Trumpeter Nick Drozdoff's Review of "Performing in the Zone"

I had a recent conversation with a couple of friends about "getting in the zone". I wanted to know if the "zone" for a musician was similar to the "where all things flow in synchronicity" (that could be mental and/or physical) for an athlete. I understood the zone from an athletic point of view because I ran track when I was coming up.

It was shared with me that, "Yes, it is comparable and sometimes elusive." Everyone had their own unique way of getting to "it." Still, I wanted to know if there was a more universal way of approaching "the zone" and plugging into it.

That was on my mind when Jon Gorrie mentioned a book that he had written entitled "Performing in the Zone: Unleash Your True Performing Potential". Jon is the Editor of www.brassmusician.com - an online magazine for brass players, by brass players.

The following review is written by Nick Drozdoff. He's a Chicago area trumpeter and Maynard Ferguson Orchestra alum. In addition to being with the MFO, he has performed with a diverse list of artists such as The O'Jays, Sammy Davis Jr., John Denver, Bill Cosby, Rosemary Clooney, Liberace, The Spinners, Della Reese, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Louie Bellson, et al.

Nick Drozdoff's review:

Folks, trumpeter, Jon Gorrie has written a wonderful little book called “Performing in The Zone.” This is a book that deals with getting one’s mental house in order for performance.

There are many books that performers have used as a guide to get ready for a concert, recital or gig. Books that come to mind are “Zen and the Art of Archery”, and the “Inner Game of Tennis.”  Gorrie’s book is specifically geared towards performers in the arts, though it could apply even to sports.

In reading this book, ideas that resonated with me are the following: 1.) You are what you think. 2.) Your performance should add value to your own life and the life of others. 3.) Avoid excessive talk about yourself. 4.) Keep a performance journal. These are only a few of the many salient points Gorrie addresses.

The book also has a work-book component. Gorrie wants you to develop a solid repeatable method for getting yourself into the zone.

This book is very well thought out. Like similar books ("Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within" by Kenny Werner comes to mind), there is reference to Eastern philosophies, though it is not a book on religion by any means. There is also considerable reference to the psychological underpinnings of Gorrie’s ideas. There are many fine references at the end of the book.

This is a very thorough treatise on performance preparation. I would recommend it to anyone working along these lines.

Respectfully,

Nick Drozdoff
(Internationally renowned trumpet performing artist, former trumpet player with the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra.)

For more information about Nick Drozdoff, visit www.nickdrozdoff.com

For more information about “Performing in The Zone”, visit www.thezonebook.com

Have you read any of the books mentioned in this post? What ideas, thoughts, and/or insight did you come away with after reading them?

I'm interested in hearing what you have to say. Let me know in the comments section below. :)