Most musicians, whether performers or teachers, recognize that anxious and insecure thoughts sometimes cloud the mind with negativity prior to a performance or audition. These thoughts can easily take over and obstruct the potential success of a performance. Musicians also understand that feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction, as well as a lack of confidence, can surface after a mediocre or lackluster performance. Professional musicians and teachers, through personal experience, likely have an effective routine for combating and processing these emotions within themselves. However, when a student inevitably experiences these same emotions, teachers might not be equipped with the proper tools to successfully guide their student through the mental side of performance. What tools can we utilize to guide students to positively embrace and process obstructive feelings about their performance? How can we communicate a powerful message that will enhance confidence, maximize potential, and help students achieve peak performance on a consistent basis?In this session, we will demonstrate six highly effective and research-based strategies that attendees can integrate into their curriculum to help students mentally prepare for performances and auditions and successfully process them afterwards. We will outline the physiology-based concept of practicing at full performance tempo, explain an efficient method of mental practice/score study that leads to lasting effects on memorization, provide evidence of how imagery boosts confidence on stage, establish a mode of performance based in expressing characters and emotions rather than showcasing technique, present a series of breathing exercises that channel positive energy and increase focus, and finally, discuss the impact that keeping a performance journal has both before and after a performance or audition.After this session, attendees will come away with concrete and practical ideas that enhance focus, promote confidence on stage, and contribute positively to their student's mental well-being. They will learn to maximize their student’s potential and, in turn, greatly enhance teaching effectiveness and communication. Attendees will learn how to guide their students to achieve on stage what they envision for themselves in the practice room.