This wise and timely 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. For a great many musicians, poor practice habits destroy the joy of making music and cause tension, strain, and disabling injuries. Acclaimed pianist and teacher Madeline Bruser 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. Conveying deep personal understanding of the musician's working life, The Art of Practicing deals with common problems that arise, including impatience, distraction, anger, and stage fright, as well as posture, phrasing, motivation, memory, and other issues that every musician must address to develop his or her skill to its highest level.