FOCUS-HERE AND NOW

During my first lesson with Mr. Robert De Main, he said something that left me puzzled: "I do not hear that you are playing here and now." I had no idea what he meant.

We were working on a passage, repeating certain phrases over and over. At one point, he stopped me and remarked, "It is an easy note to play, right? You are already thinking about the difficult passage in the next bar, aren’t you?" He was absolutely right. I was so focused on the upcoming challenge that I wasn’t fully present in the current note.

Mr. De Main’s response stayed with me: "I want you to be here and now, no matter what! No matter what is behind you and no matter what is in front."

At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant. But over the months, I came to realize that being "here and now" means giving your full attention to the note you are playing—truly hearing it in your mind and allowing it to be the center of your focus.

The Key to "Here and Now"

To play "here and now," mental training is crucial. It involves actively engaging your mind with every detail of the music—intonation, articulation, tone color, and phrasing—as it unfolds. When you focus on these elements, distractions fall away, and the music becomes a continuous, intentional journey.

This state of focus is something athletes often refer to as the "slowdown effect." For example, tennis players describe how, in moments of extreme concentration, the ball seems to move slower. They can perceive its rotation and direction with incredible clarity, even when the ball is traveling at high speeds. Similarly, in music, when you are fully present, long notes become rich and expressive, while fast passages become clear and manageable. Every note, regardless of its length or complexity, takes on equal importance.

"The hardest thing, after all the work and all the time spent on training and technique, is just being fully present in the moment."

— The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance by George Mumford

A Lesson from Great Performers

I’ve always admired violinist Janine Jansen. Her body language, her facial expressions, and her connection with the orchestra reveal that she is completely in the moment. Watching her perform, it’s clear that her playing isn’t just about technical precision; it’s about being part of the music’s flow.

This level of engagement transforms a performance. When you play "here and now," you are no longer simply controlling your instrument. Instead, your hands and mind work together as an extension of the music. The result is a profound sense of freedom, one so powerful you won’t want to leave it.

The Challenges of Staying Present

Being fully present requires silencing your inner critic. Whether the criticism is negative ("That note was off") or positive ("That sounded great"), both types of judgments pull you out of the moment. On the highest level, any commentary—good or bad—is a distraction.

What we seek is a stable, clear, and quiet mind. This is the foundation of "here and now." With practice, you’ll notice a stark difference between performers who are truly present and those who are not. The former exude confidence, freedom, and effortless technique.

Choice unleashes the potential within each moment. As you become mindful of the potential within this moment, your life gains momentum, becomes momentous. When a moment matters, life matters.

 — Choose the Life You Want  by Tal Ben-Shahar

Practical Exercises to Cultivate "Here and Now"

Exercise 1: Awareness Journal

Take a blank sheet of paper and keep it beside you during your practice session. Every time you catch your mind drifting—whether to grocery shopping, a conversation from yesterday, or any non-musical thought—write it down.

Do this for three consecutive days. You’ll be surprised how often your thoughts wander. Recognizing this is the first step to improving your focus.

Exercise 2: Mental Rehearsal

Choose a piece or passage you are working on. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, and mentally play the phrase. Imagine every detail—the intonation, articulation, bow direction, and finger placement. If something feels off, repeat the phrase in your mind until it’s correct.

Start with one hand. For example, focus on the left hand and visualize each finger placement on the fingerboard. Then switch to the right hand, paying attention to bow direction and placement. With practice, this mental training will enhance your physical performance.

Exercise 3: Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. When you are fully present in the here and now, you can eliminate distractions, improve your focus, and enhance your performance.

How to practice it? Read about it in my previous article - LINK HERE

Making Focus a Daily Habit

Practicing "here and now" isn’t a one-time effort. It requires daily dedication. Start with your warm-up, focusing as much on your mental state as your physical technique. Gradually extend this focus to your repertoire practice.

When "here and now" becomes a habit, its benefits will show in your performances, especially under pressure. With a clear and focused mind, you’ll approach even the most challenging passages with ease and confidence. Ultimately, this mindset transforms your playing, unlocking new levels of expression and technical mastery.

Conclusion

We all know the joy of being in "the zone," where everything flows effortlessly, and we are fully immersed in the music. The methods described here are tools to help you enter that state more consistently. By cultivating a clear intention and unwavering focus, you can achieve the freedom and artistry that come from playing "here and now."

The journey may take time, but the results are worth it: a deeper connection with your instrument, your music, and your audience.

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If you would like to read more about the here and now - method, I encourage you to read the book : The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance – George Mumford