Many talented children practise for hours. But when the moment arrives to perform…

• Their hands shake
• Their mind goes blank
• Their confidence disappears

Parents often assume this means their child lacks confidence or talent.

But in reality…

Performance anxiety is incredibly common — and it can be understood and managed.

In this workshop, we explore the psychology behind performance anxiety and show students how they can learn to perform confidently even when nerves are present.

What This Workshop Teaches

During this workshop we explore three powerful ideas that help performers regain control of their mindset.

1️⃣Understanding Performance Anxiety

We begin by understanding what performance anxiety actually is and why it develops in situations where we are being observed or evaluated.  

When students understand this, their anxiety immediately becomes less mysterious and less overwhelming.

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2️⃣ How the Brain Can Change

Students learn about neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to create new pathways and strengthen helpful thinking patterns.  

This means confidence is not a personality trait.

It is something that can be developed through deliberate practice.

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3️⃣ Practical Techniques for Performing With Confidence

Students are introduced to practical strategies that help them perform despite nerves, including:

👉 Diffusion techniques that separate anxious thoughts from reality
👉 A Performance Experiment Process that teaches students how to practise the art of performing
👉 A deeper reflection exercise called Immunity to Change, which helps older students identify the hidden beliefs that hold them back  

These techniques help students gradually build the mental habits required for confident performance.

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A Powerful Shift

One of the most important ideas students learn is this: Feeling nervous and performing confidently are not opposites.

Students learn how to create space between their emotions and their ability to perform, allowing them to move forward even when nerves are present.  

This is often a breakthrough moment for many performers.

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About Jo-Anne

Hi, I'm Jo, founder of The Confidence Factory.

I’ve spent over 30 years teaching music and working with young performers.

Earlier in my own life I struggled deeply with performance anxiety and confidence challenges.

Through years of research and working with students, I began developing practical approaches that help performers understand their thinking patterns and build real confidence.

Today I share these ideas through The Confidence Factory so young performers can develop the mindset needed to perform at their best.

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 Who This Workshop Is For You if:

• your child gets nervous before performances or exams
• they practise well but struggle under pressure
• you want to support them without adding more stress

Designed for parents and young performers who want practical tools for managing performance anxiety.

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 What You'll Leave With

After this workshop, participants will:

👌Understand what performance anxiety is, why it occurs & what is happening in your child's thinking

👌 Learn practical tools you can start using straight away

👌 Discover how to practise the skill of performing — not just practising the music
👌 Begin developing a mindset that supports confident performance

If your child loves performing but struggles with nerves, this workshop will help them begin developing the mindset needed for confident performance.

Help My Child Perform with Confidence