The Art of Being Present: Mastering the "Here and Now" in Music

During my first lesson with Mr. Robert De Main, he said something profound: "I do not hear that you are playing here and now." At that moment, I felt puzzled. What could he possibly mean?

We were practicing a passage, repeating certain phrases. Suddenly, he stopped me and asked, "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 right. I was so focused on what lay ahead that I failed to be fully present with the current note.

Mr. De Main’s words lingered in my mind: "I want you to be here and now, no matter what! No matter what is behind you and what is in front." Initially, I didn’t grasp the meaning. However, over the following months, I learned that being "here and now" means immersing oneself entirely in the note being played. It involves truly hearing it and allowing it to be the focal point of your attention.

The Key to "Here and Now"

To play "here and now," mental training is essential. This practice requires engaging your mind with every detail of the music—intonation, articulation, tone color, and phrasing—as they unfold. When your focus sharpens on these elements, distractions fade away, creating a smooth, intentional musical journey.

This state of focus is akin to what athletes describe as the "slowdown effect." For instance, tennis players often mention how, during moments of extreme concentration, the ball appears to move slower. They perceive its rotation and direction with vivid clarity, even in high-speed situations. Likewise, in music, when you are completely present, long notes become rich and expressive, while fast passages transform into manageable and clear segments. Every note, regardless of its length or complexity, gains 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 have always admired the violinist Janine Jansen. Her body language and facial expressions reveal that she is entirely immersed in the moment. Observing her performances, it becomes evident that her playing transcends mere technical precision. Instead, it becomes part of the music’s flow.

This deep engagement transforms the entire performance. When you embody the "here and now," your role evolves from merely controlling the instrument. Your hands and mind unify, acting as an extension of the music itself. The outcome is a profound sense of freedom—one so exhilarating that you won’t want to leave it.

The Challenges of Staying Present

Remaining fully present comes with its challenges. It requires silencing your inner critic. Whether the self-talk is negative ("That note was off") or positive ("That sounded great"), both types of judgment pull you away from the moment. At the highest level, any commentary—good or bad—becomes a distraction.

What we strive for is a stable, clear, and quiet mind. This quietude lays the groundwork for the "here and now." With ongoing practice, you will recognize a stark contrast between performers who are genuinely present and those who aren’t. The former group exudes confidence and freedom, showcasing an 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

Start each practice session with a blank sheet of paper nearby. Whenever your mind drifts—whether towards grocery shopping or a past conversation—write it down.

Try this for three consecutive days. You’ll be surprised at how often your thoughts wander. Recognizing this is the first step toward boosting your focus.

Exercise 2: Mental Rehearsal

Choose a piece or a specific passage to work on. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and mentally play through the phrase. Visualize every detail, including intonation, articulation, bow direction, and finger placement.

If something feels amiss, repeat the phrase in your mind until it feels correct. Begin with your left hand, focusing on finger placements on the fingerboard. Then switch to the right hand, ensuring that you are mindful of bow direction and placement. With consistent practice, this mental training will significantly enhance your physical performance.

Exercise 3: Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the current moment. When you master being present in the "here and now," distractions diminish, focus sharpens, and your performance enhances.

To cultivate mindfulness, read more about it in my previous article HERE.

Making Focus a Daily Habit

Practicing "here and now" is not a one-time endeavor. It demands daily commitment. Begin with your warm-up, directing as much attention to your mental state as your physical technique. Gradually extend this focus to your full repertoire.

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

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

We all experience the joy of being in "the zone," where everything flows smoothly, and we immerse ourselves in the music. The methods discussed here are tools that can help you access that state more consistently. By developing a clear intention and unwavering focus, you can achieve the freedom and artistry that come from playing "here and now."

Though this journey may take time, the rewards are significant: a deeper connection with your instrument, your music, and your audience.

Did you enjoy this article? Found it helpful?

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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 by George Mumford.