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some time ago now, a teacher of mine suggested a book written by a tennis pro and i can't remember the title. the book (not the title) was like the tao of tennis playing...i remember it being something that helped with nerves.

anyone know what i'm talking about?

The Inner Game of Tennis, by W. Timothy Galwey. I'd suggest following it with "The Inner Game of Golf". The golf book is from a few years later, he had a few more ideas to add in, and it's a great follow-up. IMO, "The Inner Game of Music" pales in comparison of usefulness.

I'd also suggest having someone to work with, who is experienced in "The Inner Game" techniques. In many ways, they're sports applications of things Mr Jacobs used to teach.

Wind and Song. You know how to breathe, you know how to blow the tuba. Just do it.

I thought the Inner Game of Music had a lot of good insights and practical tips, that seemed to improve my tuba and euphonium playing.

I haven't read the tennis or golf books. Are you saying that you thought the Inner Game of Golf helped your tuba playing or your golf game (smile)?

I got the Inner Game of Music because I am a musician, and it was relevant to me, the golf and tennis books may be better and purer depictions of Tim Gallways theories, but Barry Greens application to the activities involved in the activities of music are as good a starting point for an exploration of the psychological aspects of performance as anything else.
If you are keen to start thinking about playing the tuba as well as just blowing the thing, its a good place to start.
As I understand it, the "inner game" is not about golf, tennis or music or the activity, it is about dealing with anything that prevents you performing to the best of your ability and is applicable to anything and everything you do.

Peter, exactly, but the concepts are much better explained in the Tennis and Golf books, as the elephant suggested. That's the origin of the concept, through sports, which is Galwey's medium. Green did a decent job, but it just doesn't have the same....aura? depth? scope? I dunno...something seems to be missing from the Music book. The application of the Inner Game principles is great, but the explanation of the Inner Game is lacking, I guess.

I've read all three. If you're unfamiliar with the concepts of left and right brain, and the differences in how they operate, it might do you some good to read them. I've seen people who claimed incredible breakthroughs from discovering the concepts, but I've seen a lot more people who can apply the concepts just fine when not under pressure but not at all when under pressure, and who don't seem to be able to bridge the gap.

MA