Performance anxiety can threaten to affect, and in some cases end, some performers’ careers. Most performers feel nervous before performing, and some can thrive on it; however in some cases the anxiety can be disabling. Performers suffering from debilitating performance anxiety find this distress interferes significantly with their ability to perform at a reasonably expected level. (Kenny, 2011)
Anxiety
When this occurs, many anxious thoughts may enter a musician’s mind about performance. This anxiety can produce physiological, behavioural, and cognitive reactions. Some performers will experience performance-threatening symptoms such as trembling hands, dry mouth, and sweaty palms. Distorted thoughts and illogical thinking can also play destructive role in a musician’s confidence and self-esteem. Seeing yourself as a “bad” musician only consumes your mental energy and distracts you from focusing on the performance task at hand.
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