Testimonials
Meet some of my clients!
Katherine Thompson MA
As a fellow teacher, I have found Fiona’s ‘Peak Performance Coaching’ course to be invaluable, empowering and very well structured. It includes the Alexander Technique, visualisation and breathing exercises, amongst others, to use as tools to mentally prepare for a performance or exam. The course has given me a more in-depth understanding of the psychology of anxiety and has further equipped me with very effective strategies to overcome performance anxiety. Using these ideas in lessons with my students will enable them to build up their own set of skills and prepare them to positively deal with the different situations they are faced with. It will give them the confidence to enjoy performing, rather than dreading it and being overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. Another great advantage is that these techniques can also be applied to help with any kind of anxiety.
The course also gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other teachers which I really enjoyed. Fiona is very professional, friendly and supportive in leading the course.
Mignon M
“I recently undertook piano performance coaching with Fiona as part of a group session and was impressed by the depth of expertise and the clarity of guidance provided. The sessions offered not only practical strategies for managing memory and stage presence, but also invaluable insights into the psychology of performance. The coaching was profressional and focused with clear shared outcomes and an opportunity to perform. I left each session with concrete techniques that have significantly enhanced my playing. It included techniques around visualisation, breathing, stage presence and also warm and supportive feedback. And much more. A truly enriching and transformative experience.”
Diane S
“I am an older piano student studying for Grade 4 and joined Fiona’s group to help me with exam performance issues that consumed me.
Each of the 8 modules offered new perspective, encouragement, positive assistance for solid outcomes. Relaxation, Visualization, Breathing, Thinking Up all helped calm me and stop my performance panic. The option to play live for the group or do a recording as part of overcoming performance anxiety was a huge benefit, with the post performance comments in support incredibly helpful.
I was part of a group comprising several seasoned instrument and voice musicians who inspired me and now I no longer dread playing for an audience. Using all the excellent tools provided by Fiona in Poised to Play I feel positive and empowered.
A marvelous training series that is producing positive results. So encouraging.”
Kate S
I recently completed Fiona’s course on overcoming performance anxiety for adults and I’ve taken so many amazing things away from it.
A little background - I learnt to play the piano as a child, but had always suffered from nerves when I played in front of people (shaking hands, loss of focus, playing at a much lower standard than during practice sessions). At the time, this stopped me from taking my playing to a higher level - in my head, I couldn’t be a good musician if I couldn’t play in front of people. But as I’ve grown older and had people ask me on occasion to play for them, I’ve felt sad not to be able to share my music with them.
Throughout her 8 week course, Fiona has helped me to challenge my self-limiting beliefs and understand that performance anxiety is something that can be overcome. She has given me an understanding of the psychology behind performance anxiety as well as a number of exercises that have helped not only with musical performance but also with day-to-day stresses.
During the course, there are opportunities to perform (always optional; live or recorded) and I’ve felt my confidence grow with each opportunity. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m now feeling excited about performing and can now see a day where I enjoy performing in front of people.
Thank you, Fiona, for opening a door that I thought was closed to me.
“I enjoyed the opportunities to perform!
(Ava, aged 15)
I liked finding out what goes on inside your brain when you are practicing and performing.
(Isla, aged 10)
The course covered lots of different aspects of performance preparation and each session was different. As well as helping my children with their musical performances, they have gained knowledge and techniques that will help them with lots of other aspects of school and life.” (Mum, Amy)
“Megan played towards the end of the programme in her teacher’s Summer concert, which previously would have given her a lot of time to get anxious. Instead, she sat very calmly in the audience and I could see that she was doing some of the exercises from the course. During her playing, her sheet music blew off the piano. Before your course, Megan would have completely fallen apart and become very upset. This time she didn’t. She picked up where the faltered and carried on, receiving congratulations from a few strangers in the audience.
She also used the techniques outside of musical performances, keeping calm for her year-end exams; her results were excellent.
All of this is testament to the excellent techniques you have shared within your course. Thank you for giving Megan and increase in confidence which she can carry forward into her adult life.” Mum, Sue
Megan, aged 15
“I had almost given up hope of enjoying performing and wondered if my increasingly nervous state was simply part of aging that I would have to tolerate. Either that or avoid situations that made me feel uncomfortable.
I’m so glad I met Fiona and signed up for this course. I have learned to recognise signs of tension, change patterns of negative thoughts and cope with sudden rushes of adrenaline. The benefits are reaching way beyond performance and into everyday life with all its’ challenges. I can’t recommend this course enough.”
Helen C
“The course really helped in the run up to my daughter’s Grade 8 exams by giving her some great techniques to focus, relax and overcome anxiety.” Mum, Sally
Olivia, aged 16
“Thank you so much for the support and encouragement - she told me the other day that playing piano makes her feel “bubbly inside” and a big part of that is how comfortable and empowered you make her feel. She’s very lucky to have such a great teacher.” Dad, Jonny
Mia, aged 12
"A truly enriching and transformative experience" Mignon M. "Using all the excellent tools provided by Fiona in Poised to Play I feel positive and empowered" Diane S.
"A truly enriching and transformative experience" Mignon M. "Using all the excellent tools provided by Fiona in Poised to Play I feel positive and empowered" Diane S.
