Physical fitness

Physical fitness is just as crucial for a piano player or a drummer as it is for any other athlete.

Take, for example, this fascinating scientific study quantifying the physical effort it takes to play the quads in a marching band. When you watch that kind of high-energy performance, it’s easy to see why musicians need peak stamina.

But don’t think piano players have it any easier. Look at this incredible tidbit from a train station, where an unknown man is playing public pianos. All of a sudden, none other than Lang Lang asks to join him on the second piano. What follows is one of the most entertaining, high-energy duets I’ve seen in a long time.

If you want to see how physical endurance connects to pure musical creativity, look no further than Jennifer Linn’s TED Talk. During her presentation, she asked an audience member—Goldie Hawn herself—to choose letters from seven cards. Jennifer then used those letters as musical notes to improvise an absolute masterpiece on the spot.

If you love watching a performance progress from simple to complicated, from easy to crazy, this is it. Best of all, you can even follow along with the sheet music provided.

To conclude this post, I want to bring the message home. Literally.

I used to feel a strange, tight ball right underneath my left rib cage whenever I practiced for more than an hour. To cope, I had to constantly stretch and carefully space out the three hours a day I spent switching between the drums and the piano.

Lately, that pain has mostly vanished. I’ve been eating healthier and working out. I won’t bore you with my specific diet or routine—it’s highly personalized, and that’s not what this blog is about.

What is the point is this: ever since I’ve gotten into better shape, playing music has become much easier. Taking care of your body isn’t just about health; it’s about unlocking your best performance.