For the past 18 months, I’ve been involved in a research project at the Australian National University developing, measuring and refining peak performance training protocols for musicians. Although peak performance programs for athletes have been around for decades, this is the first time a comprehensive peak performance training program for musicians has been created and scientifically validated. This project involves a series of studies, all designed to improve the services on offer to musicians, and to make sure that the services provided deliver best-possible results.
An early step in the process was to explore which peak performance interventions would be of most benefit to musicians at different stages in their professional development. We’ve been looking at 3 specific groups of musicians: advanced students, early career professionals, and experienced professionals. Having recently finished writing this study up for academic publication, I can now report on the findings.
We found that many of the difficulties musicians face are related to confidence – most commonly lack of confidence, but sometimes also overconfidence. We also found interesting differences in the peak performance protocols of most interest to musicians at different professional stages. Building a solid foundation of self-confidence, developing ideal work habits, dealing successfully with performance nerves, self-regulation skills, and stress-management training, were all identified as important for advanced student and early career musicians. Among experienced professional musicians, dealing with performance nerves was also a popular intervention, but two other areas were also emphasized: preventing and overcoming burnout, and stress management.
If you’re a musician and you’re struggling with any of these issues, please don’t continue to struggle alone. I’ve developed these protocols for you. Contact
