Acceptance and Commitment Training for Music Performance Anxiety 3 Part Course

In this 3-part course, you will learn how to detect symptoms of music performance anxiety (MPA) among your students and whether those symptoms are problematic or not. You will also learn about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based psychotherapy that aims to promote mindfulness and acceptance of one’s MPA symptoms, while also enhancing performance skills by increasing actions consistent with a musician’s values. ACT can be used in a non-clinical setting by practitioners other than psychotherapists, and when applied non-clinically it is called Acceptance and Commitment Training or Coaching. Newer research suggests ACT coaching may be a promising intervention for treating MPA by music teachers with no formal training or education in psychotherapy. You will learn ACT techniques that are safe for use in non-clinical settings to help your students effectively manage their MPA.

Part 1: Defining and Detecting Problematic Levels of MPA

February 23, 2021 — 5-7pm (UK time)

• MPA definition
• MPA’s four symptom categories
• Detecting problematic levels of MPA

Part 2: ACT Skills for Effectively Managing MPA & Increasing Artistic Presence

February 25, 2021 — 5-7pm (UK time)

• Mindfulness
• Acceptance
• Defusion

Part 3: ACT Skills for Taking MPA Less Personally & Enhancing Overall Performances

March 2, 2021 — 5-7pm (UK time)

• Cultivating a More Flexible Sense of Self & Musician Identity
• Identifying One’s Performance or Practice Values
• Committed Action