Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), often called stage fright, is a type of anxiety that occurs before or during a musical performance. It involves intense feelings of nervousness, fear, or worry that go beyond typical performance nerves and can affect a musician’s ability to perform at their best. MPA can affect musicians of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professional performers.
Performance anxiety in musicians can affect people in different ways. Symptoms can range from mild nervousness to anxiety that significantly impacts a person’s ability to perform.
Racing heart or heart palpitations
Sweating or feeling flushed
Shaky hands, trembling, or muscle tension
Dry mouth or a shaky voice
Nausea, dizziness, or feeling unwell
Difficulty concentrating or remembering music
Excessive worry about making mistakes
Fear of being judged or criticised by others
Avoiding performances or performance opportunities
Feeling overwhelmed, panicked, or frozen when performing
1 in 2 Australian professional orchestra musicians report moderate to severe MPA
Younger musicians are more likely to experience MPA than older performers
Up to 60% of professional musicians experience MPA at some point in their careers
Even highly trained and professional musicians can experience severe performance anxiety
Research consistently shows that performance anxiety is a common experience among musicians of all ages and skill levels. While some people experience mild performance nerves, others find that anxiety significantly affects their confidence, enjoyment of music, and ability to perform.
Importantly, research suggests that Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is highly treatable. With the right support and evidence-based strategies, many musicians are able to reduce their anxiety and perform with greater confidence.
A recent systematic review examining treatments for Music Performance Anxiety found that no single approach works for everyone. However, the overall findings showed that psychological interventions were associated with the most consistent improvements in anxiety symptoms and performance confidence.
The research also highlighted that anxiety during performances is influenced by a combination of thoughts, emotions, physical symptoms, and behavioural patterns. Because of this, the most effective treatment approaches typically address several of these areas rather than focusing on just one symptom.
According to the research, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and exposure-based approaches appear to have the strongest evidence for reducing performance-related anxiety in musicians.
CBT helps people identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, such as fears of making mistakes or being judged by others. Exposure-based approaches involve gradually facing performance situations in a supportive and structured way, helping musicians build confidence over time and learn that anxiety can be managed.
Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety completely, these approaches aim to help musicians perform effectively even when some nerves are present.
Research suggests that relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and imagery strategies can help reduce the physical symptoms of performance anxiety, such as a racing heart, muscle tension, or a shaky voice.
These strategies can be valuable tools for managing anxiety in the moment, although studies suggest they are often most effective when combined with psychological therapy rather than used on their own.
Some musicians use medication, particularly beta-blockers, to reduce physical symptoms such as trembling or heart palpitations during performances.
While medication may help with some physical symptoms, research suggests that it does not address the underlying fears and anxious thoughts that contribute to Music Performance Anxiety. For this reason, medication is generally considered a management tool rather than a long-term solution.
Overall, research suggests that the most effective help for performance anxiety in musicians involves a combination of psychological therapy, gradual exposure to performance situations, and practical coping strategies. These approaches not only reduce anxiety symptoms but can also help musicians regain confidence, enjoy performing again, and participate more fully in musical opportunities.
*Source: Therapeutic Interventions for Music Performance Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis – National Library of Medicine | PubMed Central
Build confidence by starting with smaller, lower-pressure performances and gradually working towards larger audiences.
Aim for progress rather than perfection, and remember that mistakes are a normal part of performing.
Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualisation can help manage physical symptoms of performance anxiety.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Mindfulness, to provide tailored support for individuals struggling with music performance anxiety, helping them manage stress, build confidence, and perform at their best in high-pressure situations.
Our Clinical Psychologist, Micaela, has a special interest in helping people manage music performance anxiety. She has played piano since the age of five and has been teaching piano for 12 years, giving her a unique understanding of the challenges musicians and performers can face.
View Micaela’s profile here.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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