The Practicing Mind

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(Associated Press file photo)

As a full-time professional piano tech for over 25 years, our guest THOMAS M. STERNER sat down and repeated a task at least 88 times on a grand piano, and each piano has a potential 34 different adjustments per note. Using this knowledge and other experience from learning musical instruments at an early age, and picking up golf as an adult, he has a written a book, “The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life,” on developing practical, efficient attitudes towards mastering a skill. We’ll also talk to DAVID KIM, Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra, who took a long time to experience joy in practicing his violin. He characterizes practice as “the enemy,” after beginning with an hour of practice a day at the tender age of three, and admits he still hates to practice.

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[audio: 041812_110630.mp3]

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