We all have a life outside of our piano playing. It is clearly worthwhile considering the connections between our experience of life and our ongoing musical development. But where do we start?
Wellbeing is the act of practising healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, we’re thriving.
While we all have much to learn, I have found that the philosophical wisdom of Daoism (“Taoism”) can offer fresh perspectives and an insightful approach: one which celebrates inter-connectedness in all things, rather than isolating disconnected specialisms as so often happens in Western thinking. Hence the name of this website!
The following articles explore this intersections between playing and living, philosophy and practice, and consider our broader lives from a range of perspectives, traditions and contemporary insights.
And as well as these articles, I have created a special section on the website which offers some practical introduction to Qigong practice.
QIGONG FOR PIANO PLAYERS provides simple breathing and stretching exercises rooted in Chinese martial arts, meditative and medical practice.
These have been shown to foster physical wellbeing, emotional equilibrium, and can help players avoid tension and injury.
Selected Highlights:
The Pianist’s Breathwork
Breathwork has made a significant difference to my quality of life, health and wellbeing, with a beneficial impact on my piano journey.
I hope that by trying the simple exercises in this post you will discover similar benefits and be encouraged to explore the practices further…
The Pianist’s Emotions
Emotions are an essential aspect of our basic humanity. But when they are out of balance they can become problematic, with the potential to leave us feeling shipwrecked and adrift…
Making Peace with your Inner Musician
“Those who are motivated only by desire for the fruits of action are miserable, for they are constantly anxious about the results of what they do.” Bhagavad Gita.
To what extent do ‘results’ cause anxiety in your life?
How do we make peace with our inner musician?
Qigong and Piano Playing
If practised regularly qigong can lead to improved physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being… and it can also have a surprising impact on your piano playing.
The Pianist’s Silence
These days perhaps more than ever, the world is a pretty rowdy place. And by definition, as pianists we add to that noise. Lest we lose our way, let’s consider how we might bring a little bit more peace and quiet into our lives…
The Pianist’s Overthinking
If we overthink an upcoming performance this can contribute to performance anxiety. And in the same way, if we overthink life in general, this can have a significant and debilitating effect on our whole lives…
The Pianist’s Kindness
How can we encourage the piano community to be a kinder one? As always, the answer must begin with ourselves…
Explore All:
A Streak of Calm
Mindfulness Badges?? It can be motivational, even impressive, to measure our progress in any area (mindfulness, piano playing, or whatever) using over-simplistic stats and compartmentalised criteria. But it is not always helpful, realistic, or even honest to do so…
The Pianist’s Self-Care
In this post I will consider some basic elements of self-care from a Daoist (Taoist) perspective in the hope that readers will find some helpful suggestions, and that each of us can enjoy a piano journey that reflects an easier, more connected and settled experience of life…
The Pianist’s Imperfection
If we could all, as piano players and teachers, have a lighter spirit and be kinder to ourselves and each other, I rather suspect that we would find that our pursuit of excellence and our appreciation of the beauty within “imperfection” actually go very nicely hand in hand…
The Pianist’s Air
Those visiting our studios are trusting us with their health and wellbeing. But how fascinating that, in addition to the health imperatives of clean air, we are now seeing a direct link and impact it has on teaching and learning…
The Pianist’s Resolution
The start of any new year or season is for many a time for making resolutions: for ambition, grit and determination.
But what are the ingredients of perseverance which will foster that success?
The Pianist’s Brew
Why is Tea the perfect drink for piano players?
Mindfulness in Music
Mark Tanner’s new book traces vivid connections between mindfulness and music which are not only tangible, but also genuinely thrilling…
The Pianist’s Motivations
Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation are like Yin and Yang – we need a happy balance of both…
The Pianist’s Generosity
What does it mean to be generous in the modern world, and how can pianists show special generosity?
Piano Lessons: Dealing with Anxiety
I am sure that most piano teachers will be alert to the fact that some pupils coming to lessons are anxious. This post will look at some reasons for that, and offer some suggestions that might help normalise lessons.
The Pianist’s Anonymity
The Pianist’s Reflections is a new series on Pianodao, written in response to my commitment for the site to relate ideas from Daoism to the Way of Piano. Each The Pianist’s … article will focus on an element of character, attitude or lifestyle.
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