What Causes "Choking" Under Pressure? And What Can We Do About It?
Jan 19, 2025
Ever had a moment on stage where everything just collapses, despite all your preparation? This discussion dives into the science behind what athletes and musicians call 'choking' or the 'yips'. It's not just nerves; it reveals deeper issues related to focus and pressure. The conversation also introduces valuable strategies to manage performance anxiety and enhance confidence. Plus, there's an exciting upcoming online class to help musicians unlock their potential and thrive during performances!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Noah's Nervous Studio Class
Noah Kageyama recalls a nervous studio class at Juilliard where his performance fell apart despite preparation.
He rushed, played out of tune, and missed notes, leading to an embarrassing first impression.
insights INSIGHT
Two Types of Pressure
Pressure comes in two main types: outcome pressure and monitoring pressure.
Outcome pressure is attachment to results; monitoring pressure is anxiety from being watched.
insights INSIGHT
Two Theories of Choking
Distraction theory says pressure causes irrelevant thoughts, reducing focus on the task.
Explicit monitoring theory says pressure redirects attention to overthinking motor skills, disrupting automatic performance.
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Have you ever had one of those days on stage where you suddenly can't seem to do a thing that normally is never an issue?
Or maybe it's one of those days where everything just spontaneously falls apart? And for seemingly no reason at all, even though you were as prepared as you've ever been?
Athletes call this "choking." Or the "yips" (which I think is funner to say). There's actually been quite a bit of interesting research on why this happens. And the answer is way more interesting than "nerves" or "pressure."
* * * 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:
The Bulletproof Musician