In Search of Perfection – The Need for Self-Compassion in Music Performance Education

Abstract

In the search for perfection, musicians can often be extremely harsh on themselves. When teaching, there is a genuine possibility that this self-treatment can be transferred to students. By using self-compassion as a personal resource, musicians can fostera healthier relationship with themselves without relinquishing their search for perfection. Self-compassion entails self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. This article reflects on the concept of self-compassion within the performing arts world by describing model, contrary, related, and borderline cases. Concept analysis was employed to illustrate how performing musicians could draw on the concept of self-compassion. Preliminary findings show that self-compassion could be a valuable tool for performing musicians to assist them in alleviating performance anxiety and general feelings of self-doubt. I argue that by applying the concept of self-compassion in their practicing routine, performing musicians can improve their general psychological health -giving them a different approach to performing. Treating oneself with more self-compassion can also lead to more compassionate teaching practices. Self-compassion can greatly help performers lessen the pressure that they place on themselves to achieve unattainable perfection.