The Mind Behind the Voice

The Mind Behind the Voice: A Performance Psychology Perspective for Singers

Presented by Diana Moore & produced by the London Singers' Collective

In this interactive talk, Diana Moore explores how the principles of Performance Psychology can transform the way singers approach their art — in training, rehearsal, and performance.

Drawing on insights from sport and performance science, alongside twenty-five years of experience as a professional singer, Diana introduces key ideas that help performers build greater confidence, focus, and resilience under pressure — while sustaining creativity and enjoyment. Her interest in Performance Psychology grew from her own awareness of how the mind can both empower and undermine performance, and from a personal desire to understand the mental skills that allow performers to thrive under pressure. Far from being a lecture or a “three-step fix,” this is a conversation: an invitation to rethink how we approach performance, to normalise struggle, and to discover evidence-based tools that can make a genuine difference to singers’ lives and work.

Aims:

• Appreciate that common challenges such as self-doubt, anxiety, and inconsistency are not personal failings but natural responses to performing under pressure.
• Discover how Performance Psychology, long established in elite sport, offers practical, evidence-based tools that can help musicians perform more freely and sustainably.
• Reflect on how mindset, attention, and self-talk influence vocal performance — and recognise that these can be trained and refined just like technical or musical skills.
• Leave feeling understood, hopeful, and curious — encouraged to explore new, healthier approaches to their performance preparation and mindset.
• Begin to view artistic sensitivity and vulnerability as strengths, capable of becoming sources of connection and expressive power when properly supported.

Tone and Approach:

• The session will be empathetic, open, and gently humorous, creating a space where performers can discuss the mental and emotional aspects of performing without judgement. Diana’s approach combines personal insight with academic grounding, aiming to bridge the gap between research and real-world experience.

Participants are encouraged to contribute their own reflections; the emphasis is on dialogue, not doctrine.

Format: Duration: 90 minutes (including discussion and Q&A)

Structure:

1. Introduction – Diana’s journey and what led her from stage to psychology (10 mins)

2. What is Performance Psychology? – overview of key ideas and why they matter for singers (15 mins)

3. Mindset, Focus and the Inner Game – exploring mental habits that affect performance (25 mins)

4. Practical Strategies – discussion and small examples of grounding, reframing, and focus tools (20 mins)

5. Q&A / Reflection – group discussion and takeaways (15–20 mins)

About Diana Moore:

Diana Moore is a British mezzo-soprano whose career over more than twenty-five years has taken her to many of the world’s leading orchestras, conductors, and concert halls. Equally at home in opera, oratorio, and recital work, she has built a reputation for performances of depth, versatility, and integrity. Alongside her continuing performing career, she teaches and mentors singers and is completing an MSc in Performance Psychology at Bangor University, exploring how psychological skills training can support musicians in achieving their full creative potential with confidence and authenticity.

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