Like so many pianists, you may spend hours practising carefully – refining details, strengthening memory and ensuring you know your repertoire thoroughly. Yet when the moment comes to play for somebody else, everything can suddenly feel different.
Self-consciousness creeps in. Thoughts race. Small imperfections suddenly seem far more significant than they should. Instead of simply sharing music, performance can begin to feel exposing and emotionally loaded.
And over time, it can become easier simply to remain in rehearsal mode – practising privately, waiting to feel more ready, more confident and more secure.
But what if performing does not have to feel this way?
These are some of the questions explored in a new course with Adina Mornell:
Lights – Camera – Action
This guided course is designed to help pianists gradually develop a healthier and more rewarding relationship with performance through practical preparation strategies, psychological insight and carefully structured musical experiences.
One of the central ideas explored throughout the course is the distinction between practising music and preparing to share music with others.
Many pianists assume that if they practise enough, performance should eventually feel comfortable. Yet ordinary maintenance practice often does not prepare us for the psychological experience of being heard.
As a result, many musicians become trapped in a cycle of:
- Over-preparing
- Replaying negative experiences
- Monitoring themselves excessively while performing
- Depending heavily on reassurance or approval
- Avoiding opportunities to play for others altogether
Lights–Camera–Action explores how performers can begin stepping off that hamster wheel and take gentle steps towards sharing their playing with others.
Course Topics
Reclaiming Your Own Sense of Judgement
Explore the difference between real and imagined feedback, internal and external criticism, constructive and destructive evaluation. Learn how to become less dependent on reassurance from others while developing a more grounded understanding of your own progress and playing.
Not Just More of the Same
Why ordinary maintenance practice often fails to prepare pianists for performance situations. Discover practical approaches to preparing for moments when adrenaline flows, perception changes and thoughts need to remain focused.
Beyond the Dress Rehearsal
A closer look at gradual exposure to performance situations and the psychology behind why some approaches work better than others. Explore how performers can gradually build familiarity, resilience and more positive experiences of being heard.
Taking the Jump Off the Hamster Wheel
Learn how to create your own gradual pathway towards sharing music with others. Explore how to redefine success more constructively, ask for useful feedback and learn from each experience with patience and realism.
The Special Rush of Musical Communication
Performance is not simply about judgement or accuracy. This final section explores communication, connection, flow and the unique rewards that come from connecting meaningfully with others through music.
A Gentle and Practical Approach
This course is designed for pianists who want to begin taking realistic first steps towards sharing their music – it’s not about throwing yourself into daunting performance situations before you feel ready.
Throughout the course, participants will explore:
- Short video lessons
- Practical exercises and activities
- Guided worksheets and reflections
- Psychologically informed preparation strategies
- Gradual approaches to performance experience
If you’ve spent years preparing music in private, perhaps this is the moment to begin moving beyond permanent preparation and towards the joy of sharing your music with others!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced performer?
Not at all. In many ways, the course is designed precisely for pianists who feel they are standing just outside that world and would like to begin taking first steps towards sharing their playing more comfortably.
Is this course only for people with severe performance anxiety?
No. The course is relevant both for those who avoid performance entirely and for experienced performers who would simply like performance to feel more enjoyable and rewarding.
Will I be required to perform live?
No. The course is primarily concerned with how we prepare for performance rather than performance itself. Through a series of practical exercises and guided reflections, you’ll explore how your current practice habits may be shaping your performance experiences and discover strategies for creating more positive and rewarding opportunities to share your music with others.
How long does it take and can I do it in my own time?
The course is designed to be completed over approximately one month, but you are free to work through the videos, worksheets and activities at your own pace, fitting them around your existing practice routine and commitments.
You’ll also retain ongoing access to all course materials, allowing you to revisit the lessons, exercises and reflections whenever you wish.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered over a series of emails which contain links to video lessons, worksheets and activities. You’ll also be able to access the course contents from your library throughout the course and any time thereafter.
When does the course begin?
Course materials become available from 17 June. You can start your journey at any time and there is no time limit on access to the materials.
What does the course cost?
The course costs is £70 or £42 for Online Academy subscribers. Course access also includes access to the recording and materials form the initial workshop Who Is Judging Whom.
I missed the live workshop on 11th June. Will I have missed out on anything?
No. The first module of the course builds directly on the material covered in the workshop, so you won’t miss any key concepts or discussions. Your course access also includes the full workshop recording, allowing you to watch it at your convenience and benefit from the complete introduction before continuing with the rest of the course.
Do I need to be at a certain level of proficiency to participate?
Absolutely not. The course material is useful for beginners as well as experts/professional musicians.