Biofeedback

One possible way of learning how to control performance anxiety is biofeedback sessions. These sessions help people learn to control some internal bodily processes which, as a rule, occur involuntarily. Heart rate and blood pressure, for example.

During a session the patient has electrodes attached to various areas of the body which monitor heart rate, skin temperature and other external signs of the internal process. The therapist takes the patient through various mental exercises and the results of the monitoring are shown on a computer screen. Once the connection is made, the patient can often learn to control the mental activities that cause the physical changes. Many musicians have successfully treated performance nerves through this method. One downside can be the cost of the sessions which can range from $50 - $150 per session, with several sessions often being required. Click here for a simple, clear description.

Active Feedback

A possible alternative is the active feedback game Journey to the Wild Divine. This is a computer game (Mac and PC compatible) that uses a USB device to measure your heart rate and skin temperate, allowing you to complete the game tasks. The opening exercise, for instance, requires you to increase your heart rate (feel excited) to make three juggling balls spin on the screen. Another exercise asks you to relax and allow a feather to drift towards the ground. I have a copy of this software and I have actually found it helps many of my students with performance anxiety. In addition, since it is set up like a game they don't mind playing it - and the more I have involved in the game at any one time the harder they all work competing to achieve exercises and stay ahead of each other! While the website makes it clear this is active feedback as opposed to biofeedback many of my students have found success with the system, and gained more control and focus when performing.

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