Peak Performance & State Regulation Questionnaire for Musicians
Section 1: Understanding Your Performance States
1. How would you describe your typical mental and physical state before a performance, audition, or recording session?
- Calm and focused
- Slightly anxious but manageable
- Very nervous or tense
- Overwhelmed to the point of physical discomfort
2. Do you notice fluctuations in your focus, confidence, or physical control while performing?
- Rarely – I feel steady and consistent
- Sometimes – I have moments of strong focus but also lapses
- Frequently – My level of focus and control is unpredictable
3. During high-pressure moments (e.g., live performance, solo passages, auditions), which of the following do you experience? (Check all that apply)
- Physical symptoms (shaking hands, tight jaw, dry mouth)
- Mental chatter (overanalysing, self-doubt, losing presence)
- Breathing issues (shallow, erratic, or breath-holding)
- Inconsistent technique (losing bow control, embouchure tightness, voice cracking, etc.)
- Feeling disconnected (autopilot, struggling to express musically)
4. After a demanding performance, how long does it take for you to mentally and physically recover?
- I feel refreshed and ready quickly
- I need some downtime but recover by the next day
- I feel exhausted or mentally drained for days
Section 2: Your Current Strategies for State Regulation
5. What methods do you currently use to prepare for performances? (Check all that apply)
- Breathwork or meditation
- Physical warm-up (stretching, movement, posture work)
- Mental rehearsal or visualization
- Caffeine, beta-blockers, or other aids
- Nothing specific – I just go for it
6. How do you manage mid-performance stress or nervousness?
- I have a structured technique to regain focus
- I use quick mental or breathing resets
- I try to push through but feel tension build up
- I often feel my body/mind working against me
7. At the end of a performance or long practice session, how do you recover?
- I have a structured wind-down routine (breathwork, stretching, mindfulness, etc.)
- I use distractions (social media, TV, alcohol, etc.) to relax
- I struggle to switch off and often replay mistakes in my head
Section 3: Exploring New Approaches to Peak Performance
8. Have you ever used breathwork techniques to enhance focus, manage performance anxiety, or recover after playing?
- Yes, regularly
- Yes, but only occasionally
- No, but I’m curious
- No, I don’t think breathwork would help my playing
9. If you could improve one aspect of your performance state, what would it be?
- Managing pre-performance anxiety and nerves
- Sustaining deep musical focus for longer periods
- Staying relaxed and expressive under pressure
- Recovering faster, preventing mental and physical fatigue
10. Would you be interested in a tailored breathwork strategy to optimize your performance, focus, and recovery?
- Yes, I want to learn how breathwork can enhance my playing
- Maybe, I’d like to understand more before committing
- No, I don’t see breathwork as relevant to my musical performance
Next Steps
Based on your responses, we can create a customised breathwork protocol to help you:
✔ Regulate performance anxiety and tension for a more fluid and expressive performance
✔ Develop breath control for phrasing, endurance, and resonance
✔ Enter and sustain flow state during playing
✔ Recover faster after demanding rehearsals and performances
Would you like to schedule a 15-minute consultation to explore how breathwork could support your musical goals?
1. How would you describe your typical mental and physical state before a performance, audition, or recording session?
- Calm and focused
- Slightly anxious but manageable
- Very nervous or tense
- Overwhelmed to the point of physical discomfort
2. Do you notice fluctuations in your focus, confidence, or physical control while performing?
- Rarely – I feel steady and consistent
- Sometimes – I have moments of strong focus but also lapses
- Frequently – My level of focus and control is unpredictable
3. During high-pressure moments (e.g., live performance, solo passages, auditions), which of the following do you experience? (Check all that apply)
- Physical symptoms (shaking hands, tight jaw, dry mouth)
- Mental chatter (overanalysing, self-doubt, losing presence)
- Breathing issues (shallow, erratic, or breath-holding)
- Inconsistent technique (losing bow control, embouchure tightness, voice cracking, etc.)
- Feeling disconnected (autopilot, struggling to express musically)
4. After a demanding performance, how long does it take for you to mentally and physically recover?
- I feel refreshed and ready quickly
- I need some downtime but recover by the next day
- I feel exhausted or mentally drained for days
Section 2: Your Current Strategies for State Regulation
5. What methods do you currently use to prepare for performances? (Check all that apply)
- Breathwork or meditation
- Physical warm-up (stretching, movement, posture work)
- Mental rehearsal or visualization
- Caffeine, beta-blockers, or other aids
- Nothing specific – I just go for it
6. How do you manage mid-performance stress or nervousness?
- I have a structured technique to regain focus
- I use quick mental or breathing resets
- I try to push through but feel tension build up
- I often feel my body/mind working against me
7. At the end of a performance or long practice session, how do you recover?
- I have a structured wind-down routine (breathwork, stretching, mindfulness, etc.)
- I use distractions (social media, TV, alcohol, etc.) to relax
- I struggle to switch off and often replay mistakes in my head
Section 3: Exploring New Approaches to Peak Performance
8. Have you ever used breathwork techniques to enhance focus, manage performance anxiety, or recover after playing?
- Yes, regularly
- Yes, but only occasionally
- No, but I’m curious
- No, I don’t think breathwork would help my playing
9. If you could improve one aspect of your performance state, what would it be?
- Managing pre-performance anxiety and nerves
- Sustaining deep musical focus for longer periods
- Staying relaxed and expressive under pressure
- Recovering faster, preventing mental and physical fatigue
10. Would you be interested in a tailored breathwork strategy to optimize your performance, focus, and recovery?
- Yes, I want to learn how breathwork can enhance my playing
- Maybe, I’d like to understand more before committing
- No, I don’t see breathwork as relevant to my musical performance
Next Steps
Based on your responses, we can create a customised breathwork protocol to help you:
✔ Regulate performance anxiety and tension for a more fluid and expressive performance
✔ Develop breath control for phrasing, endurance, and resonance
✔ Enter and sustain flow state during playing
✔ Recover faster after demanding rehearsals and performances
Would you like to schedule a 15-minute consultation to explore how breathwork could support your musical goals?