From Stage To Test: What Performance Teaches Us About Test Anxiety

All the world's a stage, which means that performance anxiety can be debilitating in a variety of contexts. What does it take to silence your inner critics and do your best when only your best will do? Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Christine Gangelhoff to explore what performance teaches us about test anxiety. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the core similarities between test anxiety and performance anxiety in musicians or athletes? How can students pace their test prep the way performers pace their practice to avoid last-minute panic? What breathing or physical regulation techniques used by performers could help test-takers stay grounded? How can students build "performance stamina" to sustain focus during longer exams or high-stakes testing environments? What mindset strategies from the performing arts can help students shift from fear to focus during a test? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Christine Gangelhoff is an internationally recognized expert in performing arts college admissions and the founder of SoundPath Consulting, a specialized educational consultancy focused on guiding students through the audition-based college application process. With a background as a music professor, performer, arts administrator, and scholar, she brings a deeply informed perspective to arts education and career development. Christine first appeared on our podcast in episode 478 to discuss Admissions Considerations For Musicians. Find Christine at mysoundpath.com. LINKS Yerkes–Dodson law How to Breathe When Feeling Stressed Test anxiety: Can it be treated? RELATED EPISODES HOW STRESS AFFECTS TEST PERFORMANCE HOW TO BREATHE DURING STRESSFUL SITUATIONS OVERCOMING TEST ANXIETY