Ull started the piano at ten. He has spent his life working in music. He now teaches jazz piano in Stuttgart and performs widely across Europe.

In this conversation Ull talks plainly about staying the course when things get tough. He describes how he guides students through the point where they want to give up. He explains why progress often shows up weeks later and why you should avoid big decisions when your confidence dips.

He also talks through what happens to a performer when a piece slips in the middle of a live set. He knows the feeling well. His way is simple. Accept the moment. Adjust. Improvise. Keep going. He shares how he deals with the voice in his head that can derail the flow.

You do not need any interest in music to follow this. The themes reach beyond the piano. Ull’s ideas apply to work, stress, self doubt, and ...