The research work carried out during these two years of my master's degree was born out of a need and a desire of mine.
My need was, and still is, to learn how to stay focused during a performance in a situation that is uncomfortable from a stress point of view (auditions, exams, concerts).
In relation to this my focus was, and still is, on understanding how to become more familiar with this state of mind called flow. In such a way as to make even less comfortable situations a possibility to fully enjoy the moment and life.
I had already experienced this state of mind a few rare times. It was an experience in which I enjoyed what I was doing so much that I decided to base my research on this topic: Flow.
As you have been able to read during the course of this research, I idealised a strategy with different methods of working. This strategy, based on the books and articles I had read, aimed to put my mind and body in the best possible conditions to reach this state of mind.
It has been a magnificent work that has given me the opportunity to know myself more deeply, both as a musician and, above all, as a person.
The considerations and recommendations I have to offer the reader at the end of this journey are basically two: patience and perseverance.
When I included the new exercises in my daily study sessions, starting this work, I was very happy and full of expectation to see the results. Results that were slow in coming. What I have noticed, both from the performances and the days of study, is that it is a long process. A process that forces you to have patience, a quality I do not possess so much. Some people even say it's lifelong. And I believe them. I believe them because, although it seems trite to say it, you never stop learning. And above all, you never stop learning about yourself. Patience and trust in the process.
Alongside these goes constancy, perseverance. Because it is only through constancy that we gain the right and the ability to judge objectively whether our method of working has been effective. This clearly costs effort and a lot of willpower, but it remains the only real way to achieve concrete results. In the study of an instrument as in everyday challenges. Constancy and trust.
The results and improvements are beginning to show, but luckily this is not the end of the story.
Thanks to the resources and knowledge passed on to me by the teachers who have followed me in this work: Bastiaan (Master Research Supervisor); Susan Williams (Master Cirle Leader); Erwin ter Bogt and Gertjan Loot, I can continue this work with greater confidence and awareness.
I look forward to continuing this journey towards self-discovery and self-realisation.
Always running and never in a rush.