Name
Beyond Performance Anxiety: Building Brave Musicians Through Mindset Training
Date & Time
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 2:50 PM - 3:50 PM
Description
Performance anxiety affects 60-80% of musicians regardless of age or experience level. Traditional pedagogical approaches often emphasize technical solutions or relaxation techniques without addressing the neurobiological mechanisms underlying anxiety responses. Recent advances in affective neuroscience and curiosity theory offer evidence-based frameworks for developing performance resilience, which most fundamentally begins with cognitive training and mindset strengthening. This workshop presents neuroscience-driven mindset training and nervous system strengthening with SPARK Practice's Daily Decisions framework for cultivating performance resilience to nurture a supportive mindset development. We''ll examine how specific choices activate neural pathways that contribute to anxious or brave responses, and demonstrate five practical interventions that music educators can implement immediately. The SPARK Daily Decisions framework is structured like a series of doorways - each mindset choice is a key for the next door. The workshop demonstrates how educators can very simply implement: (1) cognitive conditioning of inherent possibility, (2) cognitive reframing for fundamental learning possibilities, (3) overcoming cognitive blocks and difficult moments, (4) recognizing and connecting with the abundance of information and support, and (5) understanding when to rest/how to take breaks. Participants will experience each technique and receive implementation guidelines for various teaching contexts and age groups, with considerations for various student profiles and neurodivergence.This integrated approach bridges the gap between performance psychology theory and classroom practice, empowering music educators to address performance anxiety at its neurobiological roots. By incorporating these evidence-based approaches into regular instruction, teachers can help students develop resilience, agency, and confidence that transfers across performance contexts and supports lifelong musical engagement.
Location Name
513F
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Workshop
Presenting Author(s)
Sarah Niblack