Defeat Performance Anxiety -- Increase Confidence -- Become Mentally Tough -- Strengthen Motivation -- Maintain Focus & Control -- Overcome Stage Fright -- Step Up, Risk, Enjoy!

Dr. Eric Maisel is the author of more than 40 books. His interests include creativity, the creative life, and the field of creativity coaching, which he founded; and the areas of meaning, life purpose, mental health, and mental health reform.

Musical performance is an inherently theatrical experience. Like all performance art, its paradigms evolved from the religious ritual and community meetings that were conducted publicly on the edge of towns where people gathered, at the crossroads. Part of the enjoyment we take in live renditions of our favorite music derives from the rituals surrounding these shows

"Musical performances run the gamut from those that even the parents of the performers can't bear to hear to those so moving and captivating that one's attention is riveted to the music at hand. Beyond the obvious—execution of the correct pitches, rhythms, etc.—what are the factors that separate a truly stellar performance from the painful or common?"

Part I of The Musician’s Way presents six chapters that outfit musicians to practice creatively and efficiently. The links, tips, and techniques below supplement those chapters.

But no matter what happens, as they say, ‘the show must go on’. What is the reason for this? Why do you have to keep going no matter what?