Recording and practise
Making recordings during a practice session is a great tool. When you listen to a recording of yourself, you get a clearer picture of the level you’re on. Also while recording, you may experience performance anxiety, sometimes even stage fright, and by putting yourself in the situation, you make it easier to deal with it on stage.
Being able to keep a cool head, and focus on the task, no matter what is very similar to the mindset one must have while retraining from focal dystonia.
The frustration, anger, and fear are emotions which make MFD symptoms stronger.
The first step to recovery is acceptance. The first lesson to learn is how to keep the focus, stop the negative thoughts and observe what’s happening, instead of trying to regain control.
I made these videos during a simple practice session in order to put myself in a performing situation. The Andersen exercise I learned in college and practiced for about 15 minutes before recording it. The Syrinx is part of my repertoire, but I hadn’t played it for a while and I didn’t have the music with me. These recordings are not perfect, but they do prove that it is possible to overcome MFD and regain one’s career. Enjoy!