What's it all about

A few years ago I was playing in a run of La Cenerentola by Rossini. The horn parts are not that interesting. In 15 shows I thought boredom might become a factor so I experimented with seeing how little I could do while still playing it right and keeping my job! It came from the idea that I probably use too much tension in my playing, and some unformed thoughts about zen archery. To my surprise, when I let go in a certain way I played better than I thought I could! Lots of things - sound, articulation, tuning - were good in ways that I had long since given up on. Even my posture felt great. I had been earning my living by being “good enough” rather than playing to my potential. But this was like going back to that time when playing was easy and unworrying, before I knew things were difficult. Amazing!

3 Mysteries

1. The more important you think a performance, or even a note, the less likely you are to get it right.
2. If you try to play something wrong, you will probably get it right.
3. If you nearly forget to play, then play suddenly without any preparation, you will also probably get it right.

This all seems upside-down. The more we mind the worse it is. The less we mind, the more perfect it is. This site is about tapping into this mysterious source of perfection. You can use it for playing an instrument, or for physical problems. Maybe you can use it for “life”!