thoughts on piano teaching and beyond
Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a widespread problem. It affects musicians of any age, instrument, level of expertise, professional and amateur musicians alike. It can be a crippling experience for anyone who suffers, turning a performance into a nightmare.
If I had a pound for every time a student said this in a lesson, I'd be a rich woman by now! We've all heard it, and I know I've been guilty of saying it myself occasionally at piano lessons with my own teacher. I've even been tempted to put up a sign next to… Continue reading “I played it better at home!”
Years ago I went to a new dentist. I went with some trepidation as I had not been for regular check-ups for some years, mainly due to quite severe anxiety. When asked why I had stayed away from my dental appointments, I admitted that I was very fearful of the dentist. The dentist (a man)… Continue reading Performance anxiety – a stressful subject
despite the best efforts of a sympathetic and well-organised teacher, many students feel consumed with anxiety when approaching their music exams
I meet many piano teachers, at courses, workshops and masterclasses. It is always good to meet other piano teachers, to exchange ideas, and to enjoy a collective grumble about the exigencies of the job. Many of the teachers whom I meet are also performing musicians, professional or otherwise, and many regard performing as a necessary,… Continue reading The Performing Teacher
I am reblogging this post from pianist Melanie Spanswick's ClassicalMel blog as it contains some very helpful advice for anyone preparing for a performance (or exam), whether amateur or professional. Over the past few days I have had several requests from readers for a blog post dealing with stress and nerves associated with performance. I… Continue reading Reblogged: Stage Fright – 5 tips
A Piano Teacher Writes... 