BBC RADIO 3 | BBC TV PROMS EXTRA | VERBIER FESTIVAL | YALE SCHOOL OF MUSIC | SWEDISH RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | NORWEGIAN MUSIC ACADEMY | CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | YEHUDI MENUIN SCHOOL | LEEDS INTENATIONAL APIANO COMPETITION | BAPAM
What is Performance Coaching?
Most musicians know the feeling: you practise at home and it sounds good. Then you get in front of people and something changes. Performance coaching is about understanding what gets in the way, and clearing it. Most people are surprised at how much shifts, easily and quickly, often without any extra practising.
“I didn’t realise I could be so happy performing. The change has been incredible! Charlotte gave me the best coaching I have ever had.”
MAGDALENA GEKA
INTERNATIONAL CONCERT VIOLINIST
How the process works
We start by talking about what is happening, and then we explore it together. I listen closely to how you play and to what you say about playing. The work is specific to you, what is getting in the way and what to do about it.
"It was a real eye opener! Charlotte’s session gave me a greater awareness of the interaction between my body and the oboe. Freeing myself physically gave me more breath so I could play longer phrases andimprove dthe sound I produced"
BENGT ROSENGREN
PRINCIPAL OBOE, SWEDISH RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
GETTING TO THE ROOT OF IT
- Understand exactly what is getting in the way
- Find what your body is telling you
-Build strategies that are specific to you
YOUR BODY AND YOUR INSTRUMENT
- Work more freely and efficiently at the instrument
- Understand the physical causes of technical problems
- Protect yourself from strain and long-term injury
IN PERFORMANCE
- Feel more at ease and present on stage
- Learn what to do with nerves and self-doubt
- Handle mishaps and the unexpected with confidence
THE MUSIC
- Work more freely and efficiently at the instrument
- Understand the physical causes of technical problems
- Protect yourself from strain and long-term injury
Sessions
One-to-one coaching
Sessions are an hour and held either online or in person. A single session may be enough, but ongoing work is often needed. Typically between one and four sessions gives a musician the tools and strategies to make very good progress, provided they put in the work between sessions. Everything is confidential.
Short-term intensive coaching
Some professional musicians find it useful to have my exclusive attention over the course of a whole day or several days. A violinist preparing for orchestra leader positions worked with me intensively for three days; a pianist from Oslo spent two days preparing repertoire for concerto performances. It has also worked well for soloists wanting to take stock between tours.
All work is entirely confidential.
One-to-one after a masterclass
There is also the option for individuals to have a one-to-one session after a talk or masterclass I deliver for music departments, conservatoires and orchestras. These sessions give a musician a snapshot diagnosis of a core problem they are facing, and practical steps towards a solution.
What musicians say
More about performance coaching
Performance Anxiety
Practical help when nerves get in the way.
Rehabilitation
RSI, tendonitis and playing related injuries.
Musicians in the Public Eye
Confidential support for high-profile musicians.
Chamber Ensembles
Coaching for groups and ensembles
My newsletter
Monthly reflections on performance, teaching and the inner life of a musician. Read by performers and teachers worldwide