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Perfectionism

Note to Self: Compassion, Not Criticism

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on January 8, 2024

Some musicians practically brag about being their "own worst critic." But such an approach is usually very counterproductive to performance growth.

Some musicians practically brag about being their "own worst critic." But such an approach is usually very counterproductive to performance growth.

Positive Psychology

A Single Path to Well-Being and Peak Musicianship

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on September 18, 2023

Considering positive psychology can help musicians take advantage of the known benefits that musical engagement offers to human well-being.

Considering positive psychology can help musicians take advantage of the known benefits that musical engagement offers to human well-being.

Education

Enculturation vs. Acculturation in Musicianship

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on June 6, 2023

Though studying music in college is the right path for many musicians, it can also have a dark side. But any group can have a positive dynamic if the people want it to.

Though studying music in college is the right path for many musicians, it can also have a dark side. But any group can have a positive dynamic if the people want it to.

Education

Is Reading Fundamental for Performing Musicians?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on March 6, 2023

Should all musicians learn to read music notation? Or is it a specialized skill that is useful to only some?

Should all musicians learn to read music notation? Or is it a specialized skill that is useful to only some?

Education

Are Musicians Special? Should They Want to Be?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on November 21, 2022

Although being designated as "special" may seem like a compliment, often it is not at all empowering to musicians.

Although being designated as "special" may seem like a compliment, often it is not at all empowering to musicians.

Motivation

Producing a Proper Musical Prodigy

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on August 1, 2022

What are we to think of children who display amazing musical skills that are so far beyond what others can do?

What are we to think of children who display amazing musical skills that are so far beyond what others can do?

Motivation

“Think Global, Act Local” Musicianship

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on April 22, 2022

"Think globally, act locally" is good advice beyond the social-political arena. Global and local thinking are both part of an adaptable, multi-level musical mind.

"Think globally, act locally" is good advice beyond the social-political arena. Global and local thinking are both part of an adaptable, multi-level musical mind.

Creativity

The Two Sides of Musical Creativity

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on January 5, 2022

Being creative is not a single personality trait or mindset. Musicians wanting to boost their creativity must involve multiple ideas.

Being creative is not a single personality trait or mindset. Musicians wanting to boost their creativity must involve multiple ideas.

Health

Musical Gleanings From the Pandemic

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on August 30, 2021

It's not exactly "news," but recent research has further established music as a preferred coping strategy for dealing with the challenges of life.

It's not exactly "news," but recent research has further established music as a preferred coping strategy for dealing with the challenges of life.

Creativity

How Creativity Is Developed Through Expressive Performance

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on May 12, 2021

For those not inclined toward improvisation or songwriting, expressive performance of a composer's work can be a great creative medium.

For those not inclined toward improvisation or songwriting, expressive performance of a composer's work can be a great creative medium.

Psychology

What It Really Takes to Become a Musician

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on February 11, 2021

Developmental psychology tells us that exceptional music performance skill results from a combination of physiological traits and environmental catalysts.

Developmental psychology tells us that exceptional music performance skill results from a combination of physiological traits and environmental catalysts.

Psychology

Psyching Up Musicians

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on January 6, 2021

Music is made by humans for humans. For musicians, knowledge and technique are essential, but an understanding of human beings is also crucial.

Music is made by humans for humans. For musicians, knowledge and technique are essential, but an understanding of human beings is also crucial.

Flow

Go for Flow

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on October 14, 2020

By seeking optimal flow experiences, performers can stop stage fright before it starts and rediscover why they got into music in the first place.

By seeking optimal flow experiences, performers can stop stage fright before it starts and rediscover why they got into music in the first place.

Anxiety

To Wage War Against Performance Anxiety

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on July 7, 2020

Doing the unexpected can give performers an advantage in their battle against stage fright.

Doing the unexpected can give performers an advantage in their battle against stage fright.

Psychology

What to Do When You’re Cut Off From Your Musical People

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on April 1, 2020

Whether musicians’ seclusion is self-imposed or advised by health officials, it can provide occasion to do some individual work on their musicianship.

Whether musicians’ seclusion is self-imposed or advised by health officials, it can provide occasion to do some individual work on their musicianship.

Motivation

Exactly What Is a Real Musician?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on December 13, 2019

With the right kind of support from music teachers and parents, a musical childhood can be a gift that lasts a lifetime.

With the right kind of support from music teachers and parents, a musical childhood can be a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Creativity

Depth or Breadth?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on September 9, 2019

Many assume early specialization is part of the best path to music performance expertise, but there are reasons to question this prevailing wisdom.

Many assume early specialization is part of the best path to music performance expertise, but there are reasons to question this prevailing wisdom.

Anxiety

Flip the Script on Performance Anxiety

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on May 23, 2019

Musicians should consider practicing “radical realism.” A big dose of realistic thinking may be the best medicine to cure the adrenaline-fueled symptoms of stage fright.

Musicians should consider practicing “radical realism.” A big dose of realistic thinking may be the best medicine to cure the adrenaline-fueled symptoms of stage fright.

Education

Virtuosity: Virtue or Vice?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on March 4, 2019

A virtuoso performance is a sure-fire way to bring applauding audiences to their feet. It’s thrilling, awe-inspiring, even otherworldly.

A virtuoso performance is a sure-fire way to bring applauding audiences to their feet. It’s thrilling, awe-inspiring, even otherworldly.

Motivation

Suppression of Expression

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on December 10, 2018

Motivational mindset can determine whether musicians’ performances are marked by moving expressivity or debilitating stage fright.

Motivational mindset can determine whether musicians’ performances are marked by moving expressivity or debilitating stage fright.