Recommended Reading
I'm recommending The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green. I use a lot of the ideas in his book to help students cope with nerves and improve their concentration. The book is fairly involved and therefore I would hesitate recommending it to anyone younger than 16. However, I often use the techniques and methods described in the book when working with young students. As someone who has suffered from some performance anxiety I know how important it is to develop the right state of mind when playing or singing. The sense of freedom that comes from a relaxed yet concentrated mind and body is quite liberating. It is often a students desire to succeed which leads to anxiety and consequently to them making mistakes. Take that anxiety away, help them develop a new level of concentration and the results are immediate.
