Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety can happen to anyone, and at any stage in their career. While it can be debilitating, there are strategies that can be used to help to manage the symptoms and the MU offers guidance on both clinical and coaching approaches.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Everyone is different, so it’s important to find out which strategies help you to manage your performance anxiety. To address this, the MU’s performance anxiety hub includes both clinical and coaching guidance about managing performance anxiety.

Clinical guidance from BAPAM

This clinical guidance produced by the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) discusses what performance anxiety is, its causes and symptoms, and strategies for managing it.

Find out more about BAPAM on their website or view the MU/BAPAM clinical guidance page.

Coaching guidance from Amy Littlewood

This is a coaching style guide to managing performance anxiety by Amy Littlewood, professional violinist and performance mentor.

Find out more about her work or view Amy’s advice on our coaching guidance page.

Get advice and support on mental health and physical wellbeing

Discover a wealth of advice and resources to help musicians to look after their mental health and physical wellbeing.

MU member services

Find out how to take care of yourself and sustain a healthy lifestyle as a musician
Practical resources to help you to keep mentally well
Join the MU's online Feldenkrais and meditation sessions
Access healthcare services tailored to musicians' needs

Explore wellbeing for musicians

Get advice and support on mental health and physical wellbeing

Latest news

Close up of an acoustic guitar in a meadow at sunset.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

To mark LGBT+ History Month 2026, folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflects on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health.

Published: 05 February 2026

Two hands outstretched, each holding a jigsaw piece that will fit together.

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

The music industry can be a difficult environment in which to have the conversations that you want and need in the workplace, but a one-day course hosted by the MU has offered a way forward.

Published: 18 December 2025

Access All Areas: Liza and Keys Explore Your Accessibility Conundrums

In this guest blog for Disability History Month, MU members Keys and Liza Bec explore access and attitudes in music through a series of fictionalised advice column letters, inspired by real-life accessibility challenges.

Published: 09 December 2025

Sticky note with human head and green cross icon, representing health and wellness.

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

A life in the arts often brings physical or psychological challenges, but BAPAM can offer vital support. Trustee and MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explains why the Union is proud to champion its work and how its services can benefit members.

Published: 04 December 2025

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025