What Athletes and Musicians Can Teach Each Other
- Dr Vernice Richards
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Perspective From A Mental Performance Therapist
When you think about an elite athlete, a world-class musician (performing artist), they may seem like they exist in completely different worlds. One thrives on physical endurance, speed, and strength, while the other is focused on precision, expression, and artistry.
But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll realize they have more in common than meets the eye.
Both operate under immense pressure, both dedicate their lives to mastering their craft, and both experience the highs of peak performance and the lows of performance anxiety.
As a mental performance therapist, I’ve worked with both groups and noticed something interesting...athletes and musicians can actually learn a lot from each other.
The skills, attitudes, and mindsets that make one group excel often hold valuable lessons for the other.
What They Share? Performance Anxiety and Mental Toughness
Athletes and musicians both know what it’s like to perform under pressure. The stadium or concert hall may be different, but the feeling is the same, the rush of adrenaline, the fear of making a mistake, and the desire to perform at their absolute best.
Performance anxiety isn’t just about nerves, it's in fact an umbrella term that encompasses; managing self-doubt, expectations, and the mental noise that can sabotage a great performance.
Both groups develop mental toughness, but they approach it in different ways.
Athletes often rely on routines, visualization, and physical preparation to get into the zone. Musicians, on the other hand, lean heavily on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and practice to build confidence.
The sweet spot? A combination of both. Athletes can benefit from musicians' emphasis on presence and expression, while musicians can take a page from athletes’ playbook on structured preparation and resilience.
What Musicians Can Learn from Athletes
Recovery is Key
Athletes understand the importance of rest and recovery. Training too hard without breaks leads to burnout and injury. Musicians, however, often practice for hours on end without considering how repetitive strain, mental fatigue, and lack of recovery impact their performance. Incorporating intentional rest and physical conditioning can help musicians avoid injuries and sustain their careers longer.
Train Like a Competitor
Athletes don’t just practice their skills; they simulate game-day conditions. They train under pressure, replicate competition settings, and work on mental conditioning to prepare for the unpredictable. Musicians, who often practice alone in a controlled environment, can benefit from incorporating more “live performance” simulations to develop resilience under pressure.
Physical Training Enhances Performance
Athletes know that strength and conditioning improve performance, yet many musicians neglect physical fitness. Stronger muscles, better posture, and increased stamina can drastically improve endurance during long performances. Incorporating physical training into a musician’s routine can boost both physical and mental performance.
What Athletes Can Learn from Musicians
Mastering the Art of Flow
Musicians spend years developing their ability to enter a flow state, where movement and creativity become effortless. Athletes chase the same feeling, i.e. being “in the zone”, but often through intensity rather than fluidity. Learning to tap into rhythm, breathing, and relaxation techniques can help athletes unlock a new level of performance ease.
Embracing Emotion in Performance
Athletes are trained to control their emotions, often suppressing fear, frustration, or excitement to maintain focus. Musicians, on the other hand, channel their emotions into their performance. Athletes who learn to use their emotions constructively, rather than fight them, can develop a deeper connection with their sport and a greater ability to perform under pressure.
Long-Term Consistency Over Short-Term Intensity
Musicians know that mastering an instrument is about slow, deliberate practice over years, not just grinding through a single hard session. Many athletes push themselves too hard, too fast, leading to burnout or injury. By adopting the musician’s mindset of steady, intentional progress, athletes can sustain peak performance for longer.
Connecting the Dots
Athletes and musicians may take different paths, but their ultimate goal is the same, to perform at their best when it matters most.
The key takeaway?
Athletes can teach musicians the power of structured preparation, physical conditioning, and recovery. The discipline of training, strategic rest, and mental resilience in sports can help musicians sustain their energy and endurance for peak performances.
Musicians can teach athletes the importance of creativity, flow, and emotional connection. The ability to tap into rhythm, adaptability, and artistic expression can help athletes refine their intuition and perform with greater fluidity under pressure.
No matter what your performance arena looks like, the best in the world are always evolving.
Whether you’re lacing up your cleats or tuning your violin, there’s always an opportunity to refine your craft by learning from those who excel in a different domain.
So, whether you're an athlete or a musician, the next time you watch a game or attend a concert, think about what’s happening beyond the surface, you just might find a new strategy to elevate your own performance.
Want to Connect the Dots in Your Performance? As an Athlete or as a Performance Artist?
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