How musicians and athletes could learn from each other when it comes to coping with stress

Willis, Simone ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3949-7651, Woolridge, Bradley and Mellick, Mikel 2018. How musicians and athletes could learn from each other when it comes to coping with stress. The Conversation 2018 (1 Mar)

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Abstract

Classical musicians and elite athletes might not appear to have much in common. One is concerned with artistry, the other with physicality. But whether they are on the stage or the pitch, holding a violin or football, there is a constant pressure for them to perform under the spotlight. This ongoing stress can mean both classical musicians and elite athletes face similar mental health challenges, which may not be immediately apparent to their fans and followers. Musicians may play physically demanding instruments, commit to heavy rehearsal and performance schedules, experience unstable employment and endure constant audience and peer criticism. Athletes, on the other hand, play physically demanding sports with heavy training schedules, and endure criticism from spectators and the media week after week. Obviously there are similar positive aspects to reaching the highest levels of both sport and classical music. Pursuing a passion to such a stage is an incredible achievement. The physical expression, artistry – even fame – is something that some can only dream of. But even these upsides can contribute to the pressure to perform.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Academic & Student Support Service
Publisher:	The Conversation Trust
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2024 10:09
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/165944

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