Can the experiences of top athletes be transferred to the reality of artists? According to a new report from the University of Southern Denmark that shows how performance psychology interventions can strengthen artists' careers. "This is an important step towards more knowledge, and with this knowledge we can prevent and alleviate problems caused by the pressures that artists face as working conditions," says Sara Indrio, spokesperson for the artists.

Performers have to deliver their best again and again - and perform in front of a large audience. Top athletes know all about this pressure. Both athletes and artists are publicly judged on their performance and invest their personality in their work.

In the world of sport, athletes have been using psychological knowledge and mental training for many years. Many of the same approaches can be used to improve the performance environment that artists and musicians work in. The report 'Mental strength on the biggest stages' from the University of Southern Denmark focuses on how artists experience and handle pressure.

The report highlights the unavoidable working conditions that artists and music creators face, says lead author Sara Indrio.

"The artist doesn't only feel responsible for the artistic direction and that the show itself will be good that night. They often also carry the finances for all those who work around them. It's a lot of pressure. The perception that success depends on what you can personally manifest can be a huge burden for the artist. We haven't worked on this enough as an industry, as previous wellbeing surveys have shown. We need remedial and preventive measures, while at the same time going much deeper into the understanding of the vast area that sport calls performance psychology," she says.

Danish artists are hard at work

In the report, several Danish artists describe how the pressure manifests itself in their lives and careers. Based on these anonymous interviews, the researchers behind the report identify four factors that cause Danish artists to feel mentally strained.

  • Being about to or in the process of performing at a concert.
  • When developing and recording new songs.
  • Balancing everyday life as an artist.
  • Managing and meeting the demands of a commercialised music industry.

 

The music industry can learn from the sports world

In the world of sport, there is a lot of knowledge about how pressure affects athletes and what they can do to work with that pressure. In the world of music, there isn't much knowledge about performing and living with the pressures that come with being an artist.

The report also tests how knowledge from sports psychology can be transferred to work with top performers in music. Based on a programme for selected artists, the report concludes, among other things:

  • Sparring and community are important for well-being
    Sharing experiences and sparring with colleagues who are, or have been, at the same career level strengthens mental resilience.
  • Mental training and recharging
    Techniques to manage uncomfortable thoughts and focus on your values when working with music make a difference. Charging knowledge and strategy support a sustainable career.
  • Music does not require suffering
    The music industry myth that it takes suffering to create interesting music is not true. Wellbeing can lead to creativity.

What the industry needs to do to support artists

The report highlights how mental strength is essential for performing under pressure and managing expectations and has a number of recommendations for the music industry.

Among other things, it is recommended that performance psychology courses are created for artists to help them deal with the many types of pressure they experience in the music industry. Another important step forward would be to create "development environments, especially for younger artists, where they encounter communities of knowledge sharing, role models, psychological safety and access to expert help, and where key people have an eye on their well-being and long-term development," the report says.

Read the full report here: 'Mental strength on the biggest stages'

FACTS

Behind the report:
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has prepared the report in collaboration with music label The Bank and consultancy DoubleYou

Titled 'Mental strength on the biggest stages', the report explores how knowledge about performance and pressure can make a big difference for artists and musicians.