Performance Under Pressure

21/05/2026

It's been a pretty hectic past few weeks, starting with a brass quintet recording of a brand new composition, 'Bamurrungu' by performed by . 🍎

Next came something completely different, with my family putting me through my paces to do the Mother's Day Classic along the Bellerive foreshore. 🥵

Then last week I flew to Canberra to work with and at the , talking about all things peak performance! 💪

We also had a discussion with the passionate team at , talking about how to engage and motivate their singers and grow their business. 👏

Then the big highlight was presenting at the National Conference, and joining them for performances at the and . 🩷

Now I'm back to work with the and the this week! 👍

No wonder I feel tired... 🥱😴

What performances do you have this week? 🎶

24/04/2026

Is there still stigma behind musicians using beta blockers for performances and auditions? What do you think?

Find out some of the underlying factors involved in the use of beta blockers from Dr Penelope Bergen's latest research project, Substance use in Australian orchestras.

Do you openly discuss beta-blocker use in your music community? In a 2024 scoping study led by Dr Penelope Bergen (UNSW Canberra School of Business), it reve...

18/04/2026

In a 2024 scoping study led by Dr Penelope Bergen (UNSW Canberra School of Business), it revealed that 54% of surveyed musicians in Australian orchestras used substances to manage Music Performance Anxiety, with beta blockers being the most common.

In this short clip, we'll find out the reason why Dr Bergen started this research project. 👏

What are your thoughts about substance use in musical settings? Is it just a part of handling the pressures of performing, or is there something else going on under the surface?

17/04/2026

Is taking beta blockers for performances or auditions considered "cheating"?

This was one of the interesting questions asked of Dr Penelope Bergen in my recent interview. Check out her answer in the comments! 😊👇

19/03/2026

Last week I had an amazing time on residency at the music department, alongside superstar music educator .keenan17.

To kick off the week, I started with a teacher PD on Building Culture within the Mount Lawley Music Program. We focused on clarifying the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Music Department, and how the 3-Legged Chair (Students, Teachers, and Parents) can be strengthened through the framework of Self-Determination Theory (the theory of intrinsic motivation). 💪

Throughout the week I lead daily sessions with the students on topics ranging from effective practice frameworks, Music Performance Anxiety, developing a strong performance mindset, Learning How To Learn Music, as well as other discussions and workshops on all things music-making. 🎶

It's always a pleasure to work alongside great students and colleagues, so this week was a lot of fun! 👏 It was also wonderful to see some beautiful Perth sunsets ☀️ and catch up with some friends "out West" 🍻, especially my former trumpet teacher from primary school, Tim Simpson! .simpson.oz 🎺 Let's hope it's not another 30+ years between our next catch up!

Special thanks to and for welcoming me into their music department at Mount Lawley, hope to do it all again soon! 😊👍

06/03/2026

Want to find out how to practise efficiently and effectively? Write PRACTICE in the comments for my free booklet 👇

27/02/2026

The memories come flooding back...

Last night we had another incredible concert with the and .official

This concert was pretty special for me, as my first ever concert with the TSO was with the Whitlams back in 2010! 👏

After that show I went out and bought several of the band's CD's (in the old days before digital streaming - yes, I am that old!), and played them ad nauseum on my train trips around Melbourne, where I was living at the time.

Their songs became part of the soundtrack of my life, so having the opportunity to perform with the band again was amazing! 🤩

It was also pretty funny that they played "Blow Up The Pokies" in a casino! 😂😉

What songs make up the soundtrack of your life? Share your favourites in the comments 👇

21/02/2026

I always have to get "dressed up" for performances, but it's not often I get to dress up as Luigi! 😁

Fun Video Gaming concert with the this week! 👏👍

📷 Credit: Mel Wilkinson

19/01/2026

Enjoying the last day of holidays at before heading back to work this week at the

Looking forward to a big 2026. I hope you have a great year ahead! 😊👏 🎺 🎶

24/12/2025

From my family to yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and fulfilling 2026! 🥳

It's been another huge year for Performance Under Pressure, and one I am incredibly grateful for. 😄

In 2025 I was fortunate to:
- Visit over 25 schools and organisations in 6 different states and territories throughout the year (W.A. and the N.T. I'll be coming to you soon!) ✈️
- Deliver dozens of presentations and workshops around Australia, both in-person and online. 👏
- Help and inspire thousands of musicians to develop and improve their music preparation, practise, and performance. 👍

I'm really looking forward to another big year next year, but right now it's time for a well-earned rest, and to enjoy the festive season with friends and family. ❤️

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year period, and I'll see you in 2026! Cheers 🥂🎶