At times it feels like my sound just evaporates. I have also noticed this with some of my students. Attitude or belief system concerning one’s abilities can definitely influence one’s sound. There is also shyness or questioning of one’s competence about a particular piece of music that can play a

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In case you are not a musician, intonation refers to the process of playing musical tones in tune. You still may not understand what this means. It is also possible that you understand the concept of musical notes, tones, or pitches, but may not feel as though you have actually

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What does laying the groundwork mean? Friends asked what bees and flowers have to do with manifesting dreams. Visualized during a shamanic journey, what struck me was the miracle of bees feeding on flower nectar, flower pollen sticking to the small hairs on their legs, fertilizing new life as they

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Now at the halfway point in featuring my cards, I am writing today not really sure anyone is reading my blog. If you are reading it, please leave me a short comment attached to this post or on Facebook (@violincards, @ViolinistLindaBeers). I also want to bring to your attention that

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The scene is a beautiful sunrise over volcanic rock in Maui. Sitting in Sukhasana, easy pose, she convenes with her inner self. Meditation Remember a place that is easy for you to visualize. Choose a place that is peaceful for you. Try a place in nature. Sit up with your

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For a long time I have been aware that my students do not have a sense of what they sound like. When I suggest that they record themselves, I frequently get a dismissive reply such as “Yeah, that’s a good idea.” But then there is no follow through. With my

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So often students and even professional musicians don’t know how to get started practicing. I know I have experienced this paralysis myself on occasion. The hardest part of practicing is the first five minutes. I must say that the warm up video by Heather Mogielnicki referenced in my “Warming up:

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It’s no mystery that there is a link between music and food, especially for musicians. For myself, I think this started as a young conservatory student. I found myself hungry all of the time and it was well known that receptions with generous spreads of appetizing treats followed most solo

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Focus and concentration may be the missing ingredient when a student is struggling to succeed or excel in school. Particularly with my public school students, I find a lack of ability in this area prevents them from progressing in their instrumental lessons. Students who have prior experience with activities such

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This card encourages you to generate your own affirmations. They are especially powerful when they come from your own deep self reflection. If you are unsure whether you have chosen a good affirmation, you may want to check with a trusted friend or a professional therapist. However, I think that

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