Performance Anxiety Workshop with Dr. Emily Logan

Musicians and music teachers know the thrill when all of the elements of performance line up, leading to many synchronized movements and flow. Attention is not always given to how music performance anxiety can affect that natural flow and movement, creating fluctuating levels of performance and, in its most extreme presentations, severe distress. How does one manage a student who just cannot seem to shake the nerves or who always has slips in performances? Do they just need to buckle down and practice more, prepare harder, and have more exposure to the stage? This presentation will demonstrate how biology, genetics, and experiences can all interrupt the natural flow of performance and the enjoyment of music.

In this workshop, Dr. Logan will share the experience of interviewing 30 university music students, being a witness to their struggles, watching them go through an intensive intervention, and hearing and seeing the improvements and positive changes both in their performance and their state of mind. She will use current research along with her personal experience as a researcher, recent doctoral music graduate, pianist, piano teacher, and post-secondary music educator to help other teachers gain insight into guiding students towards a healthier and more sustainable performance path.

We look forward to seeing you at the workshop!