 By Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene (get free updates of new posts here) "They might fire me", were the words swirling in my head. I came back from school the other day all stressed out - one of my students was failing and the administration wanted to visit her in class to see how she's doing. I couldn't focus well that day. What would happen if the administration decided to think it was my fault? But no matter how I felt I still needed to practice organ that evening. And although my head was full of stress from school, I chose to wash the dishes first. Warm water felt good. It relaxed me somehow. It helped. Not right away but gradually. Then I was ready to start playing the organ. I thought that Scheidemann's Canzona in G transferred me to another world. (Not only me but also Vidas who was nearby). So sitting on the organ bench and actually doing the work that matters eliminates stress. Here are 10 ways that help me get back to the organ bench: 1. Doing the dishes 2. Drawing 3. Reading 4. Writing 5. Breathing 6. Walking 7. Exercising 8. Sleeping 9. Surprising someone you love 10. Laughing No, this student isn't changing for the better (at least for now). But at least I can give up control of the results and immerse myself into the process of practice which actually has a calming effect. |
Photo by Edgaras Kurauskas
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Authors
Drs. Vidas Pinkevicius and Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene Organists of Vilnius University , creators of Secrets of Organ Playing. 
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Don't have an organ at home? Download paper manuals and pedals, print them out, cut the white spaces, tape the sheets together and you'll be ready to practice anywhere where is a desk and floor. Make sure you have a higher chair. Archives
February 2019
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