What Is This Musician Thinking?

She has just stepped on stage and put the bow on the string.

Can you tell what she’s saying to herself? Is it “I really hope I don’t crash and burn.” Or is it “You are such a loser, why are you out here at all?” Or maybe, “Oh just hurry up and get this torture over with.”

Or is she saying to herself, “this is going to sound great!” Or maybe, “I can’t wait for you to hear this,” or “come on this amazing journey with me!”

Can you tell? How will her words at this critical moment affect what happens next?

I think it’s pretty clear that negative self-talk does not improve our chances for a great performance. That negative voice can be so loud that it drowns out all the things we’ve practiced beforehand. All we can hear is that judgmental voice that tells us we are going to fail. It’s almost impossible to play well with that being whispered into your ear.

On the other hand, wouldn’t it be great to go onstage and feel excited and happy to play for your audience? To change those feelings of nervousness and dread into joyful anticipation and energy?

Just as we practice our parts carefully and diligently, we must also practice keeping that critical voice in our head positive. Of course we need that analytical aspect that keeps our ears attuned to intonation and pulse, but we also need to foster the gentler and more positive side of our inner voice. And that takes just as much practice as shredding that Strauss excerpt.

So next time you’re practicing, notice what that voice in your head is saying to you. Keep it positive and encouraging. Practice this aspect of your work diligently so the next time you step onto the stage, you’ll know what will be whispered in your ear.