Piano Forum

There is an interesting psychological phenomenon that has been researched, where people who are genuinely confident at doing something do even better with some pressure/nerves on them, whereas people who lack confidence do worse. Can't remember what it's called. But it correlates with my piano skills deteriorating in front of scrutinizing colleagues, and me often playing way better in front of an appreciative audience

Interesting you mention that. I was watching #thepianist and the coaches (Lang Lang and Mika) and host Claudia Winkman used a setup where street pianist were playing naturally and were not aware they were being watched. The coaches didn't want their players to know they were watching to see how they performed.  Then for the finale four chosen contestants had to perform on the stage. You can see how nervous they were. And they all did well.

I also prefer not being scrutinized by peers or experts.  It works against me.  I'll admit I'm just ok. I think the universal answer is the degree to which pressure gets to you.  Some pressure is necessary for the person to do better. But there is also the point above which becomes counterproductive.  I tend to picture the pressure to be like rowing on a canoe with two oars.  If you use too much force the canoe doesn't go any faster.  But there is a maximum force to be used that will bring you to an optimum speed.  The canoe just can't go any faster with more force.  The pressure has to be within our ability to overcome.  Too much and we break. If we are within grasp of beating it that's the right amount of pressure to be had.  In a way you have to bring 80% of the skills.  To get to the 100%, I feel at that point it's not the physical practice anymore but the mental.  You are as good as your thoughts.  If you want to fix something you have to focus on tweaking the mind.  Then the fingers will follow.