CPTP179: Finding Flow and Conquering Performance Anxiety with Jeremy Siskind and Frederic Chiu

How do you help yourself or your students deal with performance anxiety? It’s one of the things many teachers and students go through whether it be just in front of 1 person or a whole stadium. It can really be nerve-racking!

Today's episode is all about the challenges of performance.

Further, we can help our students with their and our performance anxiety by finding flow in rhythm in our playing. In that vein, we will also be unpacking tips and strategies on practicing routines, and exploring new repertoire for advanced pianists. Plus, we'll have a look at using Kickstarter to fund performances, projects or anything related to your studio.

I have invited two incredible pianists to join us in the podcast today, Jeremy Siskind and Frederic Chiu.

Jeremy is a jazz pianist & composer who has written eleven publications. Frederic is an internationally renowned concert pianist who collaborates with both classical and jazz pianists to bring vivid live concert experiences to all his audiences.

Transcript of Show on Finding Flow & Conquering Performance Anxiety

If you'd like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below.

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In this episode, you’ll learn

• [05:45] Guest introductions for Jeremy Siskind and Frederic Chiu
• [09:40] Jeremy’s background.
• [10:24] Frederic’s background.
• [12:43] The reason behind Frederic’s non-traditional approach on piano recitals and performances and how it looks like.
• [16:21] Their thoughts on traditional classic recitals.
• [21:31] Frederic’s Classical Smackdown concert.
• [23:11] Frederic’s suggestions and strategies, particularly for teachers on performing such hard repertoire so flawlessly.
• [27:49] Jeremy’s approach to managing his nerves.
• [29:11] Is jazz or is classical harder?
• [30:49] Frederic’s classical and traditional piano background as a child.
• [33:10] Jeremy tells us more about Perpetual Motion Etudes.
• [34:25] Tips for students to get into the mindset where they can take off and keep on going.
• [36:36] How videos and recorders can help students go into performance mode.
• [38:16] Frederic’s thoughts on practising performing.
• [44:13] Effects of memorization on performing for Frederic.
• [47:32] Jeremy’s thoughts on the effects of memorization on performing.
• [49:25] Jeremy’s inspiration on doing the Perpetual Motion Etudes.
• [51:21] Funding Perpetual Motion Etudes through Kickstarter and how it worked for Jeremy.
• [54:24] His main reason for using Kickstarter for funding.
• [55:59] Their thoughts on competitions.
• [01:01:43] Closing words from Frederic and Jeremy.

Links Mentioned

• Frederic Chiu Website
• Jeremy Siskind Website
• Perpetual Motion Etudes for Piano Book

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Thank you for Tuning In to learn about flow & performance anxiety!

In conclusion, there are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine. Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run.

Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons!

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Do you also experience performance anxiety as a teacher or student?

What measures did you take to manage it? Do your nerves lessen after every performance?