SET INTENT : Implement a Routine
So
much of coaching is based on trust . When someone comes to me looking to improve their quality of life , they are 10 times more likely to succeed in achieving their goals if they remove their expectations . I coach a simple theory : “ Success comes from putting ourselves outside of the box of comfort .” Comfort zones are the breeding grounds of mediocrity ; when was the last time you got excited about somebody that wanted to excel at being average ?
Now , as a musician myself , I ’ ve found that overcoming creative blocks is oftentimes the hardest part of the lifestyle . There ’ s just so much pressure to perform or to write or to deliver day in , day out . My fascination with finding ways to help other musicians get through these creative blocks led me to the understanding that mental and physical health go hand in hand . If you ’ re distracted , busy , or just generally stressed , it ’ ll show in your performance ; however , if you aren ’ t setting a solid framework to have an amazing performance , that ’ ll stress you out when you aren ’ t your best . It ’ s a vicious cycle ! So , what do you do ?
Well , I asked a few other artists and industry pros and compiled some tips and tricks that you can implement today in order to stay on your A-game ! Whether it ’ s the first night of tour or six weeks in when you find yourself sleeping in a van outside the bar in Thunder Bay , we ’ ve got ya covered .
Let ’ s get to it .
Whether we ’ re talking about eating better , practicing our instrument , balancing work-life schedules , or exercising , we have to admit we ’ re habit-driven . Fact .
Teresa Cirillo is a vocal coach , the owner of Studio E Music and Arts in Stoney Creek , ON , and the author of The Vocal Compass . She suggests establishing a pre-performance ritual , such as “ visualization , meditation , or just taking time to breathe and get into the zone ,” to really help to fuel a solid performance .
According to a study in the Journal of Physiology-Paris by K . Richard Ridderinkhof and Marcel Brass , there is a direct correlation between the effect of visualization and motor expertise . They explored the effect of how simply imagining scenarios in performance enhanced the outcome of certain motor skills , and my personal experience tells me they ’ re onto something .
I encouraged some musicians to step away from the venue before a set and sit in the car or somewhere private just to get their headspace right . Sure enough , they killed the show . I personally like to imagine a crowd full of people just having a great time and my group killin ’ a tough , high-energy song . Visuals helped keep the goal of having a rad show in view , no pun intended .
Take Care Of Your Body
Get Active Notice the word active . This means do whatever you ’ d like that gets your heart rate up a bit each day . It ’ s not about hitting the gym if that ’ s not your jam ; I find getting up first thing and walking my dog around the block a few times gets the juices flowing and helps me stick to the plan for the day . It ’ s just something I do . It ’ s engraved into my lifestyle . It ’ s great to get out and get some fresh air .
I encourage all of my musician-athletes to aim for an hour of movement per day . Not only do we feel better when we move , but we see the risk of heart disease , diabetes , and high blood pressure decrease while vitality and mood increases , so that ’ s a huge win .
It really doesn ’ t have to be a lot . In conversation with producer and songwriter Andre Kaden Black , he brought up the importance of taking a break to beat the creative blocks artists tend to hit . “ Going for a walk has been my default creative block-breaker . For hundreds of years , writers , artists , and musicians have always known the power of a meditative state that occurs when you surround yourself with nature . Let your subconscious begin creating new ideas and new perspectives on stale ones .”
Stretching , yoga , jogging , hiking , playing sports … Anything ! Move more . “ Sweat once each day ” is a pretty good standard to live by .
Next up , the fuel to perform …
Eat Well Yep , it may be hard to believe ( it ’ s not ), but we musicians have a difficult time with nutrition . With the readily available booze and pub fare , it ’ s no wonder . I could write a whole article on proper fuel for musicians , but I want to hammer home one thing we can all improve : hydration .
Drink more water . Water is kind of like the oil in your car . Without it , the engine runs pretty rough . Water keeps your whole body loose , reduces brain fog and risk of injury , and increases focus . For an added kick of awesome , squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon in there . It ’ ll keep your digestion game on point , plus it tastes great .
CANADIAN MUSICIAN • 39