What Happens If... (Ideas for Creative Practice)
Your Set Aside Everything You Think You Know (and Don't Know)
Imagine stepping into a space and seeing an instrument. Then imagine you don’t know anything about it, forget what you know, and forget what you don’t know. Look at the instrument with curiosity, noticing its shape, size, contour, and any decorative details. If this is an instrument you pick it up, notice its weight, and how it contacts your body. What does it feel like as you deliver it to your body or your hands to it? Singers, sense the whole of your body with curiosity. Perhaps noticing how your clothes contact your skin? Or the movements of your breath. Observe them as if you don’t know what is happening.
Next, experiment with making sounds with this instrument. What do you hear? How does it feel inside you?
What could happen to a performance if you approached your instrument with this level of naive curiosity as you prepare to perform?
It is pretty common to take our approach to sounding the first note for granted. It’s something we have done many times. BUT what happens if we take the time to notice the shapes, colors, the unique features, the weight or dimensions of the instrument, or our contact with the ground as we prepare to perform? Noticing it as if it is all new, taking nothing for granted.
This simple shift in approach brings us into the present moment, where we have access to choice in the expressive elements we use. Forgetting what we know (and don’t know) also allows us to let go of expectations and assumptions that trigger physical habits that are expression, technique, and confidence inhibitors.
Suggestions to apply this approach…
Start small, use this set aside approach at the beginning of a session. Follow the curiosity that not knowing evokes. Apply it when you move to the next piece/etude of your session or as you take the stage in performance.
Taking the time to become present has the beautiful benefit of allowing your audience to settle and relate to you in a powerful way.
Why approach performing in this way?
Do you want to be calmer? This cue calms the nervous system and facilitates coordinated movement.
Do you want to be more responsive in your expression? Being present allows one to hear and respond musically rather than regurgitate what was practiced.
Experience pre-performance jitters? This is a great response to butterflies, sweaty palms, or even dry mouth. Redirect your attention to being curiously in the moment, forgetting what you think you know, and open to a new experience. The jitters will change.