Short description
Overcome obstacles, improve concentration and reduce nervousness to reach a new level of musical performance with this bestselling guide.
Long description
The battle that many musicians, of whatever level, have to face is an inner one - against nervousness, self-doubt and fear of failure. In this highly successful book, first published by Pan in 1987, musician Barry Green explains the basic principles of 'natural learning' that make up the Inner Game methodology, and shows how to apply them to reach a new level in the learning and performing of music. With special features on ensemble playing, improvisation and listening skills, and with exercises that help intonation, artistic phrasing and technique, The Inner Game of Music is invaluable to performers, students, teachers and anyone with an interest in music.
Review
Why is it that despite having had a hundred practice runs, a good night's sleep and even a decent breakfast, we foul up our big moment? Gallwey has been much vexed by the question since he missed a heartbreakingly easy volley on match point in the National Junior Tennis Championships at the age of 15. He has subsequently developed the theory of the 'inner game', namely that the self-imposed pscychological restrictions that we harbour must be addressed just as seriously as strategy or technique. We learn that we must restore the equilibrium between the conscious 'ego' (self 1) which criticizes and the subconscious (self 2) which acts. To correct that troublesome swing, serve or grace note we need to experience rather than analyse it; the rancorous voice of self 1 must be quietened so that we can trust in the 'silent intelligence of the body'. And it is in this state of relaxed concentration that we allow ourselves to succeed. Now Gallwey has applied these principles to music (with Barry Green) it is a ruminative account of letting it flow. (Kirkus UK)