Music and Peak Performance

We often see athletes wearing fancy headphones while stretching and warming up before a game. It is not just a fashion statement, but an actual aide for achieving peak performance.  Our thoughts, emotions and concentration, deeply affect our performance in whatever task we engage. Whether it is a basketball game, work presentation, concert, or network opportunity, you want to get there in the best mental, emotional, and physical state. Just like it can bring out memories from the past, music can also prepare us to arrive to current situations in prime form. It is one of the most powerful motivators because it reaches us at physical and emotional levels. Music has historically been used to move troops, connect masses, and help reach meditative states. In a recent article on ESPN Magazine, basketball great Lebron James said: “I know where I want to be before each game, and the music is how I get there. I allow myself to feel the music and get lost in my preparation” (Espn The Magazine, 02/18/13, pp 38)

It is important to note that music that may be exciting for some, could be meaningless for others. What works for Lebron might not work for you. You know best what music gets you to a peak state. Below I share some of the music that I like to use for certain occasions. It usually does not transform me into Lebron James, but it often helps me be the best me. Hopefully it will inspire you to think about your own.

1. John Coltrane: The music of John Coltrane’s classic quartet tends to be very explosive while at the same time meditative. Coltrane was always pushing boundaries by exploring all sorts of possibilities along with his legendary band.

2. The Roots: Born as protest music, Hip-hop is assertive by nature. The flow of rhythmic rhymes over locked beats give you a sense of motion while staying put, which is partly why it is ideal for workout. The lyrics add an element of motivation, as they are often reassuring. The Roots are my favorite hip-hop band, and Questlove is one of my all time favorite drummers.

3. Led Zeppelin: This is arguably the best live rock band ever. It is almost impossible to not be affected by the great amount of energy they evoke. To say that most rock drummers want to sound like John Bonham, and most rock guitarists want to sound like Jimmy Page, is an understatement.

4. Sigur Ros: The icelandic band makes beautiful emotional peaceful music. It tends to be slow, open, and repetitive, great to prepare audiences before workshops and presentations.

5. Gustav Mahler: A master of orchestration, his symphonies sound massive and can deeply intensify any moment. This is the fourth movement of his Symphony No.2 “Resurrection”, conducted by the great Leonard Bernstein.

http://youtu.be/tf5fM1i3MGQ