertise, equipment, and skills to achieve the full sound potential of your album. As more and more artists are choosing to record in project and home studios, high-quality professional mastering in an acoustically accurate room has never been more important. Working at Peerless' state-of-the-art studios with our highly trained engineers, you can realize your sonic vision and make your recording sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as possible. We will guide you through every step of this final phase of your project, and you will be truly amazed when you hear how incredible your music can sound. @PeerlessMaster
6.2 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL
How To License Your Music.com
PO Box 60338, Chicago, IL 60657
PH: 312-233-2675
Aaron Davison
aaron@howtolicenseyourmusic.com
www.howtolicenseyourmusic.com
A free newsletter instructing musicians on how to license their music in TV, films and video games.
Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Music Marketing Manifesto Blog
John Oszajca
john@musicmarketingmanifesto.com
www.MusicMarketingManifesto.com
Advanced strategies, secrets, tactics and tips on selling your music online. @JohnOszajca
6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS
AirTurn
PO Box 3359, Nederland, CO 80466
PH: 720-381-1706 FX: 720-863-0988
info@airturn.com
www.airturn.com
Manufactures wireless controllers for iPads, Mac & PC computers, and Android tablets. With an AirTurn, musicians can turn pages hands free or remotely control audio files. Speakers and broadcasters can control teleprompter apps wirelessly. The possibilities are endless. Welcome to the wireless world of hands free controllers.
Bandposters
holycrap@getbandposters.com
www.getbandposters.com
Lets you design, print, and ship posters to EVERY stop on your tour in under 90 seconds. No hassles, No Sharpies, No lines at the Post office.
Here is a video link showing how it works:
http://bit.ly/17L3s1W Readers of this newsletter receive a 20% discount. Use this code: ICN20
ArtistEcard
info@artistecard.com
www.artistecard.com
Our goal is to assist Bands, Artists and DJs present and promote themselves by providing a vast array of tools for fan engagement. ArtistEcard will save you time and money giving you the ability to control your own content with the powerful Admin Tools we provide. Upload your bio, music, videos, photos, news, shows, logo, database, contact info and JPGs and sell all your stuff from the handy control panel; choose from one of the templates provided or upload your own backgrounds.
iDitty
3417 Westridge Cir. Lexington, KY 40502
PH: 859-514-9785
KO Roberts ko@3mediainc.com
www.iditty.net
New technology designed to replace the CD as the way we buy, sell and market music. Physical product for artist to sell at shows but works as a download that the fans are demanding.
Disc Makers
7905 N Route 130, Pennsauken, NJ 08110
PH: 800-468-9353 x5109
www.discmakers.com/indiebible5
Disc Makers is the preferred independent CD and DVD manufacturer of Indie Bible. As an Indie Bible member you receive an exclusive discount of 5% off any and all Disc Makers products and services. Turn to Disc Makers for the highest quality CDs, made in 5 days (or less), for the guaranteed lowest prices. Our services don't just stop at disc manufacturing. We also offer audio mastering and design services, as well as promotional items like posters, Download Cards, and more. And if you want to duplicate your own discs, we sell the fastest disc duplicators on the planet.
FingerPop
3131 N. Franklin St., Indianapolis, IN 46226
PH: 317-228-2200
Harold Taulbee
info@fingerpop.com
www.fingerpop.com
Looking for new record sleeves, special mailing boxes for vinyl records, record cleaner, CD or record supplies of all types, Audio-technica turntables, headphones or...just want to take a peek at the latest retro-looking record players, radios, or jukeboxes from the old/new CROSLEY RADIO Company? We have it all! record & CD players and turntables, record cabinets & stands, headphones, jukeboxes for CDs, radios and CD & DVD supplies
MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike.
6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO
DIAMONDISC AUDIO - "Where Audio Meets Art"
204 Still Water Cir. Nashville, TN 37221
PH: 615-662-6870
Doug Diamond
doug@diamondiscaudio.com
www.diamondiscaudio.com
A full-service multimedia company specializing in Audio and CD Mastering services as well as Stereo Mixing, CD/DVD Duplication and Replication, Video Editing, DVD & Blu-ray Authoring, Graphic Design, Website Design, Music Supervision, Composing, Publishing and more. We are dedicated to providing top-quality creative services, excellent customer care, and affordable prices to independent artists and small businesses. Let us help you put those finishing touches on your final mixes in the all-important Mastering stage. You're going to want your project to be equivalent to those found in record stores when it comes to Volume Level, EQ, Compression, etc. - that's where we come in!
