Kate Benessa

Focal dystonia in musicians is an acquired neurological problem that makes one or more fingers curl under towards the palm uncontrollably, and once curled the fingers are extremely difficult to uncurl while playing. I figured out I had focal dystonia about 6 years ago, however I had been experiencing the problems associated with it for at least three years prior to that.

In this blog I intend to discuss how my playing erroded, slowly at first and then rapidly, long before I learned what was the cause. I will discuss the many techniques I have tried in order to overcome focal dystonia, the research I’ve done, what I’m doing now, and what, if any progress I have had.

The following are a list of books that I’ve found helpful or inspiring.  I’m sure there are many more — please tell me about them!

A Soprano on Her Head: Right-Side-Up Reflections on Life and Other Performances by Eloise Ristad.  This book has many excellent ideas to help conquer performance anxiety and those nasty little inner judges.

The Art of Practicing by Madeline Bruser.  A student brought this book to my attention.  There are many suggestions to help get the most out of practice time (and to enjoy that practice time, as well).

The Performer Prepares by Robert Caldwell.  I found this book extremely useful.  It’s set up as a workbook and aims to help you discover what kind/type of performer you’d like to be.

An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski.  My undergraduate guitar professor, Phillip de Fremery (Mt. Holyoke College), required that all summer masterclass students read this book.  Although it’s aimed at actors, the ideas about how to approach the stage apply to any performer.  And it’s a classic!

Zen and the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel.  At Walnut Hill Performing Arts School my guitar teacher, Deb Fox (now a lutenist), recommended this wonderful book to me.  I try to read it once a year.  It illustrates the importance of approaching any art with patience and not trying to skip steps or take short cuts.  And the intro by D.T. Suzuki  is poetry.  Another classic!