Play the emotion you’re feeling—then try its opposite

Feeling lowShifting perspectiveSparking creativityReleasing tension
Written By Erica Bramham

An exercise for shifting your practice mood

Includes a guided meditation for musicians and music students.

Practice Space

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Sometimes your emotions feel too big (or too dull!) to practice through. But what if you could use them?

In today’s video, I share a suggestion you can try in your practice: play the emotion you’re feeling. Frustrated? Play frustration. Bored? Play boredom. Then try its opposite. Contentment. Curiosity. Calm. This approach can help you shift how you feel through the act of practicing—not in spite of it.

You’ll also get a guided meditation at the end to help you return to your instrument with curiosity and openness.

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