6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS
The Jazz Network Worldwide
Jaijai Jackson
jaijai@thejazznetworkworldwide.com
www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com
The most celebrated Jazz networking site that honors the legendsm features new artists, promotes music education and live Jazz worldwide!
SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE
How to Make Performance Anxiety an Asset Instead of a Liability
by Dr. Noa Kageyama
© 2013 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
We are typically led to believe that being "nervous" is a bad thing. Indeed, most of the advice I've ever heard has been aimed at reducing anxiety. Over the years, I tried everything I could to get rid of the unpleasant feelings associated with performance anxiety. I tried eating bananas, drinking chamomile tea, imagining the audience in their underwear, sleep deprivation, practicing more, taking various supplements, and even trying to convince myself that it didn't matter how I played. None of this, of course, took the anxiety away or did much to help me perform any better.
From my work with sport psychologist Dr. Don Greene when I was a graduate student at Juilliard and my own doctoral training in performance psychology, I've come to understand that anxiety itself is not the problem. The problem is that most of us have never learned how to use adrenaline to our advantage. By telling ourselves and our students to "just relax," we are actually doing each other a disservice by implicitly confirming that the anxiety we feel is bad and to be feared. I soon learned to welcome the rush of adrenaline and to use that energy to power my performances, and to perform with more freedom, conviction, and confidence than I ever imagined possible.
The big question, of course, is how do you transform anxiety from a liability to an advantage? Before we talk about this, we first need to understand some basics about what happens to our mind under stress.
Left Brain vs. Right Brain
Our brains consist can be thought of as being comprised of two basic regions – the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. Admittedly, it is an oversimplification of the immense complexity of our brain to imply that the left and right hemispheres are completely independent of one another, but this is a very effective model when it comes to understanding optimal mental states for performance.
Left brain thinking is associated with words, numbers, logic, analysis, criticism, rules, details, planning, and judgment. Conversely, right brain thinking is associated with sounds, images, patterns, kinesthetic or sensory input, emotions, the "big picture," free association, and creativity.
Based on this information, which mode of thinking seems most conducive to effective practicing? Did you say left brain? Correct! Now, which seems most conducive to dynamic, inspired, and artistic performances? Right brain, exactly! Unfortunately, we often do the opposite. In the practice room, we have a tendency to practice somewhat mindlessly, merely repeating passages over and over until they sound better, making corrections, but doing so almost unconsciously. However, as soon as we walk on stage, we tend to get flooded by left brain over-analytical thinking, criticism, excessive planning, and so on, which only serves to lead to a pre-occupation with technical details and an inability to play as freely and automatically as we are capable. Are you familiar with the phrase "paralysis by analysis?" This is exactly what happens when we know that our every move and sound is under close scrutiny by others. The opposite of this paralyzed state is often referred to as "flow" or "the zone," where everything just seems to "click" into place and our playing is easy, free, and effortless.
How do we make the shift from left brain thinking to right brain thinking and get into "the zone?" One very effective tool is called Centering.
Centering
Centering is what sport psychologists call a pre-performance routine. It was designed in the 1970?s by the renowned sport psychologist Dr. Robert Nideffer, and adapted for performing artists by Olympic sport psychologist Dr. Don Greene. Centering is a highly effective means of (a) channeling your nerves productively and (b) directing your focus even in extreme situations. Once mastered, it is very quick and highly effective, and will ensure that you begin each performance with a bang (in a good way)!
There are seven steps, each specifically designed to move you progressively closer to right brain quiet, focus, and poise, and take you further away from left brain fears, doubts, and self-criticism.
Step 1: Pick Your Focal Point
Select a fixed point in the distance, somewhere that feels comfortable. This point could be on your stand, the ground in front of you, or on the back row of the hall, but wherever it is, ensure that your focal point is below eye level. A focal point helps to minimize distractions and avoid the temptation to engage in left-brain thinking.
Step 2: Form Your Clear Intention
A clear intention is in essence, a specific goal statement. What do you intend to do when you step out on stage? How exactly do you intend to sound? What, precisely, do you intend to communicate to the audience?
Use assertive, declarative language, such as "I am going to perform brilliantly, with passion and clear dynamic contrast," as opposed to "I hope to play well."
Do not use the word "don't". Doing so will only put the negative picture in your head and generate fears and doubt. For instance, when you say to yourself "Don't miss the high note", what's the first image that pops into your mind? Missing the high note, right? What image pops into your mind when you tell yourself "Nail the high note?" Learn to focus on what you want, not on what you don't want.
