The drive for perfection or excellence?
I have just worked with a musician, a flautist, who struggles with what so many musicians struggle with.
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Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jan 31
Curiosity, fascination and exploration in practice
My latest Oxford Piano Weekend took place in the middle of January and was a happy, fulfilling event. One topic we explored was the...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Dec 21, 2022
How the Balinese approach performance
I am currently writing this blog from Ubud, Bali, where I have been for the last three weeks. I made a very sudden decision in...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Oct 28, 2022
The importance of moving through nerves in a safe and public performing space
This last week I have been working back at the conservatoires again, for almost the first time since 2019. Something that had become so...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Sep 29, 2022
Stopping the mental chatter: how to focus in practice
When I am busy with a lot on my mind, it’s easy for my practice to suffer. Even with the best of intentions I can be off in the world of...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Aug 26, 2022
The story behind Piano Freedom: online video course for pianists
The story behind Piano Freedom: online video course for pianists Having had a distressing brush with tendonitis when I was a...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jul 29, 2022
Managing nerves during demanding performances
Managing nerves during demanding performances Sam was attempting to play a difficult Beethoven piano sonata on stage in front of his...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jun 24, 2022
Connecting the root of physical pain & tension to emotions
Connecting the root of physical pain & tension to emotions Recently I worked with a string player who explained that the thumb on her bow...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- May 27, 2022
More thoughts about the core
More thoughts about the core I find it fascinating that musicians so rarely talk about the importance of the core performance of music....
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Mar 22, 2022
Interview Part 3: Presenting symptoms of performance anxiety in musicians
A year ago, I was interviewed by Serena Paese, a Music Psychology PhD candidate at University of York, who will be using some of the...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Feb 28, 2022
Interview Part 2: Presenting symptoms of performance anxiety in musicians
A year ago, I was interviewed by Serena Paese, a Music Psychology PhD candidate at University of York, who will be using some of the...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jan 31, 2022
Interview Part 1: Presenting symptoms of performance anxiety in musicians
A year ago, I was interviewed by Serena Paese, a Music Psychology PhD candidate at University of York, who will be using some of the...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Dec 21, 2021
Funny musical videos
A musician friend sent out a wonderful musical Advent calendar this year with a funny video for each day. I have picked a few to lift the...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Oct 13, 2021
My life of writing fiction: Skakoon
Skakoon: A magical adventure story for 9-12 year olds I want to let you know a bit about my other life: writing fiction. I have spent a...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Oct 6, 2021
Musicians and Trauma: finding emotional safety
Last night I watched a very inspiring documentary film called The Wisdom of Trauma with the focus on the pioneering work of Gabor Mate....
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jul 22, 2021
Preparation and focus: positively impacted by having our own views
A young professional came for a session recently and his main concern was preparation. He said he was very comfortable when it came to...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jul 20, 2021
Performance anxiety, fallibility and lucky charms
Performance anxiety: a couple of examples of contributing factors My performance coaching work at different schools, universities and...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Jun 16, 2021
How musicians have managed lockdowns - an article for International Piano Magazine
I wrote an article in May for the International Piano Magazine about how three British pianists, Tom Poster, Mark Viner and Joanna...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- May 12, 2021
The benefits of nature and taking space
Tiptoeing out of restrictions The world is slowly but surely starting to wake up from a rather unique form of slumber. Global lockdowns...
Charlotte Tomlinson
- Apr 21, 2021
Perfectionism is a tough task master
Spring is in its full glory here in the UK, and we’ve had the most glorious weather over the last couple of weeks. There has been a nip...
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