Effortless Mastery

When I read Werner's Effortless Mastery, the first thing that happened was that my style of piano playing and composing transformed. What was once very methodical became free-flowing. Secondly, whatever I learned at the piano, then seemed to transfer to my writing and other projects. An absolute unsung hero of both mastery and productivity, Werner does a fantastic job of describing the work of getting your mind into that state of play where learning and creating happen best. 

Drummers may have their own distinct culture, but in common with most musicians, they prioritize mastering their instrument. Unhappily that can lead to hours of enforced purgatory as limbs and fingers are bullied into behaving correctly on demand. Mind and fear can hold back progress. Werner argues persuasively that mindfulness, self-love, and patience can achieve better results. The suspension of ego, intellect, and judgement; the letting go of perfectionism; the surrendering and accepting of ‘whatever comes out’ are all surer paths to the goal of effortless mastery. It’s an essential read for teachers and autodidacts alike.