Dr. Eckart Altenmüller - Music and the brain: How Neuroscience Can Help You Perform Better

What happens in your brain when you play music? More than you might think! In our latest episode of Penthesilea On Air, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Eckart Altenmüller, a neurologist and musician who has spent decades researching the brain’s response to music. His insights can transform the way we practice, perform, and even experience music.

The Brain Under Pressure

Many musicians struggle with performance anxiety, especially during auditions. Dr. Altenmüller explains that excessive stress activates the brain’s fight-or-flight response, making it harder to access creativity and fluidity. Instead of focusing on achieving a perfect performance, he suggests shifting your mindset: Think about the music itself, not the outcome.This helps reduce over-fixation on the result and allows for more expressive playing.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

One of the most fascinating aspects of Dr. Altenmüller’s research is neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt. He explains that consistent, mindful practice helps strengthen the neural connections that support musical skill. However, stress and exhaustion can actually hinder this process. That’s why breaks, sleep, and mental visualization are just as important as the time spent with your instrument.

Practical Strategies for Musicians

So, how can we use neuroscience to improve our playing? Here are some key takeaways:

● Prepare mentally – Visualizing a performance can be just as effective as physical practice.

● Train smarter, not harder – Over-focusing can backfire. Balance structured practice with relaxation.

● Manage anxiety – Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help regulate stress levels.

● Respect your body and mind – Musicians often push themselves to the limit. But true progress comes when you allow your brain to integrate new skills in a healthy way.

Rethinking Perfectionism

Another key point from our conversation: perfectionism can be counterproductive. While striving for excellence is important, rigid expectations can actually block creativity. Dr. Altenmüller encourages musicians to focus on enjoying the process rather than fixating on flaws.

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your practice, strengthen your focus, and overcome performance pressure, this episode is full of valuable insights.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: