Poised to Play: Confidence in Performance
Coaching by Fiona Gould
I used to have performance anxiety.
Like many others, I used to think it was just the way I was wired; if you didn’t pass the tests, you were not a performer. Simple.
Then I discovered a way that changed my whole mindset.
In combining elements of Alexander Technique, Focus Awareness, strategies adopted by athletes for peak performance, and understanding the psychology behind how we react to different situations, there was a whole shift in my mentality. Moving away from fear of judgement, I found it easy to be myself; free to share the joy music brings, and experience a more meaningful connection with the music and the audience. Because of this, I am now able to offer help and support to others experiencing the same.
It’s an absolute joy to be able to work with people in a way I had never imagined possible, supporting them in their own journeys to break down barriers.
My courses are designed to teach key skills in overcoming performance anxiety. Better still, for our students and young musicians, we can prevent it ever becoming an issue in the first place.
Could this be the final piece of your puzzle?
Let me know how I can help.
Fiona x
What’s your story?
Whether you’re a parent of a young musician, a musician yourself or a music teacher, what worries you most?
Parents
Sending your child into an exam or onto a stage doesn’t have to feel daunting. We’re no longer in the days of throwing them into the deep end and hoping for the best.
Anxiety among young people is at an all-time high, and we know more now. There's a whole body of research behind what helps children feel safe and perform at their best — even when they’re outside their comfort zone.
You don’t have to sit on the sidelines and hope.
They can learn the skills. And you can help them get there.
Adult musicians
Performance anxiety shows up in many ways.
For me, it was shaky hands, a racing heartbeat, total blanks in front of the music. That awful feeling of being out of control. You might feel it differently — but the impact is just as real.
The key is learning how to stay calm and think clearly, even when adrenaline takes over. We should have been taught these skills when we were young.
The good news? It’s never too late. You can overcome it, just like I did. I’ll show you how.
Music Teachers
Ever get that gut feeling that your student might not make it through the performance or exam in one piece?
I did. I held my breath, sent up a prayer — and then watched it crumble. The tears. The upset. And the helplessness afterward.
I knew it wasn’t right. But I didn’t know what else to do.
Then I discovered a better way. A way to build real skills, using a vocabulary that works — without ever labelling it as “anxiety.” Now, I weave those lessons into everyday teaching, laying down the foundations that help students face even their biggest challenges with strength.
