Now that we’re clarified that performing music doesn’t have to be a really scary thing, what are the benefits? First of all, performing gives students something to work towards during their lessons. Not only that, it gives them something to show for them. After months and months of practicing, students should have something to show off! A performance, no matter how big or small, really gives students a sense of motivation and accomplishment from their music lessons.

In addition, students learn different skills when performing that they just don’t learn during a lesson. This includes:

• Overcoming and learning from mistakes
• Managing nerves and anxiety

There are many challenges students face when learning an instrument, but performing truly tests their ability to overcome and learn from their mistakes. Professional musicians are not excluded from making mistakes (I tell my students—even Lady Gaga makes mistakes!), but rather, professional musicians have perfected the art of managing nerves and overcoming their mistakes quickly! The experience of knowing you have to keep going no matter what when performing truly teaches students how to manage their nerves, not be too hard on themselves, and overcome challenges in the moment. We realize when we perform that music lies in the way we create it, not in the mistakes we make while creating it. It’s truly freeing to think this way!