In this letter
pre-performance nerves | the T-CUP tool
I used to think successful musicians didn't get nervous or feel any fear. What I learned is they feel the nerves, just like everyone else.
The difference isn't that they've conquered their nerves—it's that they've learned to perform in spite of them. They've made peace with the butterflies.
Here's the thing about nerves: our brains become obsessed with catastrophe. We rehearse disaster in our minds—the crack, the memory slip, the judgment. We ask ourselves, what if everything goes wrong?
But what if instead we asked...
what if everything goes right?
Here's how I handle pre-performance nerves and still show up when the anxiety hits.
For 10 minutes before a rehearsal or concert, I sit down and visualize. I envision success using all my senses..
- the simplicity of beautifully shaped phrases
- the familiar sensation of the mouthpiece and reed, and air flowing easily through the instrument
- a vibrant, resonant sound that fills the room
- the energy and generosity of projecting out into the hall
- feeling the confidence surging through technically demanding passages
- enjoyment of threading in and around the other musicians
- focused, easy concentration you get when you're in "flow"
Then when the performance comes, I take all this onstage with me.
Here's what took me years to accept: there's no such thing as a perfect performance. There never has been, and there never will be. Make room for real life - a bobble, chipped note, a mistake... These happen on the world's biggest stages. To the musicians we admire most!
Fear isn't the enemy. it's part of the process. Instead of eliminating it, you have to learn to move with it, because your toughest opponent is yourself!
So feel the fear and do it anyway... because what if everything goes right?
I'm sharing a new-to-me visualization tool created by renowned England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward, called the "T-CUP" formula.
Click here to download
This is a great way to prime your brain, and you can see results almost immediately!
The bottom line:
When you visualize success before a performance, you're not just calming your nerves—you're investing in your health AND your wealth. You're training your mind, preparing your body, building confidence that leads to better performances, and creating the artistic breakthroughs that define your career. Small practices compound into big results.
We're thinking of putting together a 30-day Health + Wealth Challenge for musicians—and I want to know: would you actually do it with us? Every day, you'd get one small action that builds either your mental/physical health or your financial/artistic wealth. By the end, you'll have 30 new tools in your toolkit. Interested? Hit reply and let me know what you'd most want to get out of it.
I leave you with this:
"Your mind is like a puppy. If you don't train it, it will sh*t everywhere. But if you take the time to guide it, nurture it and teach it, it will become your greatest companion - loyal, powerful and capable or helping you achieve anything." - Maya Raichoora
Now go out and get those butterflies in formation. Cheering for you,
Ixi
Take the Next Step
Visualization is just one tool for building a sustainable, thriving music career. Inside Thrive, the membership community for integrated musicians at Music360, you'll find:
✓ 6 experienced host/coaches ready to answer your questions about performance, career building, health, and wealth
✓ Practical tools and strategies for managing anxiety, building financial stability, and growing artistically
✓ A supportive community of musicians who understand the unique challenges you face
✓ Monthly workshops, resources, and challenges designed to help you build both health and wealth in your career
You don't need to get rid of the butterflies. You just need to get them flying in formation.
👉 Join Thrive at Music360 Today and start building the sustainable music career you deserve—in and beyond the practice room.
