Peak Performance …  being the best we can be
with Heather Nicoll

8 May 2022
2.00pm–5.00pm

This series of gentle workouts for the mind are designed to strengthen your mental well-being as teachers and artists. Beneficial mindful strategies will be introduced and consolidated through mindfulness meditation practice to help break bad habits, manage stress and promote self-belief. The aim is to encourage you to explore your full potential with confidence so you can help yourself and your students to thrive. At the end of the afternoon there will be a masterclass in which singers will be encouraged to put these strategies into practice, specifically addressing  issues of performance anxiety and performance psychology.

Heather Nicoll

Heather Nicoll is a Graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), and was appointed Head of Woodwind in 2007.

In a diverse performing career as a clarinettist, she has given concerts and recorded with many of Britain’s leading orchestras, and held a principal position with Scottish Ballet for several years. Heather has appeared as concerto soloist on many occasions, making her professional debut with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and has featured regularly with various professional contemporary and chamber music ensembles. She has played on numerous soundtracks for films, working with composers including John Williams (Harry Potter: The Philosopher’s Stone), James Horner (Enemy At The Gates), Craig Armstrong (Moulin Rouge), Elmer Bernstein and Jerry Goldsmith, and recorded with a diverse range of artists such as Bryn Terfel and Joni Mitchell.

In 2002 Heather gained an MA in Psychology for Musicians (Sheffield University). More recently, she attained a PGDip with distinction in Performance Psychology at Edinburgh University, exploring the psychology of peak performance in a range of fields including music and sport. In addition, Heather is a qualified ‘Mindfulness Now’ teacher, certified by the UK College of Mindfulness Meditation. She practices with RCS students and working professionals exploring the benefits of mindfulness within areas such as managing stress, aiding effective practice and performance techniques.

Refreshments and cake provided

Cost £20 / £10 students

This rescheduled event will now take place in Kippen. Address provided on booking.

There is one bursary available for each Area Day. Please visit: https://aotos.org.uk/about/bursaries/ for more details and to apply for the Liza Hobbs bursary. Applications must be received one month before the event.

Contact Scotland Area Representative Kathleen McKellar Ferguson with any queries.