Last week Colin and I had the privilege of working with the brass students of the Interlochen Arts Academy. While how to practice was one of the major recurring themes of the week, there was another problem that came up with several students who were otherwise excellent young players: playing self-consciously and with fear. One student only played a true forte volume when we asked them to play ugly. Another never let go and went for it, even as we both jumped around in front of them trying to let some silliness break down the fear. These experiences brought to the fore that the main obstacle standing in one’s way is oneself.

Whatever it is that is causing you to hold back at any given moment, throw it away. Tell that voice that they are not welcome in your practice room, your lessons, your rehearsals, or your performances. It is through fearless playing of reckless abandon that we learn the most. If you don’t hold yourself back by worrying if you will hit the high note, how many more times would you hit it? If you don’t doubt if you are good enough to nail a solo, how much closer to your ideal will you play it?

I am not a psychologist. I did not go to school to help people with performance anxiety. However, I did spend fifteen years reading books, working with psychologist and coaches, and training myself to overcome my own performance anxiety. If you would like some guidance on books to read or other resources, or simply to talk about what your inner dialogue is, please send me an email.

Some Books to Start With:

Golf is not a Game of Perfect

Fearless Golf

The Inner Game of Tennis

Fight Your Fear and Win

Mind Gym

Reckless Abandon