Help us bring hope and healing to musicians!

Dear friends,

Musicians work hard to fulfill their dreams, but 80% of them develop injuries from practicing with excess tension. On top of this serious career-limiting problem, vast numbers of performers rely on drugs called beta blockers to combat the physical symptoms of stage fright. Only a rare few of the world's gifted, dedicated musicians succeed in finding authentic confidence onstage and are able to freely transmit the healing power of music to audiences.

The Art of Practicing Institute (API) uses cutting edge information about instrumental technique, as well as a variety of mindfulness practices, to help musicians around the world offer their most powerful, magical, moving performances to audiences by training all of their capacities--their bodies, minds, hearts, and ears--allowing them to perform with ease, confidence, and expressive power.

The story below of Juilliard Alum Jon Thomas is one of many inspiring stories from our program participants:

"I felt almost completely defeated before participating in API's programs. I’d been playing the piano for 22 years but never felt at ease and had stopped enjoying it. Madeline’s expertise and warmth and her deep commitment to helping us learn and grow went far beyond the confines of what a teacher or program director typically operates within. And the work we did was life changing. I now understand how to use my hands at the piano on a whole new level. And the mindfulness techniques have been almost impossible for me to assign a proper value to--as a pianist and as a person.

After my first program I had a performance on short notice with someone I really respect. Usually, big opportunities mean stress for me. But thanks to this program, I was able to calm myself down and feel genuine excitement. And I played with much more ease, physically and mentally. Even when I made mistakes, I continued to improvise on a much higher level than I could have in the past. It was surreal to see myself being a conduit and just letting the music flow.

After that performance I didn’t feel like I had been on the battlefield like I used to--I felt like I had made music. I can never thank you enough for this incredible work."

– Jon Thomas, jazz pianist
Alum of The Juilliard School

Thank you so much for your generous gift.

Madeline Bruser

President and Artistic Director, Author of The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music from the Heart