Think Better, Play Better: Transforming Anxiety Into Artistry
Turn Doubt into Confidence and Fear into Focus with These Powerful Mindset Tools.
Do you find your mind spiraling in the lead up to a performance?
It’s common for musicians to battle the noisy internal voice that whispers unhelpful fears, like, “What if I squeak?” or “What if I mess up that fast run?” If this is you, you should know that you’re not alone, and you can take control.
Even seasoned musicians wrestle with self-doubt. The key lies in recognising these unhelpful thoughts, understanding what triggers them, and developing tools to turn them into supportive, positive affirmations.
The Power of Reframing: Affirmations That Work
Performance anxiety often begins with internal language:
“I can’t do this.”
Becomes → “I’m improving with every session.”“I’ll mess this up again.”
Becomes → “Each attempt brings me closer to consistency.”
Why does this matter?
Because affirmations rewire how you perceive challenges, encouraging growth instead of panic. Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a friend.
Spot the Triggers
Stress often builds silently. Ask yourself:
Have I been sleeping well?
Am I structuring my practice well?
Is this reed allowing me to express freely?
Do I need a proper warm-up before working on this passage?
Simple reflection like this makes your practice sessions more intentional and helps break the spiral before it starts.
Real Talk: Common Clarinet Frustrations
Throughout my career, I have faced a great deal of self doubt and received numerous questions from students about their own concerns. Below you’ll some of these common intrusive thoughts and ideas on how to reframe them in a positive light.
I hope these illustrate to you that you’re not alone and that there are ways to better manage your practice frustrations, anxieties and ability to perform under pressure.
1. “I played this perfectly yesterday!! Why can’t I do it today??”
This is normal. Instead of panicking, ask:
“Am I unknowingly playing it faster?
“Is today’s reed different?”
“Did I skip a full warm-up?”
“Am I using less air support?”
Remember, progress rarely follows a straight line. It’s a steady climb, full of ups and downs. Embrace today’s challenges, reflect with patience, and move forward with curiosity, not frustration.
2. “OMG, I’ve practice for 20 minutes on this and it’s just like how it started!!”
Give yourself permission to MOVE ON. Some passages need time to settle subconsciously.
Visualise how you want it to sound.
Write down what’s tripping you up.
Return tomorrow with fresh ears and new focus.
3. “Why do I always squeak on this note??”
Words matter. Saying “always” turns a small issue into a fixed belief.
Reframe:
“What’s really causing the squeak?”
Try:
Isolate the note and do slow, targeted practice.
Experiment with voicing, air, and embouchure shape.
Double-check tuning once it stabilises.
Ask:
Am I hearing the note before I get there?
Is there water in a tone hole?
Has tension increased in my embouchure?
Am I truly aware of my foundations?
4. “Arghh! I keep forgetting my embouchure!!!”
No you didn’t - you just remembered! That’s growth!
Building consistency and stamina in the foundations of your technique takes time. It’s not as simple flicking a switch. Know you’re committed to playing with brilliant technique and recognise that it’s not always a straight-line from A to B.
Over time your ability to check in and reinforce these aspects of your technique will improve. Commit to the process and be kind to yourself.
5. “I can play this bit perfectly, but not in context!”
The important thing to note here is that you can play it! Nice work.
Now the task is to identify the problem, find a solution and stitch it into the full phrase.
I like to use a technique called "chunking”:
Breakdown the section into smaller, manageable chunks (a few measure of even just one measure at a time).
Do it slowly and ensure you’re achieving the accuracy you seek.
Repeat the correct version until it feels effortless to reinforce your muscle memory.
Gradually combine these sections with the preceding and succeeding phrases.
Need help? Check out my chunking method article for a more in-depth understanding of this practice method.
Conclusion
Transforming your inner dialogue builds confidence, resilience, and clarity in your playing. You are capable, and your progress is unfolding at the pace that’s right for you.
Your Lane. Your Race. Your Pace.
Happy practicing!
Recommended Literature
To deepen your understanding of performance anxiety and performing under pressure, consider exploring the following works: