Individual Performance Coaching
Prepare for the performance, not only the music.
For high school, college, and adult musicians when nerves, overthinking, physical symptoms, or fear of mistakes keep interfering with performances they have prepared for.
When it keeps happening, it becomes hard to trust your preparation.
You know what you are capable of in practice and still find that something changes when it is time to perform.
You might:
Feel shaky, tense, or short of breath
Become focused on mistakes or what others may think
Question decisions that felt certain in practice
Pull back or struggle to recover when something changes
After several experiences like this, practicing more may no longer feel like the answer. Musical preparation and performance preparation are not always the same.
Performance preparation
can be practiced.
Mental performance skills can be learned, practiced, and adjusted before you need them in an audition or performance.
Understand the pattern
Recognize what changes in your attention, body, and playing when you feel heard or evaluated.
Practice new responses
Build attention, physical regulation, recovery, and performance routines into your preparation.
Apply and refine
Use the process in practice and performance, evaluate what happened, and make adjustments for what comes next.
Performance Coaching Grounded in the Realities of Being a Musician
I am an active cellist, former orchestra director, private teacher, and performance coach with graduate training in music performance, sport and performance psychology, and counseling.
I understand the difference between knowing the music and being able to access it when you are heard, evaluated, or performing in an unfamiliar environment.
Our work brings the musical and mental sides of preparation together so you can practice responding before the performance arrives.
Most new clients begin with one of the structured coaching options below.
Coaching Options and Investment
Four Session Coaching Series
(Recommended Starting Point)
50-minute sessions | $135 per session
Four sessions = $540
For musicians working toward a focused performance goal or beginning mental performance coaching for the first time.
I generally recommend starting with four sessions to identify patterns, build strategies, and begin applying them in preparation and performance. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly at first and completed within approximately six weeks.
The four-session series is a recommended starting structure, not a requirement to continue for all four sessions. We can reassess along the way based on progress and what is useful.
You do not need to select a coaching option before your consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals, timeline, and the level of support that fits.
Individual Sessions
50 minutes | $135
Individual sessions are also available when a shorter or more flexible approach is appropriate, including for returning clients and after an initial coaching series.
Longer 90-minute sessions or focused intensives may also be available when a specific goal, timeline, or upcoming performance would benefit from a more concentrated format. These options can be discussed during your consultation or our work together.
Eight Session Coaching Engagement
Eight 50 minute sessions | $1,040
For musicians who want a longer period of support to develop, practice, and apply mental performance skills across multiple performance experiences.
Sessions typically begin weekly and then move to every other week. The engagement is completed within 16 weeks.
Payment may be made in full or in two monthly payments of $520.
Coaching Works Best When
You or your musician:
Has a meaningful performance goal ahead
Has the musical foundation and instructional support needed for that goal
Wants to understand a recurring performance pattern
Is ready to practice and apply new skills between sessions
Mental performance coaching supports the performer’s preparation.
It does not replace music instruction or psychotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Coaching focuses on preparation, performance skills, and applying what you learn. It does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
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Virtual coaching is available to musicians nationwide. Limited in person sessions may be available in the Austin area.
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For musicians under 18, a parent or guardian participates in the initial consultation. Ongoing involvement is discussed based on the musician’s age and needs.
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We will discuss the musician’s goals, current performance concerns, and readiness for coaching. If coaching is a good fit, I will recommend the option that best supports the goal and timeline.
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The first step is scheduling a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, current challenges, and whether coaching appears to be a good fit.
If we decide to move forward, we’ll develop a coaching plan tailored to your goals and performance environment.
For musicians under 18, a parent or guardian is asked to join and participate in the initial consultation.
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No. Mental performance coaching is not psychotherapy and is not billed through health insurance.
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Yes. Coaching can complement music instruction or counseling when each professional has a clear and separate role. Coaching sessions remain focused on preparation, performance, and the development of mental performance skills.
Ready to Prepare Differently?
If you have a meaningful performance goal ahead and are ready to work on the mental side of your preparation, schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
We will discuss what has been happening, what you are preparing for, and whether coaching is the right next step.