Chopin 2025: Psychologist advises how to conquer stage fright
Music psychologist Julia Kalenska-Rodzaj advises performers in the Chopin Competition to take a brief moment to relax before going on stage, avoid worrying about potential judgment, and focus on the message they wish to convey.
The 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition is being held in Warsaw from October 2 to 23. It stands as one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world. This year's Chopin Competition features 84 pianists from 20 different countries. Out of these, ten will advance to the finals, with the winner receiving a prize of EUR 60,000 along with a gold medal.
"What advice can I offer to a competitor before a performance? Set aside concerns about others' opinions and focus on your interpretation," Kalenska-Rodzaj from the Krakow Artists' Advisory Centre, told PAP. "Step onto the stage, take a moment to compose yourself and perform precisely as you intended. After that, maintain your focus on the piece itself. This approach brings immense satisfaction."
She said that when a performer walks onto the stage, their heart rate and blood pressure tend to increase. This is a normal physiological response, as performing can elicit a wide range of emotions, including hope, pride, joy, fear, uncertainty, and even shame. Each of these feelings can provoke a unique reaction. "This is why it is crucial to allow yourself a moment to acclimate and concentrate on the primary objective: the music and immersing yourself in the sounds," the expert elaborated.
The build-up of emotions can create the sensation that time on stage is accelerating. As a result, the musician may begin to play at a quicker pace than intended and struggle to keep the tempo. That's why it's worth knowing calming techniques, such as breathing exercises. "The aim is to reach a level of arousal even before the concert begins where we feel safe and have the resources to cope with performing the piece," said Kalenska-Rodzaj.
The psychologist encouraged performers to treat the stage as a sandbox where they can express themselves freely. "Paradoxically, the more you focus on what you want to do, the more enjoyment you'll provide to the listeners," she said. "The audience values a performer who is deeply immersed in the music, who appears to be in a different realm. It serves as an invitation for them to join that experience."
In her opinion, although an artist's mission is to connect with the audience's sensitivity, it's better not to dwell on what the listeners are feeling during the performance. "How they perceive your music is their concern. You should concentrate on your own objectives – on how you wish to interpret the first phrase or lead a particular section," she added.
Kalenska-Rodzaj emphasised that participants lack control over various aspects of the competition, including the sequence of performances and the judges' attitude. "The key to success is focusing on what you can manage," she remarked.
In preparation for professional competitions or auditions, numerous musicians engage in a series of consultations with a music psychologist. "We begin by exploring how emotions function and recognising that we can influence them through our thoughts. Next, we work on enhancing concentration. The following steps are personalised: addressing beliefs, values or experiences," she explained.
Perfectionism is also one of the topics discussed. "It's necessary in the realm of art, but it can also be destructive and block progress," the psychologist said. "It is crucial to view talent development as an ongoing journey and to value each step taken along the way."
According to Kalenska-Rodzaj, the most important goal of their efforts is to uncover one's unique style. "At a certain point, the audience is more interested in the performer than the piece itself," she said.
When asked whether every person with the technique and talent, but troubled by stage fright, can become a performing artist, the psychologist asserts that the key is the desire to perform publicly . "To succeed, it's not enough to play beautifully at home," she said. "You have to want to share your music, want to be appreciated and admired." She cites research showing that a slightly increased narcissistic trait is more common among musicians than in the general population.
At the same time, emotional sensitivity often plays a significant role in an artist's character. "It is a superpower that enables the artist to feel and comprehend the music," she remarked. "However, this trait also has a negative aspect: its possessor frequently experiences various stimuli more acutely than others in everyday life. Therefore, we learn to appreciate this sensitivity and how to care for oneself amidst an overwhelming array of stimuli," she added.
The International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition takes place every five years in Warsaw, starting from 1927.
PAP is one of the media partners for this year's event. (PAP)
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