Why Mental Wellness Is Important for Pianists

As a pianist, the emotional journey of creating music can often feel overwhelming. While I’ve dedicated countless hours to mastering technique and repertoire, it wasn't until I faced burnout that I truly understood the importance of mental wellness. (You can hear more about this experience in podcast episodes 3 and 4.) In this post, I’ll share five reasons mental wellness is crucial for pianists, incorporating personal experiences and research to illuminate how our mental health affects our music-making.

1. Enhanced Creativity

Mental wellness is deeply intertwined with creativity. When we are mentally healthy, we are more open to experimentation and expression in our music. A study published in the Journal of Creative Behavior suggests that a positive mental state enhances creative thinking and problem-solving skills (Baas et al., 2008).

Have you ever tried to be creative when you are in a place of complete exhaustion or in a depressive state? It is impossible to create when you are struggling to just exist. Caring for your mental well-being is also caring for your creativity. Both require nurturing and thrive when they are properly cared for.

Years ago, I noticed that when I was feeling particularly stressed, I found myself relying heavily on familiar pieces, feeling too drained to explore new repertoire. After taking a break – sometimes for several days – and allowed myself time to truly rest, I returned to the piano with fresh ideas and a renewed passion for creativity. The improvisations that followed were some of the most fulfilling moments of my musical journey.

2. Improved Focus and Concentration

Mental wellness plays a significant role in our ability to concentrate. For pianists, focusing on complex pieces can be challenging, especially when dealing with anxiety or stress. An article published in Cognitive Therapy and Researchindicates that mental health directly affects attention span and cognitive flexibility (Koster et al., 2010).

Learning to incorporate mindfulness meditation into my practice routine has markedly improved my ability to concentrate. It has taken time to learn how to accurately listen to my body and be aware of my mind’s cues that I need a break – or even to wrap up a practice session – but it has been worth the time and effort for the improvement in ability to focus.

3. Performance Anxiety Management

Performance anxiety is a common issue for many musicians, and mental wellness is key to managing it. A study in the Journal of Music Therapy found that techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can significantly reduce anxiety before performances (Bradt & Dileo, 2014). I realize that sounds highly academic and uninspiring, so allow me to include some ideas of how I have personally dealt with performance anxiety.

v  Video record run-throughs of pieces I am preparing for performance.

v  Play for a peer or colleague.

v  Practice on different pianos and at varying times of day.

v  Practice in the performance space as often as possible in the week before the performance.

v  Visualize the performance often and think through how I want each piece to sound.

v  Practice gentleness and graciousness with myself on days that I need to take a mental break from the music.

4. Resilience in the Face of Challenges

The journey of a pianist is filled with ups and downs, from mastering difficult pieces to facing criticism. Mental wellness fosters resilience, allowing us to bounce back from setbacks. According to a study published in Psychological Bulletin, resilience can be developed through positive mental health practices, which help us navigate life’s challenges (Bonanno, 2004).

Not every performance will be perfect. In fact, most will not. (Truth be told, I don’t know that I have ever given a flawless performance!) Some performances, however, I have simply wanted to forget. After one such performance during my DMA, I was devastated by how badly I had played. This was such an opportunity for growth! One of the biggest life lessons I have learned from being a pianist is learning to view criticism as the key to personal and professional improvement.

In this scenario, resilience is key. Some days were easier than others when it came to accepting criticism, but it was so important for me to learn to embrace challenges rather than fear them.

5. Overall Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Lastly, mental wellness contributes significantly to overall well-being and life satisfaction. For musicians, who often face unique pressures, prioritizing mental health is essential for long-term happiness. Research published in the Journal of Happiness Studiesemphasizes that mental wellness is a key component of overall life satisfaction (Diener, 2000).

As I was leaving a rather impactful therapy session, my therapist said, “Go forth and be human.” WHAT??? I was being given permission to be human? This was a brand-new concept to me! But think about it… we are so conditioned to constantly be producing that we forget we are humans first. We are humans before we are pianists. We are humans before we are musicians. We are humans first. Always. And that, my friends, is beautiful.

Key Takeaways

1. Creativity Flourishes with Mental Wellness: A positive mental state enhances creativity, encouraging exploration in music.

2. Focus and Concentration Improve: Mindfulness practices can help pianists maintain attention during practice and performance.

3. Resilience is Key: Building mental resilience enables pianists to navigate challenges and setbacks more effectively.

In conclusion, mental wellness is essential for pianists, impacting everything from creativity to performance anxiety. By prioritizing our mental health, we not only enhance our musical abilities but also cultivate a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with our art. Let’s commit to nurturing our mental wellness, recognizing it as a vital aspect of our journey as musicians.

Take care, my friends.

-      Christina