September 2009 Archives

Printed words tell us information we never knew before, and once we become proficient in reading, the message translates into knowledge with little effort. The same is true for me--a pianist who reads printed music, except the song I discover comes from reading dots and lines and symbols. 

In both scenarios, however, comprehension requires focus. If we do not direct our full attention to reading, we are unlikely to retain the information, just as I am unlikely to play a song correctly if I allow my mind to wander while playing.

There is no doubt that focus improves performance, but attention control can be very difficult to master. I believe it is one of the biggest reasons why some musicians, athletes, and entrepreneurs are more successful than others. Sure, talent plays a part, but if the gifted musician isn't focused on the song, the passion is lost and result is less than perfect.

I have a few fleeting moments of focus when I play, and it always feels good when it happens. I find myself thinking of nothing other than the song. I don't worry about mistakes, I don't care if anyone is listening, and I trust that the notes are right, even if the chords are a little unusual. There is no room for worry when my brain cells are consumed by the rhythm, melody, message, and the expressive translation of what is on the page.

Unfortunately, I have no answers for how to achieve focus. I am told that training, meditation, and adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise all effect our ability. One thing is for certain: we've got to want it. There must be a measure of desire to get lost in a story, learn a new fact, set a new record, or just play a new song.

How do you control your focus?

As many of you know, I am a pianist who plays only with the aid of written music. I own an ever-growing stack of piano books from which my daily mood makes its selections.

I choose a melancholy song when I'm feeling a little blue or a waltz when the day is going smoothly or a lively tune when I'm excited about something. I rarely repeat any song during a session; I love to play a  brand new selection; and I enjoy digging out a relic that I haven't played in years. I am a non-performing musician who entertains a moment's whim so few songs are ever learned flawlessly. Needless to say, I rely heavily on the sight-reading abilities I gained during those years of inadequate lesson preparation.

My mind sometimes wanders when I play. Occasionally, I find myself thinking about topics that are far from that of the particular song. But like an athlete, the best performance comes when I am focused. I've gained a little insight during these fleeting moments, insight that I plan to share in my next few posts.

In the meantime, I remain thankful for the ability to express myself through music. I just hope the neighbors within earshot agree.