Music ensembles as a model for collaboration? What teams can learn from music – and vice versa
Music ensembles demonstrate how collaboration can succeed under pressure: through shared leadership, nonverbal communication, trust, and a collective response to disruptions. At the same time, ensembles, music colleges, academies, and festivals can benefit from organizational psychology—for example, through psychological safety, a reflective approach to power dynamics, a culture of feedback, supervision, and formats specifically designed to foster connection and collaboration
The Invisible Burden: Psychological Strain and Mental Health Among Musicians
Musicians often face substantial pressure: stage fright, the expectation to perform perfectly, and questions about one's identity beyond the instrument. Building on the Vulnerability-Stress Model, I examine biological, psychological, and social factors that foster strain — such as perfectionism, financial insecurity, irregular working hours, and stressful life experiences. I sketch typical patterns of burden and show their effects on performances, relationships, and careers.
Schemata in Musicians: Reflecting Psychological Patterns and Strengthening Self-Competence
By reflecting on and constructively working with these long-standing patterns in experience, communication, and action, we can not only enhance academic and career success but also improve quality of life and relationships—both professionally and personally. This article explores the most common psychological patterns (schemata) in musicians and how schema work can help identify and transform them.
Music as Medicine – Between Science and Myth
Music has always had a profound impact on humans. It can evoke emotions, trigger memories, and put us in different moods. But can music also heal? The idea of music as medicine is not new, yet current research increasingly provides scientific evidence for its therapeutic potential. At the same time, it is important to maintain a critical distance from esoteric trends, which often make unfounded claims of healing.
This blog post explores the evidence-based use of music as med
The Greatest Hits of Inner Critics in Musicians – and How to Quiet Them
The sentence “I’m not good enough” is a persistent inner critic among musicians. It shows up again and again – during practice, on stage, or in comparison with others.
This article explores the psychological roots of inner critics in musicians, why positive affirmations often fall short, and which effective techniques can truly help.
Emotional Intelligence: The Underrated Superpower of Musicians
In einer Welt, die immer komplexer wird, suchen viele Menschen nach Wegen, um beruflich und privat besser zurechtzukommen. Musiker:innen sind dabei keine Ausnahme. Egal ob im Proberaum, auf der Bühne oder im Umgang mit sich selbst – neben Technik, Ausdruck und Disziplin braucht es oft noch etwas ganz anderes: Emotionale Intelligenz.
"There's a Spark" - The Neurochemistry of Music
Hast du dich jemals gefragt, warum Musik dich so glücklich macht oder beruhigt? Musik beeinflusst dein Gehirn auf erstaunliche Weise – sowoh
Beyond the Notes: Empathy and Communication in Successful Chamber Music
This article explores the profound impact of empathy and effective communication on chamber music ensembles. Discover how reflecting on...
Psychologists for Musicians: Why They Are Indispensable and How They Help Manage Mental Pressure and Performance Stress
Music is more than just art – it is often a lifelong commitment that can bring enormous physical, mental, social, and familial challenges. In this intense environment, mental health plays a crucial role, and this is where psychologists for musicians come in. But why are there specialized psychologists for musicians, and what sets them apart from related professionals? Dr. Teresa Wenhart - acknowledged Psychologist, Schemacoach, CAS Music Performance Why Do We Need Specific P
Five important Brain Networks for musical creativity and how to activate them
Musical Creativity - as demanded, for example, in improvisation and composition - is a fascinating ability enabled by our brain in...
Musical Memory - How to remember more faster with the Seahorse
How can one memorize musical pieces more quickly and retain more details from the sheet music? What is the best approach to learning in...
Attention - The Underestimated Cognitive Skill in Music Performance
Attentional Blink, Change Blindness, and the Monkey Illusion - Concentration plays a crucial role in practicing and making music....
Music, Mind & Miracles - Blog
About my new Blog "Presto Patronum - Music, Mind & Miracles": a mental protection shield for musicians and music lovers
