The Inner Monsters responsible for performance nerves
© iStock We, as performers, are called to the brave and beautiful work of creating for others. It is work that requires skill, dedication, and resilience. In addition to the tremendous joy we feel after a job well done, we also regularly contend with the negative, intrusive voices. In fact, our ability to manage these inner voices in a way that is nourishing and healthy goes a long way to supporting our emotional well-being as we navigate the very intense field of classical music. Oftentimes, when the negative thoughts well up inside our heads, we accept them as truth. We don’t always ha...