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Rebecca Bogart

What you say to yourself matters

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader,

Here's a short, useful practice habit I want you to try.
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Before you tell yourself anything negative about your playing/practicing, force yourself to name one very specific thing that sounded good. One tiny, concrete detail. Then write down everything that needs work in precise terms.

Why this works

Negativity bias makes us feel discouraged. That emotional reaction steals attention and motivation.

Saying one specific positive calms you down, resets focus, and makes it possible to get clearer on exactly what to improve.
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I use this tool at our 2x/month live performance workshops inside Piano with Rebecca B. Sometimes it's hard for the performer to come up with something positive about how they played.
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​When a performer is stuck, I ask the listeners for what they heard that they liked. Watching the group lift each other up is powerful and heartwarming.
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OK here is a quick 5-minute practice structure

  1. Pick one micro-goal (1-2 min)​
    Choose one problem to fix next.
  2. Make a plan
  3. Work in tiny chunks with full attention
  4. Evaluate and repeat​
    Recording is your most powerful tool for improving your evaluations.

Here's a script you can say after each attempt. ​
One specific thing that sounded good: ____
One thing to fix next: ____
My micro-goal for the next 1-2 minutes: ____

Want to try it tonight? Reply and tell me one specific thing that sounded good.
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But you might be saying "Rebecca!? What about Step 2? How do I know WHAT to try to fix the problem I have???"
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Knowing exactly what to try next is hard — it took me 50 years to learn how to diagnose and solve the stubborn problems that stop pianists from playing beautifully. I can’t teach that whole toolbox in one email. Unfortunately 😒
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But I can show precise, practical next steps inside Piano with Rebecca B. Check it out here:
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​https://www.skool.com/pianowithrebeccab/about​
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The 7-day free trial is open now (100% money-back guarantee):

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If you're already a member, post your question in our feed or bring it to the next live Q and A on Monday Nov. 24th at 4 p.m. PST. I've set aside 90 minutes so I can get to everyone's questions.

Warmly,

Rebecca

Rebecca Bogart

I help passionate adult classical pianists realize their musical dreams through artistic intuition, actionable, specific feedback and transformative practice strategies.

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