
The Bulletproof Musician
Ever wonder why you can practice for hours, sound great in the practice room, and still be frustratingly hit or miss on stage? Join performance psychologist and Juilliard alumnus/faculty Noa Kageyama, and explore research-based “practice hacks” for beating anxiety, practicing more effectively, and playing up to your full abilities when it matters most.
Latest episodes

28 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 51min
Laurie Scott & Cornelia Watkins: On Going From the Stage to the Studio
Laurie Scott, a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin, and Cornelia Watkins from Northwestern University, co-authors of "From the Stage to the Studio," delve into the challenges of transitioning from performer to teacher. They discuss effective teaching methods that enhance musical expressiveness in young learners. The duo emphasizes the importance of mentorship and engagement in music education, advocating for self-observation techniques like video analysis to refine teaching skills. Their insights aim to inspire a deeper connection with music beyond mere technicality.

4 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 11min
Does How We Look On Stage Matter More Than How We Sound...?
Dive into the captivating debate of whether a musician's appearance matters more than their sound. Discover surprising findings from a study that suggests visual elements play a major role in performance success. Learn how musicians often feel their practice sounds better at home, and the impact of anxiety on stage. Explore the concept of mindfulness and the importance of mental scripts in enhancing performance quality. Plus, get insights on intentional practice strategies to bridge the gap between practice and live performance.

Nov 24, 2024 • 6min
Does Counting Our Blessings Really Change Anything?
As the holiday season approaches, a discussion unfolds about the true impact of gratitude on musicians and their craft. Research reveals that counting blessings can bolster resilience and well-being. Listeners learn practical exercises to incorporate gratitude into their daily routines, ultimately enriching their mindset and enhancing relationships within the music community. Explore how a simple shift in perspective can transform both practice and performance, leading to a more joyful musical experience.

Nov 17, 2024 • 9min
An Easier Way to Get Better at Mental Imagery?
Explore how fuzzy mental images can hinder performance and discover an easier way to enhance mental imagery through action observation. Learn why performances often sound better at home than on stage, delving into factors beyond just nerves. The Mental Skills Audit quiz helps identify your mental strengths and weaknesses, offering strategies to bridge the gap between practice and performance. Plus, hear a relatable cooking mishap that highlights how uncomfortable experiences can influence our mindset in performance settings.

Nov 10, 2024 • 8min
A Better Way to Do Mental Practice?
Discover the power of mental practice and visualization techniques used by both athletes and musicians to enhance performance. Learn how elite performers utilize mental imagery to overcome challenges and improve focus. Explore insights into dynamic imagery, which proves more effective than traditional methods by engaging the body physically. Addressing common issues like distractions and performance anxiety, this discussion offers practical strategies to help you feel more connected and effective in your practice and performances.

4 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 7min
Not an Optimist? How to Make Pessimism Work for You.
The discussion dives into the surprising benefits of pessimism in high-pressure scenarios. It highlights defensive pessimism as a valuable tool for enhancing performance, presenting research that shakes the belief that optimism is always superior. Listeners learn how embracing anxieties can lead to improved outcomes, making them rethink their strategies. Plus, there’s a focus on techniques for overcoming stagnation in practice, anxiety management, and increasing confidence—all aimed at helping performers play more authentically and joyfully.

Oct 27, 2024 • 8min
Can Breathing Really Help Reduce Anxiety? Or Is It Just a Cliché?
Discover how specific breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and why they are effective. A dive into research reveals the surprising benefits of breathing during high-pressure situations, like performances. Explore practical methods that can transform your daily stress management, and learn about the impact on experiences such as childbirth. Plus, gain insights on bridging the gap between practice and performance to enhance your joy and confidence in music.

Oct 20, 2024 • 6min
Go From Procrastination to Productivity With “Temptation Bundling”
Have you ever struggled to maintain a new habit? Like exercising, or recording yourself more often, or transcribing lesson recordings?A 2013 study found that a strategy called "temptation bundling" could boost your likelihood of sticking with your new behavior.Click below for all the nerdy details: Go From Procrastination to Productivity With “Temptation Bundling”* * *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

Oct 13, 2024 • 9min
A Better Way to Bounce Back From Disappointing Setbacks
A 2008 study highlights the two ways we often respond to disappointments and setbacks. They both work ok in the short term, but one is more effective in the long term.So what determines which one we choose? And how can we ensure we choose the approach that is more effective in the long term?Get all the nerdy details, references, and other links right here: A Better Way to Bounce Back From Disappointing Setbacks* * *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

Oct 6, 2024 • 7min
Why Giving Students Choices Could Dramatically Enhance Learning
🎓 In this episode, we'll take a look at at 2017 ballet study which suggests that the simple element of choice could dramatically enhance learning outcomes.🧠 Discover:- Why giving students control over their learning process leads to improved performance- How autonomy boosts confidence and happiness in learners🚀 Whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode will give you some ideas on how to tweak your approach to teaching and learning. Get the full article and all the nerdy details: Why Giving Students Choices Could Dramatically Enhance Learning* * *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