Mrs McKinnell (Music Teacher)

On Wednesday, our Sixth Form Music students participated in a fascinating and engaging online conference focused on the ‘Psychology of Performance and Developing Confidence’. 

The session was led by Dr Michael Bonsor from the University of Sheffield. As well as providing students with some useful practical strategies for combating performance anxiety, Dr Bonsor also discussed the role of a music psychologist, a possible career that one can move into from studying music. Much of the discussion surrounding confidence was directly applicable to different areas of life as well as just musical performance. For instance, he discussed trying to achieve a higher heart rate variability due to its positive impact on cognitive function, and gave a practical approach for doing so.

It made an inspiring change from our usual programme of online learning to attend an event such as this, and to learn about ways in which we can become more confident performers, whilst also looking at a new possible career path.

Alex Harrison (Lower Sixth) said: “I felt that the lecture was really beneficial as both a student and a performer, and learning about various methods behind the psychology of performing (such as breathing techniques or posture) will stick with me in the future.”