Live... In Concert

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.

Self-Esteem

To Thine Own Self-Efficacy Be True

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on July 13, 2018

Performers may be so preoccupied trying to prove themselves to others, they may forget the more important need to prove themselves to themselves.

Performers may be so preoccupied trying to prove themselves to others, they may forget the more important need to prove themselves to themselves.

Resilience

What We've Got Here Is a Failure to Communicate

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on November 27, 2017

Although music is not a universal language, it can be the perfect medium to express feelings.

Although music is not a universal language, it can be the perfect medium to express feelings.

Creativity

Can Science Provide Insight into the Arts?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on August 15, 2017

Research has shown that the diehard talent myth is not only useless in explaining anything but also harmful to people who might otherwise enjoy a more musically enriching life.

Research has shown that the diehard talent myth is not only useless in explaining anything but also harmful to people who might otherwise enjoy a more musically enriching life.

Depression

Music as a Shoulder to Cry On

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on March 28, 2017

Sad music seems to accommodate emotional healing by allowing people to safely get in touch with negative emotions that might otherwise be repressed.

Sad music seems to accommodate emotional healing by allowing people to safely get in touch with negative emotions that might otherwise be repressed.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism: Benefit or Detriment to Performers?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on December 15, 2015

Rather than being a key to optimal musical growth, research suggests that a perfectionist mindset may in fact derail an aspiring musician's development altogether.

Rather than being a key to optimal musical growth, research suggests that a perfectionist mindset may in fact derail an aspiring musician's development altogether.

Empathy

More Music, More Empathy

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on August 25, 2015

Music is often called a universal language because it seems to speak to the emotions of disparate groups of people. In this light, some believe music has almost magical powers toward helping people find common ground with others seen as unlike themselves. So is music a uniquely powerful tool in building human empathy?

Music is often called a universal language because it seems to speak to the emotions of disparate groups of people. In this light, some believe music has almost magical powers toward helping people find common ground with others seen as unlike themselves. So is music a uniquely powerful tool in building human empathy?

Career

Your Passion May Not Be Enough

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on February 12, 2015

Many people choose to pursue a music career because they were so passionate about music as kids. However, recent research suggests that if you want to end up passionate about what you do professionally, instead of taking inventory of pre-existing passions, you should identify what you can become exceptionally good at.

Many people choose to pursue a music career because they were so passionate about music as kids. However, recent research suggests that if you want to end up passionate about what you do professionally, instead of taking inventory of pre-existing passions, you should identify what you can become exceptionally good at.

Attention

Can Musicians Overthink Their Practice and Performance?

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on March 27, 2014

To get the most out of their practice sessions, musicians should strive to keep their minds highly engaged. Much conscious thought is required in the goal setting and strategizing that facilitate the learning of new skills. When practicing, autopilot is the enemy. But preparing for a public performance may be a different story.

To get the most out of their practice sessions, musicians should strive to keep their minds highly engaged. Much conscious thought is required in the goal setting and strategizing that facilitate the learning of new skills. When practicing, autopilot is the enemy. But preparing for a public performance may be a different story.

Motivation

When Passion is a Prison

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on January 20, 2014

Being passionate can mean different things to different musicians. While some freely pursue a musical life because of the joy it brings, others are driven by compulsion, and they experience much stress along the way. Does it matter whether one's passion is harmonious or obsessive, as long as it gets the job done?

Being passionate can mean different things to different musicians. While some freely pursue a musical life because of the joy it brings, others are driven by compulsion, and they experience much stress along the way. Does it matter whether one's passion is harmonious or obsessive, as long as it gets the job done?

Sport and Competition

Manufacturing Mozarts and Mannings

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on November 4, 2013

Exceptional young performers—both artists and athletes—are amazing to behold. Some key contributors to their talent can get lost in the nature versus nurture debate. Child prodigies who enjoy continued success have passion for what they do, and take advantage of opportunities afforded them.

Exceptional young performers—both artists and athletes—are amazing to behold. Some key contributors to their talent can get lost in the nature versus nurture debate. Child prodigies who enjoy continued success have passion for what they do, and take advantage of opportunities afforded them.

Anxiety

Stage Fright: What to Do When the Problem Is You

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on August 5, 2013

There are a variety of reasons why musicians feel anxiety when taking the stage. Many times the source is what's going on inside the performers themselves—their own thinking. Changing performance-related thought processes can be a challenge, but well worth the effort.

There are a variety of reasons why musicians feel anxiety when taking the stage. Many times the source is what's going on inside the performers themselves—their own thinking. Changing performance-related thought processes can be a challenge, but well worth the effort.

Memory

How Practicing Less Can Foster Musical Growth

Robert H. Woody Ph.D. on May 3, 2013

Not all practice is created equal. By getting the most out of sensible amounts of practice, musicians can enjoy their musical lives more and optimally advance their skills.

Not all practice is created equal. By getting the most out of sensible amounts of practice, musicians can enjoy their musical lives more and optimally advance their skills.