Saturday, October 16, 2:00-5:00 pm
$40.00
Register online

What do instrumentalists, vocalists, songwriters, magicians, dancers, actors, authors, painters, sculptors, photographers, and multi-media artists have in common? They're all struggling to make their individual practicing more fulfilling. Whether you're a complete beginner or seasoned pro, ask yourself these three simple questions:
1) is my practicing conscious?
2) is my practicing creative?
3) is my practicing consistent?

In order for your practicing to really work, you need all three qualities to be in place: Consciousness, Creativity, and Consistency. This workshop brings together artists from different performing and fine arts worlds to catalyze your practicing, regardless of: 1) how technically advanced you are, 2) how narrowly or widely focused you are, or 3) how commercially successful you are.

Here are some of the concepts and tools we'll cover for any artist will who wants to make their art move them:

• creating a more inviting practice environment
• acknowledging your practice distractions
• prioritizing your projects
• designing, scheduling, & documenting your practicing
• recognizing your different patience levels for different activities
• breaking down technical issues effectively
• learning how to record & review your practicing compassionately
• choosing appropriate situations to perform in

__________________________________________________________________________

Here are some comments from New York participants who attended "The Art Of Practicing":

"His 'Art Of Practicing' is a life-changing workshop!"
—Jeff Langley, Ph.D (Performing Arts Dept. Chair-Sonoma State University/composer/author)

"Thank you! Thank you! My practice is re-energized. I've shifted my practice time to the morning, and it's a much different experience. It's a rush to complete something important for myself before even leaving the house. Makes me happy all day."
-Janet Riley (vocalist/violinist)

"In a short amount of time, Michael was able to take me through a very concrete process which brought about measurable changes in my feelings, perceptions, and behaviors for my art. His workshop helped me to clarify my artistic values and gave me many techniques to improve my self-discipline and my productivity. And he did it all efficiently, and with great humor."
-William Wright, M.A. (Director, The Creative Union)

"Michael encourages the creation of a new mythology around practice-one rooted in reverence for the creative life, honor for the artist's work, and the inherent dignity of play. He captured the essence of what I feel about my writing, and I returned to my writing desk with renewed vigor as a result of my work with him."
-Andrew Watt (published poet and teacher)

Michael Smolens has been teaching privately and in groups since 1974, and is adjunct faculty at JFK and Sonoma State Universities. (He has been coaching other freelance teachers since 2000). He has studied with some of the most progressive artists, and is influenced by a wide range of modalities, including: physical re-training methodology, linguistic-conceptual models, Buddhism, along with Western and various world music traditions. He has written numerous articles on the art of practicing and is the author of TURNING YOUR PRACTICING INTO GOLD: Three Views Of A Secret, a workbook for all performing and fine artists. (That, and his first volume of poetry, is due out in the spring of 2011). As a performer Michael is a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist and has accompanied leading artists such as folk/storyteller Claudia Schmidt, Sufi Master Jalaludin Lorcas, and stage magician Jeff McBride. He currently leads five different project bands and his compositions have been recorded by jazz legends Paul McCandless (reeds), Stefon Harris (vibes), Zakir Hussain (tabla), and members of Bobby McFerrin's "Voicestra."

www.secondsightmusic.com