The #1 Flute Podcast Channel ‘Talking Flutes‘ where the recipe and ingredients are very simple. Take a leading flute player, author, golfer and Professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London (Clare Southworth) and mix with flute player, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Public Speaker and Managing Director of the world famous TJ flute brand (Jean-Paul Wright). Then speak with some of the world‘s leading flute players including Sir James Galway, Jasmine Choi, Denis Bouriakov, Paul Edmund-Davies, Gareth Davies (too many more beautiful flute playing guests to mention in a single paragraph), and gently mix these together with some Grammy and Emmy winning musicians. Top with mental health awareness advice from Dr Joe Stammeijer and finish with some stunning music, laughs and plenty of fun.
https://flute.podbean.com
episode 365: Stage Fright Unmasked: Conquering Anxiety in the Spotlight! E:309 with Dr Beth Wright
Stress vs Anxiety in our musical performance!
As musicians, the stage is not only a platform for showcasing our art but also a battleground for our inner demons of stress and anxiety. In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve deep into this subject with forensic psychologist Dr. Beth Wright, who offers a compelling analysis of the psychological challenges that musicians face.
Dr. Wright distinguishes between stress and anxiety, two terms that are often mistakenly used interchangeably. Stress, she explains, is an acute, fight-or-flight response to a triggering situation, while anxiety is a more prolonged state of overthinking and excessive worrying. Understanding the difference is crucial for musicians who are constantly under the pressure of performance and perfection.
The conversation then shifts to the concept of stressors, which, according to Dr. Wright, are not self-induced but rather natural responses to situations that signal danger to our primitive instincts. However, when stress morphs into anxiety, it becomes a complex web of deep-rooted issues that affect our fundamental needs, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
What's particularly enlightening is Dr. Wright's discussion on the nuances of anxiety disorders and how they can manifest in high-functioning individuals, debunking the myth that anxiety always leads to dysfunction. She also touches on the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for those struggling with anxiety, emphasising the importance of identifying maladaptive thinking patterns that fuel our fears.
The episode doesn't just stop at identifying problems; it offers solutions. Dr. Wright advocates for therapy and the importance of having a support system, especially in cultures where seeking help is stigmatised. She also provides practical advice for approaching friends or colleagues who are struggling, stressing the power of listening and offering support without necessarily providing solutions.
For anyone who has ever felt the grip of anxiety before stepping onto the stage, this podcast is a must-listen. Dr. Wright's insights are not just for musicians but for anyone looking to understand the intricate dance between stress and anxiety. So, tune in, learn about the psychological intricacies of performance, and discover strategies to keep your mental health in tune with your music.
Don't let stress and anxiety mute your melody. Listen to this episode and start harmonising your mental and musical notes today.
'Talking Flutes', Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com