I’ve recently had several students tell me stories about what goes on for them backstage before a performance, and I know from experience that the pain they’re experiencing in their bodies is very much related to their backstage experience.

It’s my job as a coach to help them learn new ways to deal with this, so they can fully enjoy their musical performance and be free of pain, anxiety, and stress.

If you’ve ever waited around backstage, you know there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. As a performer myself, I’ve witnessed all kinds of backstage behavior over my lifetime and, quite frankly, a lot of that behavior is destructive and compromises performance.

Some of what happens backstage is positive or neutral, of course. Smiles, kindness, slow and calm movements, and general relaxation are optimum and conducive to inspired creativity.