Piano: managing performance anxiety part 2

What is the course about?

In part 2 we will take a deeper dive into managing performance anxiety following on from part 1; you do not have to have taken part 1 to participate in part 2, although you might find it helpful to do so.

Tutor Lorraine Augustine has a wealth of experience in performance psychology and regularly coaches pianists in the subject at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She holds a PG Cert in Performance teaching and numerous qualifications in Coaching and Mentoring, accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

What will we cover?

Through a combination of psychological insights, practical techniques, and performance practice, learn specific ways to manage the mental, physical, and behavioural symptoms of performance anxiety. By the end of these workshops, participants will have a toolkit of strategies to manage performance anxiety effectively, allowing them to share their musical talents more freely and authentically.

Students will have the opportunity to play a short piece, a phrase or even just a bar of music if they wish.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Develop a deeper understanding of the causes and symptoms of performance anxiety in musicians.
• Understand cognitive strategies such as positive self-talk and visualization to build mental resilience.
• Use physical techniques including deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to alleviate physiological symptoms.
• Understand how structured exposure to performance situations to gradually build confidence.
• Develop personalized routines for pre-performance preparation and post-performance reflection.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

There is no expectation of a perfect performance, this is about building your confidence rather than wrong notes, it is not a recital, this will be a very non-judgemental and encouraging workshop, the level of playing is not important, what is important is that we work together to build performance confidence and discover the joy of sharing our music with others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tuition will be in a workshop format. There will be tutor demonstration, group listening/discussion and an opportunity to volunteer to play and share your thoughts and feelings about performance anxiety. Further reading will be recommended by the tutor.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

If you wish to play in the class, please email Lewis Kesterton, Head of Piano, to advise your repertoire choices in advance, and bring two hard copies of your music to the workshop. Please bring a notebook to make notes of any suggestions.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

It would be helpful to start thinking about opportunities to attend other workshops and courses and to practice performance as often as you can, perhaps starting in a very informal way with friends/family/other people in your piano class or joining/starting up a piano meetup group.