Peak Performance for Musicians
Overcome Music Performance Anxiety with Mental Game Strategies
I love Fall (probably because I have always loved school!). This is a little funny because I live in South Texas and we don’t have Fall. We have two seasons—Summer and Off-Summer. So, for me, Fall is not signified by the temperature dropping, by a cooling breeze, or by the leaves starting to change to a golden or amber hue. Fall is officially on its way when school supplies hit the … [Read more...]
It is very important for musicians to be proactive in their approach to preparing mentally as well as musically. A musician’s inner game has everything to do with his or her performing. We have called this inner game many things, namely confidence, being in the ZONE or FLOW, mental toughness, or mental strength. Timothy Gallwey describes this inner game with a formula (that I’ve … [Read more...]
With an important audition coming up, the following questions are often uppermost in a performer's mind—"Am I going to be ready?" and "What do I need to do to be set or prepared 'enough' for this audition?" In order to sing or play a successful audition, performers have to spend considerable time on the HOW and WHAT of their music and performing. In other words, musicians spend a great deal … [Read more...]
Have you ever felt stuck after a less than successful performance? Why did this happen? Again! What about that audition that didn't go the way you expected? We often focus on the fact that the performance didn't go well instead of focusing on what we can change to make a difference next time. On the flip side, have you ever found it difficult to get up and going after a successful … [Read more...]
Anyone who has seen the 50's American hit television show, I Love Lucy, has heard Ricky Ricardo say to his wife, "LUCY, you've got some splainin' to do!" Oh, how we've laughed at Lucy's wild and funny explanations. As performers, the explanations we have for our successes and setbacks may not be so wild or funny, but we have them all the same and they can and do really affect the way we … [Read more...]
Has anyone ever told you to "lighten up" or "go easier on yourself"? Have you every asked yourself why it seems so difficult to stick to your goals, especially when the going gets tough? When people tell you "it's about the journey, not the destination" and "enjoy the process," do you wonder, "how in the world am I supposed to do this?"? The way you answer the question, "What motivates … [Read more...]
In a previous post, Performance Anxiety and SUPREME Goals, we looked at how setting good goals—SUPREME Goals (Specific, Uplifting, Paramount, Reachable, Exciting, Measurable, Enjoyable) can help performers maintain strong, stable confidence, lessen the effects of performance anxiety, and keep them focused on what is within their control and motivated to take action. Sounds like the magic pill … [Read more...]