The Bulletproof Musician 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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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.
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.
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.