Performance Anxiety

Are you used to overcoming obstacles in life but feel puzzled when it comes to performance anxiety? Perhaps you are already comfortable speaking and presenting in public, yet unable to play a musical instrument or sing confidently in front of people. Or, despite your love of performing, you are simply terrified of being in the spotlight.

If you would like to build confidence to perform for others and find a sense of freedom and self-expression in your music-making, acting, teaching, presenting or other performance, this introductory workshop is for you. Join us to discover simple and accessible theoretical concepts and practical tasks that will introduce you to a clear roadmap for performance preparation. We will explore the physiology of the anxiety mechanism and the “tool shed” concept of approaches that include gentle movement, breathing and focus exercises, introduce cognitive rehearsal strategies and investigate successful routines to implement before, during and after performing.

The workshop presents a concise version of Xenia’s popular online course and is open to musicians and other creative practitioners / educators of all levels of ability and experience.

Copies of Xenia's book 'Befriending Perfromance Anxiety' will be available for optional purchase at the Workshop.

About the tutor

Dr Xenia Pestova Bennett is an internationally active concert pianist and composer. She combines her research and experience in performance anxiety with extensive accredited training as a yoga, breathwork and meditation instructor. Having studied in the UK, The Netherlands and Canada, Xenia holds a Doctorate in Performance from McGill University. Her wellness training includes Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, Yin/Yang Yoga and Mindfulness with Sarah Powers, Oxygen Advantage® functional breathing and Buteyko Method instructor training with Patrick McKeown, and Yoga Mindset Coaching training with Karina Ayn Mirsky. In addition to her performing career, Xenia is in demand as lecturer and coach on wellbeing and anxiety management for organisations including the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine, Contemporary Music Centre (Ireland), Facebook, Moving on Music, The Music Network, Sound and Music, Triyoga UK, and educational institutions around the world. https://xeniapestovabennett.com