Interview with Madeline Bruser - On the Art (and Science) of Making Music From the Heart

Unconditional Healing with Jeff Rubin

Playing a complicated classical piece on the piano can be amongst the most complex and difficult feats of human hand-eye coordination and cognitive processing. In attempting to master their art with painstaking diligent practice, 75% of professional musicians suffer injuries, compounded by trying to play through the pain. Enter Madeline Bruser. Raised as an exceptionally talented pianist, Madeline performed as a soloist with the Denver and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras at a young age.

Confronting a crisis of confidence at a major audition, Madeline sought a means to overcome performance anxiety under pressure, and in so doing, launched a new career helping other musicians. She discovered that mindfulness meditation, with its focus on direct experience of the sense perceptions and attention to one’s body and energy, could have a major impact on one’s confidence and ability to relax. In addition, she discovered that when it comes to practice, less is often more, as long as it’s the right kind of practice.

In our conversation, Madeline discusses many of the concepts and exercises outlined in her acclaimed book, The Art of Practicing, Making Music From the Heart. Many of these techniques, such as using active listening to improve rhythm and coordination, learning the effects of biomechanical principles on “right effort”, and methods to move beyond fear can be applied effectively for non-musicians as well.

Madeline’s work is such a fit for Unconditional Healing with her emphasis on mindfulness, tuning into the body’s wisdom, connecting to one's heart, and making a healing journey on multiple levels. Her work has broad application for anyone that needs to perform under pressure.

And after you listen, learn about, and register for our next Healing Circle here. It’s virtual, there is no charge, and you’ll find like-minded folks with whom to practice meditation, and share the journey toward unconditional health and well-being.

You are always invited to join our Unconditional Healing Facebook group here.