PRAKTIJK VOOR MUSICI
by Martine van der Loo
My practice is designed for musicians with psychological issues and musicians who wish to (further) improve their performance. Most often these are professional musicians and conservatory students, but also accomplished amateurs who have seen their pleasure in music-making fade.
Since establishing my practice in 2008, I have seen many musicians with a wide range of problems. Stage fright is a common issue, manifesting itself differently with every individual musician. Because of the publication of the book stagefright, I got more into the subject and especially in the treatment of stagefright.
It has always surprised me that we musicians never talk about stage fright. It’s embarrassing. We are afraid that it will tarnish our image, because suffering from stage fright means that you’re not talented enough, or you don’t practice enough, or your personality is just not up to it. Or worse yet: a combination of all three.
Despite their psychological issues, musicians tend to function well and longer than non-musicians with similar problems. This is typical of the musician-mentality. But unfortunately this mentality can also cause the musician to wait too long before seeking help.
I believe in the prevention of mental problems through psycho-education and mental training, preferably as early as possible in a musician’s career, to keep the disorders from accumulating.
Since establishing my practice in 2008, I have seen many musicians with a wide range of problems. Stage fright is a common issue, manifesting itself differently with every individual musician. Because of the publication of the book stagefright, I got more into the subject and especially in the treatment of stagefright.
It has always surprised me that we musicians never talk about stage fright. It’s embarrassing. We are afraid that it will tarnish our image, because suffering from stage fright means that you’re not talented enough, or you don’t practice enough, or your personality is just not up to it. Or worse yet: a combination of all three.
Despite their psychological issues, musicians tend to function well and longer than non-musicians with similar problems. This is typical of the musician-mentality. But unfortunately this mentality can also cause the musician to wait too long before seeking help.
I believe in the prevention of mental problems through psycho-education and mental training, preferably as early as possible in a musician’s career, to keep the disorders from accumulating.