Comments

as much as there is the acknowledged issue of performance anxiety,  i think the fundamental issues are still fundamentals and techniques and effectiveness of practice.  for instance, assuming mr greene is not an expert golfter or violinist, "running the stairs", even if perfected through practice, imo, will not elevate his aptitude or level of performance with golf or violin.   in fact, i am not sure if pumping up prior to performing can effectively and helpfully apply to everyone or with every piece of music.  when some deconditioned violinists walk onto the stage short of breath, it may not be a great thing to be anoxic. 

further, i think violin performing is a mixture of both right and left brain activities ( if such terminology is scientifically accepted).   it is a state of thoughtfulness and mindlessness, not one or the other.  not many in this world are capable of offering performances that can be considered as totally let go.  to learn to totally let go prior to mastering the instrument may be counterproductive.   it is better to err on the side of being thoughtful if one cannot achieve being mindless yet or ever.  imagine you walk into perlman's masterclass and all of a sudden he proposes you play the piece differently than you have prepared.  which side of the brain do you use to make the adjustment?   doesn't that happen every time you pick up the violin in search of improvement?  if the right brain allows one to keep a critical eye on one's playing during play,  then the right brain is capable of being both overly critical and just-right critical.  if the right brain is shunted over,  it is like throwing the baby out with the bath water.   perhaps the use of right vs left or the preference of left to right for violin peroformance is too simplistic.   it kinda gets a point across in a funny way.

i have seen much success with people who remain calm and thoughtful walking into stressful situations, such as rushing into a code situation to resusitate someone whose heart has stopped pumping.  the last thing on their minds is go to kick some ass.. very american if i may add:)   i think the best mindset walking onto the stage is:  allow me to share.

do i think mr greene's suggestions not helpful?  just the opposite.  i think there are very important issues to be addressed, BUT, each situation must be evaluated individually.  some may need to "center", others are perhaps too centered already that they need to take a hike away from the center. 

Great topic! 

I believe the point in running the stairs is to try playing when your heart is racing, as it does when you are nervous. Then you can practice playing with that physical condition, which is similar to being nervous. He was not proposing "running the stairs" before a performance to get "pumped up."