Perfectionism has historically assumed an insidious presence in the performing arts field. Treated with benign tolerance by those who work with performers, the time has come to acknowledge the pervasive, negative effects based on current research. While some may see…
What is happening in the minds and bodies of musicians when they play their best? Are peak performance and flow simply subjective perceptions of performance excellence? Or are they distinct mental states, sets of optimal behaviors, a heightened sense of self-confidence…
We all know the value of exercise: physical fitness--check; weight loss--check; improved sleep--check; enhanced mood--check. But new research is showing that when exercise is combined with mental imagery it can function as a mental tool of sorts, a switch that…
Using Cardio Imagery & Rehearsal to Treat Music Performance Anxiety Thursday, Oct. 17th 1 - 3 PM Music, Health and Medicine Professor Takako Fujioka Dept. of Music, Stanford University
By Terry Clark In recent years, a number of novel initiatives have emerged that stand to impact upon the way performing artists are trained and carry out their professional activities. It is now not uncommon for sports medicine physicians to…
Expert Advice: Brain-Based Techniques Help Body Neutralize "Stage Fright" Performance anxiety, also known as "stage fright," is not reserved for the Barbra Streisands and Carly Simons of the world, two singers well known for their preperformance jitters. In fact, a…
31st Annual Performing Arts Medicine Association Symposium in conjunction with the Aspen Music Festival & School Viceroy Resort & Hotel, Snowmass, Colorado Sunday, July 21st, 2013 Plenary Presentation 2:45 – 3:00 PM “Reconceptualizing The Treatment of Music Performance Anxiety” Workshop…
Many triathletes find the swimming event not just challenging and but also the most unsettling of the three events. Why is that? Let me give you a hint: the answer may lie beneath the surface! There are three categories of…
This workshop introduces new techniques for reducing performance anxiety and installing peak performance “scripts” that can be drawn upon in performance. Participants learn about the psychology of performance through traditional sport psychology methods in combination with new brain-based techniques which…
Viceroy Hotel Snowmass, Colorado July 26, 2012 Presentations at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. Dr. Patrick Gannon will be presenting his research on performance anxiety and peak performance to the annual PAMA membership conference held in concert with the Aspen…
KQED's Forum radio show had an interesting show on the psychology of "choking", otherwise known as performance anxiety. Focusing on the trials and tribulations of Jordan Williamson, a freshman field goal kicker for Stanford who missed three crucial field goals…
Test anxiety is defined as excessive worry about doing well on a test, either before the test or while taking a test. Test anxiety is the same as performance anxiety that triggers a range of physiological symptoms in response to…
J. Patrick Gannon, PhD Peak Performance Systems, San Francisco Abstract This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a new model of peak performance training based on applications of brain research to stimulate mental skill acquisition leading to enhanced performance capabilities…
Dr. Patrick Gannon will be presenting new research on brain-based peak performance training and a workshop on peak performance training at a conference on Saturday April 23rd, 2011 at 3:00 PM located at Santa Clara University. The Division of Bioengineering…
I recommend the book, Choke, by cognitive psychologist Sian Beilock. She offers a guided tour through the latest research that explains why we perform poorly when we are trying our best. For anyone who has blown a test, flubbed a…