A Soprano On Her Head: Chapter 9
Emily Cottam
Chapter Summary: Ristad addresses the value of visualization when it comes to practicing; just thinking or imagining a particular physical motion or an end result can serve as a helpful mode of practice. If done correctly, visualization is like performing the act itself without really doing it in “real life.” It’s more about sensation and understanding how it feels to perform a certain act (like playing the piano, for instance) and being able to recreate in your mind’s eye--if you cannot picture yourself doing something correctly, you are likely to not be able to do it the right way in real life. “The trick is to let the body give up the inappropriate without forcing it. When we give it that chance, we begin building a sensible choreography of muscle impulses that we can trust...” Through the use of visualization, you can also have your strengths “teach” your weaknesses.
Key Concepts: Visualization is a way to perform an act without physically doing it in real life--it’s a mode of practices that saves time and energy. If you cannot picture yourself doing it the right way, it’s likely you can’t do it in real life just yet.
Key Terms: Visualization, Awareness Through Movement, “feeling sense”
Making Connections: I have actually applied visualization in my practice time previous to this year--many times, if I had a piano recital, I would often imagine myself playing through the piece before going on stage. I can attest to its effectiveness--however, I have yet to use it when it comes to my stage nervousness; I will be sure to practice visualizing myself on stage (without nerves inhibiting me!) so I can familiarize myself with the sensation of ease and calmness.
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