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Personal Development, Performance and Conference events are a regular occurrence for the MTASA.
To what extent is performance viewed by music students as a threat or a challenge? How to support optimal performance, mental health and wellbeing in music students.
As we have learned through many years of neuroscience research, musical performance, as a multi sensory task, is one of the most complex challenges we can possibly face being aptly described by Dr Anita Collins as the “brain equivalent of a full body workout”. Given this reality, it is hardly surprising that the process of learning music, sustaining motivation and deliberate practice and performing under scrutiny may be incredibly challenging for many students. What we see with students with certain characteristics such as perfectionism, high trait anxiety and challenges with focusing attention and sustaining motivation for practice is that performance often becomes more associated with threat and danger rather than a sense of challenge, success or enjoyment. This paper and the subsequent workshops will explore practical ways of working psychologically to support student’s specific performance goals and ultimately maintain the joy of music. In the workshops Alexandra will work directly with students performing by supporting them with applying skills in the moment such as accepting, befriending and reframing “anxiety” and the application of psychological flexibility and mindfulness skills. We will also explore the importance of finding passion, joy and the “rage to master” their craft, dealing with task irrelevant thoughts, in addition to developing specific habits and the mental toughness needed to sustain mental health, wellbeing and optimal performance.
Alexandra Frost BA(Hons)MPsych(Clinical)
Clinical/Performance Psychologist – Attuned Psychology
Alexandra Frost, Director/ Clinical and Performance Psychologist of Attuned Psychology, an established private Psychology practice in North Adelaide, brings a unique perspective to the field of optimal performance, mental health and wellbeing for performers having completed successful Masters research into the management of musical performance anxiety in 1997. She has since worked with musicians at all levels both individually and in workshops for almost 25 years drawing on her experience as a performer, research and extensive clinical experience.
This Presentation is a part of 2022 MTASA Summer Conference
Presentation (Webinar) Sep 5th 7:30pm-8:30 pm
Masterclass 1 (Webinar) Sep 12th 7:30pm-8:30 pm
Masterclass 2 (Webinar) Sep 19th 7:30pm-8:30 pm