672. 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?

1. What are the core similarities between test anxiety and performance anxiety in musicians or athletes?

2. How can students pace their test prep the way performers pace their practice to avoid last-minute panic?

3. What breathing or physical regulation techniques used by performers could help test-takers stay grounded?

4. How can students build “performance stamina” to sustain focus during longer exams or high-stakes testing environments?

5. What mindset strategies from the performing arts can help students shift from fear to focus during a test?

MEET OUR GUEST

Christine Gangelhoff, DMA grew up in a large family on a small farm in rural Minnesota. As a first-generation college student with a passion for music, she forged her own path, finding innovative ways to fund her education and establish a successful career in the field of her dreams. She earned four degrees from colleges with renowned music programs – including Yale University, University of North Texas, and University of Minnesota – all funded through scholarships, grants, and student loans. Her career includes a diverse array of interests and achievements including work as a professor of music, performer, recording artist, arts administrator, published author and scholar, and educational and career consultant. She has a passion for helping young students to establish academic and career paths to achieve their musical goals and pursue their dreams. 

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

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.