Comments on: Performance Anxiety in Lessons

By: Pamela Wright

Pamela Wright — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:47:41 +0000

Oh my, so YES. This article has given me hope and a new hopeful direction. A big thanks.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:21:03 +0000

Thank you, so much for sharing this article. It is very encouraging to me. I have experienced this type of anxiety in my university lessons and even in the practice room (I often stare at the keys and can’t bring myself to play anything for fear of messing something up). I wondered if I was alone in feeling this way since I have read many articles on performance anxiety but no literature on practice or lesson anxiety.

By: Leah Coutts

Leah Coutts — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 13:19:59 +0000

Wow, it’s been 18 months since I wrote this blog. I still teach using questioning and altering students’ expectations of what a lesson is about. I find that shifting students’ focus to the process of learning, rather than expectations of perfection and the end product really works. Empathy and understanding go a long way as well.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:45:31 +0000

“stay in the moment”

That is a really great observation. I myself have a difficult time dwelling on past events – good and bad. Problem is before I know it, I’ve lost focus on the here and now.

Remaining in the moment was and still is a challenge for me. However I’ve improved recently, mostly because of reading articles online like this one.

Thanks and take care!

Ryan

By: Chloe Zimmer

Chloe Zimmer — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:00:40 +0000

This is really great that you have insight into the struggle your students are experiencing and even more importantly that you were able to overcome stage fright before it overshadowed your love of music!

By: Carly

Carly — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 01:51:58 +0000

Great ideas! I have many students tell me that they play their pieces much better at home and then get nervous at their lessons. It is difficult to get them to relax–I like your approach about mistakes.