Performance Simulator on Radio 3

Monday 8 April 2013

The Royal College of Music’s Performance Simulator, a new training facility for musicians, has been featured on BBC Radio 3’s Music Matters.

In the programme, broadcast on Saturday 6 April, presenter Tom Service came to the RCM to speak to Aaron Williamon, Head of the RCM’s Centre for Performance Science. Professor Williamon demonstrated the features of the simulator, and explained that its main purpose is to help musicians with the transition from the backstage area and practice room onto the stage, familiarising them with the different acoustics, atmosphere and physical changes that occur in this more pressurised environment.

Tom Service witnessed the simulator in action through a performance by RCM violinist Douglas Harrison. Douglas commented that it is useful to experience disruptions such as coughing during the simulated concert, as this is something that musicians don’t often think about when practising.

Also interviewed about approaches to performance anxiety during the programme were Charlotte Tomlinson, the author of a new book on the subject, and French-Canadian pianist Louis Lortie.

The programme is available to listen to on BBC iPlayer.

You can find out more about the RCM’s Performance Simulator on the Centre for Performance Science website.