The Bulletproof Musician

Pre-Performance Apathy (and the Importance of Mentally Disengaging From Practice)

4 snips
May 18, 2025
Musicians often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to practice relentlessly. A famous quote suggests that skipping practice impacts performance, but taking breaks might be key to overcoming burnout. The discussion dives into how mental fatigue affects creativity and performance, urging artists to prioritize their mental health. Strategies for joy in practice and effective preparation for performances are also explored, making a compelling case for a balanced approach to honing one’s craft.
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ANECDOTE

Burnout From Over-Practicing

  • Noah Kageyama shares how he over-practiced for a competition and became emotionally and physically exhausted.
  • Despite advancing, he felt overwhelm and apathy, a common feeling musicians experience before big events.
INSIGHT

Exhaustion Feeds Itself

  • Exhaustion worsens by making it harder to disconnect from work concerns, creating a vicious cycle of worry and fatigue.
  • Trying to catch up by working longer can reduce rest, decreasing productivity the next day.
INSIGHT

Time Pressure Hampers Detachment

  • Time pressure makes detaching from work even harder when already exhausted.
  • Near big events, musicians tend to worry and obsess even when not practicing.
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