Step 3: Breathe Mindfully
One of the most powerful techniques for reversing the stress response involves learning how to breathe diaphragmatically. When stressed, our bodies have a tendency to revert to shallow, rapid, chest breathing. Doing so keeps us in fight or flight mode. Diaphragmatic breathing is the most biomechanically efficient way to breathe, and furthermore, is conducive to activating what's called the parasympathetic nervous system response which is our body's antidote for the fight-or-flight state.
Step 4: Scan and Release Excess Tension
One of the most detrimental consequences of performance stress is muscle tension. As our thinking becomes more negative, our muscles tend to get tighter and less facile. And not just any muscles, but often the ones that we most need control over!
Scan your muscles from head to toe as you continue to breathe slowly and deeply, one muscle group at a time, releasing tension on the exhale. There is a short video clip on YouTube which illustrates an exercise that tests your ability to truly relax your muscles on command.
If you develop a more acute awareness of muscle tension even in the practice room, and are able to control the degree of tension you experience in your playing, you will be able to retain much of this ability during a performance and will feel much more in control.
Step 5: Find Your Center
Are you familiar with the martial arts concept of ki or chi? In Eastern philosophy, chi is described as being one's "life force" or energy. There is a specific location in our body where the energy tends to congregate, which is essentially our center of gravity. If you have ever observed the movements of a great martial arts master or even some athletes or dancers, you will notice a presence, grace, and balance about them regardless of their size or physical dimensions. Not only is the feeling of being centered a very calming and reassuring one, but the mere act of searching for you center will quiet your left brain activity.
Step 6: Repeat Your Process Cue
There is a tendency when stressed to hyperfocus on minute details. This may be highly desirable in the practice room, but can be paralyzing on-stage. The solution is to focus on a right-brain process cue, in essence, a reminder of what it sounds, feels, or looks like to produce the exact sounds you want.
There are two possible ways to do this. One, you could brainstorm and experiment with words that cue up the sound/feeling/images of producing the beautiful sound, clean articulation, or solid intonation that you wish to produce. Examples of such words are smooth bowing, light fingers, even shifts, fluid, powerful, calm, or easy. It's not the word that is important, but the resultant mental sound/feeling/image of performing exactly the way you want to that is key.
Thus, a second way to do Step 6 is to avoid using words altogether and merely hear, feel, or see yourself performing exactly as you wish.
Step 7: Direct Your Energy
By the time you have gotten to this step, you will have made the shift into a more quiet and focused mental state conducive to performing your best. You will have taken the edge off of your nerves, and in this last step you will channel the remaining energy that remains into a dynamic and inspired performance. This is how you use the energy instead of trying to get rid of it.
Do a quick internal search for all of the energy that you feel in your body, and feel it gathering at your center. I often imagined my center and energy being somewhat like those plasma lamps that are sold at stores like The Sharper Image (Google "plasma lamp" if you don't know what I'm referring to). Now, direct that energy upwards, through your torso and neck, into your head, and blast it out through your eyes or forehead like a laser beam at the focal point you identified in Step 1. Think of this beam as a conduit for your music and the energy that will convey your clear intention to the audience.
This may sound a little hokey to some, but this energy is real. Have you ever met someone incredibly intense, who perhaps invades your personal space a bit, and looks at you so intensely that you feel uncomfortable and almost feel that they can see into your head and read your thoughts? That's the same sort of energy I am talking about. Instead of trying to get rid of the energy adrenaline provides by relaxing or taking beta blockers, you can learn to use it, channel it into your performance, and take your playing to a whole new level!
Practicing Centering
When you first try to Center, it may take several minutes to go through all of the steps. If you practice this for 10-15 minutes per day, however, and stick with it, you will begin to notice a difference within a week or two and find that you can center in 5-10 seconds. Some notice a difference within days. The key, like anything else, is consistency and persistence.
Many, if not all, of these elements can be shared with even the very youngest students, whether they get nervous before performances or not. Not as a means to reduce anxiety, but as a way to improve focus and clarity of musical intentions. Many of Centering's aspects can even be tremendously helpful in practice sessions, to ensure that one remains focused on the task at hand (instead of reinforcing bad habits via mindless repetition).
With a little time and practice, I'm certain that Centering will change your approach to performing and practicing just as it did for me and the many others who have learned this process.
As the saying goes, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."
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Performance psychologist and Juilliard alumnus & faculty member Dr. Noa Kageyama teaches musicians how to play their best under pressure through live classes, coachings, and an online course. Based in NYC, he is married to a terrific pianist, has two hilarious kids, and is a wee bit obsessed with technology and all things Apple.
www.bulletproofmusician.com
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