the free pianist: a peak performance approach

Freeing the playing mechanism from undue stress and worry is the necessary, yet often elusive step to artistic freedom.

This website offers information on our work with pianists, but occasionally also with other arts practitioners, such as singers, instrumentalists, and actors. We focus on linking practice with successful performance based on the integration of elements from F.M. Alexander, Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, Yoga, and even the Stanislavski method acting; it also incorporates our observations from coaching hundreds of pianists and other performers, parallel to Natalie's research in the emergent field of Peak Performance.

Peak performance (also refered to as performance enhancement) was until recently a term concerning training and research at the crossroads of psychology and sports science. Recently, it has evolved into an autonomous field of study applicable to the performing arts.

We would like this site to be the first point of contact, but also a resource for this particular approach to practising for performance. Although we know many good teachers who do not perform, we ourselves maintain that teaching others to do without doing, lessons without performances, practitioners who have never practiced their gospel, is a half-practice.

At the same time we do understand that performers who have now devoted their energies into teaching, as well as teachers who cannot enjoy performance due to excessive nerves are an entirely different category. It is specifically for those who find stage fright such a demoralizing force that I have dedicated this work.

You are probably a musician, primarily a pianist, or a performer. Your quest for self-actualization and progress is your driving force. The workshops are meant to help you, the developing performer, regardless of your level of attainment or personal aspirations, discover better and more efficient ways of dealing with performance anxiety, find most effective practising and preparation ways, and helping you focus on your Art. Talent is to be able to realize your inner voice. And it is in this road to uncovering your talent that we hope to assist you. To learn more about us and our expertise in the field click on above on our respective bio pages.

Natalie & Panayotis

We are concert pianists, often performing together as the Ivory Duo Piano Ensemble, and coaches. We currently run the Blackheath Piano Studio. To learn more click here...

Feldenkrais Method

F. M. Alexander Societies

Royal College of Music: Centre for Performance Science

Steinway & Sons

National Music Honor Society 'Pi Kappa Lambda'

Incorporated Society of Musicians

Musicians' Union

Alink-Argerich Foundation