This landmark book enlightens amateur and professional musicians about a way of practicing that transforms a sometimes frustrating, monotonous, and overly strenuous labor into an exhilarating
      and rewarding experience. Acclaimed pianist and teacher Madeline Bruser combines physiological and meditative principles to help musicians release physical and mental tension and unleash their
      innate musical talent. She offers practical techniques for cultivating free and natural movement, a keen enjoyment of sounds and sensations, a clear and relaxed mind, and an open heart and she
      explains how to
      
      Prepare the body and mind to practice with ease
      Understand the effect of posture on flexibility and expressiveness
      Make efficient use of the hands and arms
      Employ listening techniques to improve coordination
      Increase the range of color and dynamics by using less effort
      Cultivate rhythmic vitality
      Perform with confidence, warmth, and freedom
      
      Photographs show essential points of posture and movement for a variety of instruments.