Is It Really so Bad to Frown After Making a Mistake?

Jul 28, 2024

Exploring the importance of emotional expression, the discussion highlights how facial reactions can significantly influence audience perceptions during performances. A fascinating study reveals that a musician's first impressions are often shaped by their expressions in the face of mistakes. The conversation raises intriguing questions about the balance between playing well and how visible emotions affect overall impressions. It touches on overcoming performance anxiety and finding joy in practice to truly connect on stage.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Mistake Face Story

The host remembers his teacher warning against making faces during mistakes as a teenager.
He always wondered how much a grimace impacts the audience's perception of performance.

INSIGHT

Visual Impact on Performance

Visual presentation significantly affects first impressions and responses to mistakes in performances.
Facial reactions to mistakes alter audience judgment more than stage entrance style.

INSIGHT

Forgiveness for Poor Stage Entrance

Poor stage entrance causes quicker, more negative early judgments from musicians.
However, audiences quickly forgive poor entrances if the performance quality is high.

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My daughter loved playing card games as a young child. And what was fun about playing with her was how completely transparent she was. Anytime she got a good hand, or picked up a special card, the glee was written all over her face. Her eyes lit up, and I knew something unfortunate was about to happen to me. 😆

This sort of emotional expressivity is an important part of communicating from the stage - but there’s a negative side of this too, of course.

Because I'm guessing we've all been told by a teacher at some point that we should walk out on stage confidently, with a smile. And that we should avoid frowning or expressing frustration when the performance isn’t going well.

Yet...how much does this really matter? Does any of it make a difference, as long as we play well?

A 2017 study by previous podcast guests Aaron Williamon and George Waddell provide some surprising answers.

Get all the nerdy details here:
Why Every Performer Needs a Good Poker Face

* * *
Have you been feeling a little stuck or stagnant in the practice room? Or has performance anxiety and the gap between practice and performance been a nagging issue that hasn’t changed, no matter how well you've prepared for performances, auditions - and even lessons?

If you’ve been wanting to experience more joy in the practice room and play more like yourself on stage, but haven’t been quite sure how to make that happen, starting July 22, 2025, I’ll be teaching a live, online, accelerated 2-week class on the most essential mental skills and practice strategies that can make a difference in your practicing and performing.

We’ll meet twice a week via Zoom and work on a series of exercises and techniques in four essential skill areas (effective practice, managing anxiety, focus, and confidence), together as a group. And to make sure the concepts become consistent habits, I'll show you how to gently integrate these new skills into your (or your students’) daily practice through bite-sized practice challenges alongside a supportive group of practice buddies from around the world.

Over 2000 musicians, educators, and students and learners of all ages have participated in the course to date. You can find out what alumni are saying, and sign up to join Cohort 24 at:

bulletproofmusician.com/essentials