Piano Prodigies
  • About
    • Elizabeth Borowsky
    • Program Philosophy
    • FAQs
    • Family Tree
    • Testimonials
    • Student Videos
  • Lessons/Consults
    • Policies >
      • Blog
    • Tuition
    • Performance Coaching
    • Chamber Music
    • Online Lessons
  • Resources
    • 100 Solos for Piano Prodigies
    • Theory Links
    • Practice Tips
    • Composing
    • Shopping Links
    • Festivals & Competitions
    • Favorite Links
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Directions

Gratitude = The Antidote to Nervousness

4/19/2015

1 Comment

 
Guest blog by Olivia Williams (Piano Prodigies student)

What does the word “nervous” mean to you? Do your thoughts draw a picture of failure? Some might think of green faces expecting to tip over, others might think of restlessness. I get a little nervous, but my piano teacher Miss Elizabeth helps me think of ways to overcome the trepidation of failure and accept the feeling that clouds my stomach. 

Practicing is a big key to success. Don’t expect the pieces to play by themselves. As musicians, we make sacrifices that some don’t understand in order to keep in touch with our instrument. The piano (or whatever instrument you play) has to become your best friend. Would you want to fight, lose touch, or stay away from that special person? Surely not. Don’t tell yourself it’s impossible—with the right mindset it IS possible. 

Mental thoughts can jab at your performance, whether they are good or bad. Before a big day, make sure to keep all thoughts and conversations positive. If you make others believe it, it’s much easier to believe. We can admit negativity can do a lot of damage until we are the ones doing it to ourselves. Don’t be shy to yourself -tell yourself that you are going to do well and smile. 

Earlier today, I competed at the Rockville Competition for Piano and Strings.  The judge met me with a smile and I told myself I was going to do well. While sitting on the piano bench, I made sure to take a moment to breathe and even look around (out of my peripheral vision). Glancing at my feet, I felt the floor and I envisioned them reaching into the ground and rooting themselves there. Funny thought perhaps... but it let me know that I wasn’t going anywhere and neither was the piano. We were both stable and I was ready to begin. 

When I finished my pieces, I felt a pang of sadness that it was over. I realized that I had actually enjoyed the experience. I reflected on how I prepared mentally, and how Miss Elizabeth gave me all of these extremely helpful insights. A week ago, she asked me how I could be thankful for competitions and recitals. Many thoughts ran through my head, because I had not thought of performing in that way. My answer now is I am thankful for the judge’s time, and those who put together performances for students, because some musicians do not get that chance. Each performance is an exciting way to show others how much music means to me.
1 Comment

Nutrition For Musicians (By Evan Engelstad)

4/2/2015

0 Comments

 
The MTNA National Conference included poster presentations on a variety of topics. This one, by Evan Engelstad of the University of Wisconson at Madison, caught my eye. Students and parents - please read!
0 Comments

    About

    Elizabeth Borowsky is a pianist, teacher, and composer. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (Music Teachers National Association).

    Picture
    Picture

    Subscribe

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Categories

    All
    Auditions & Competitions
    Challenge Assignments
    Guest Blog
    Inspiration
    Memorization
    Performing
    Piano Ensemble
    Piano Prodigies News
    Piano Prodigies News
    Practicing
    Psychology
    Sheet Music
    Technique
    The Piano
    Travels
    World Music

    Archives

    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    April 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    October 2012
    June 2012
    April 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    January 2011

    RSS Feed

Location

What Our Clients Are Saying

I can honestly give Elizabeth the credit for keeping my girls interested in piano lessons. All parents know about those transitional periods kids go through from Elementary school into the Middle school and High school years. Interests shift unless the lesson/subject is fresh. I find this applies to adults, too! Elizabeth grew up on the piano. She has the training, talent, expertise and passion to properly teach students. I have personally watched her develop her teaching skills. Her amazing personality keeps students focused, interested and learning. She's fun, loving, adorable and all around fantastic at what she does and who she is. - Lisa

Contact Us

Subscribe

Email for lesson availability
Join Now
  • About
    • Elizabeth Borowsky
    • Program Philosophy
    • FAQs
    • Family Tree
    • Testimonials
    • Student Videos
  • Lessons/Consults
    • Policies >
      • Blog
    • Tuition
    • Performance Coaching
    • Chamber Music
    • Online Lessons
  • Resources
    • 100 Solos for Piano Prodigies
    • Theory Links
    • Practice Tips
    • Composing
    • Shopping Links
    • Festivals & Competitions
    • Favorite Links
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Directions