News / Blog

Why Do Singing Teachers Need To Know About Acceptance and Commitment Training?

Thursday 18th February 2021

Music Performance Anxiety affects approximately 15-25% of professional musicians (Fishbein et al., 1988), however due to negative mental health connotations, it is a condition that seems to be swept under the carpet, even at the most prestigious conservatoires.

It is possible to address MPA outside of a clinical setting, which provides encouragement for the condition to be given more recognition amongst music schools and private teaching.

With this in mind, it could fall to the teacher to recognise the symptoms and aid their students in developing skills that help them to cope with MPA.

Symptoms of MPA often manifest in various forms such as; cognitive, physiological and behavioural traits, all of which can be damaging to performance quality and mental health, if left untreated.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been strongly evidenced among researchers as the preferred practice in treating MPA, however, this requires access to practitioners who are qualified.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising treatment for MPA, it is an evidence-based psychotherapy that aims to promote mindfulness and acceptance, with the ability to assist in enhancing performance and health.

ACT can be implemented by the teacher themselves in a non-clinical setting, when applied non-clinically it is called Acceptance and Commitment Training or Coaching (ACC).

When used by a skilled coach, ACC can be a highly effective tool for treating MPA, as well as building trust and relationship with students.

Dr David Juncos

David Juncos, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, lecturer, performance coach, author, and music performance researcher based in Philadelphia, PA. He has 20 years of experience in treating a variety of clinical problems, including anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders.


Recent Posts

Voice Study Centre Online Symposium 2025

Voice Study Centre
Friday 5th September 2025

On 26th November, Voice Study Centre is hosting its very first online symposium, dedicated to bridging the gap between artistic training and athletic conditioning for performers!

Read More...
Student & Alumni News

Alumna Success: Zulimar López-Hernández Appointed to Teach Vocal Pedagogy at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico

Voice Study Centre
Thursday 21st August 2025

"This course is deeply meaningful to me because I have been able to design the kind of Vocal Pedagogy class I wish I could have experienced during my undergraduate studies—now enriched by my experience as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, my career as an opera singer, and my MA at the Voice Study Centre."

Read More...
Director & Team News

Congratulations to Senior Lecturer Claire Thomas on Passing her Doctoral Viva! 🎉

Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 13th August 2025

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news from our Senior Lecturer, Claire Thomas. She has officially passed her doctoral viva! Claire has spent nearly five years dedicated to...

Read More...