When you hear ‘the Greatest Hits,’ you might think of your favourite musician or the chart topping songs. However, as we enter 2026, the BAPAM team is here to introduce you to a new set of Greatest Hits – ones that help you reset and refocus for the best year yet.
Healthy practice and routines are critical as a performing artist, and these hits and tips are designed to help you manage the pressures of auditions, rehearsals, and performances while caring for your physical and mental health.
1. Managing Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety can appear at any stage of a career and ranges from mild excitement to overwhelming fear. It can affect any performer: musicians, actors, dancers, and singers alike.
Developing a routine for managing anxiety can improve confidence and focus, leaving you feeling better on and off the stage. Quick strategies include:
- Practising a breathing technique
- Creating a consistent pre-performance routine
- Using positive self-talk
Alongside these quick tips, BAPAM offers a Performance Anxiety Healthy Practice Training session on January 22 that provides evidence-backed techniques and practical guidance.
The session is hosted by Berenice Beverley Zammit, a Psychologist, Performance Coach, Researcher, Senior Lecturer and professional Violinist. She is also an Associate of the Royal College of Music, London.
Find out more about the event.
2. Protecting Vocal Health
Vocal strain is common for performing arts professionals, particularly during winter when dry air and noisy environments can increase the risk of overload.
Simple habits can protect your voice, such as warming up before speaking or singing, using vocal cool-downs, and finding quiet spaces when possible.
On February 25th, BAPAM and the Royal Society of Musicians will run a Vocal Overload and the Workplace session to help performers learn practical strategies for healthy voice use in rehearsals and performances.
This session is run by Lucie Rayner, a Chartered Physiotherapist and assessing clinician for BAPAM, who specialises in treating performing artists with a wide range of practice-related health problems including vocal health concerns, and Besfort Williams, an experienced vocal coach who has taught at Arts Educational and LAMDA.
3. Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs
As a performing arts professional, a consistent warm-up and cool-down routine is vital for both physical and mental preparation.
Starting January with a structured routine can help prevent injury, improve focus, reduce stress, and make practice more effective. Even a short five-minute warm-up before rehearsals or performances and a gentle cool-down afterwards can make a significant difference.
If you don’t do this already, consider this your sign to add these to your practice in 2026 and beyond!
4. Practising Visualisation
Visualisation, or mental rehearsal, is a powerful tool for building confidence and refining technique.
It’s all about imagining a performance in detail, including sights, sounds, and any other physical sensations. Through this, performers can mentally and physically prepare, all while building trust in themselves and reducing anxiety.
Start with simple exercises such as imagining walking onto the stage or performing a short passage. Then be mindful and notice how your body and mind feel. Examine what thoughts come up.
Practising for a few minutes each morning and evening can reinforce focus and calmness. BAPAM provides a full guide to visualisation techniques. Get started with them now.
5. Accessing Specialist Clinical Support
Most performers will experience physical or psychological health challenges during their career, and sometimes, clinical support and creative professional health services are the best solutions.
BAPAM offers specialist clinical leadership & support in London and across the UK, including in our newest clinic in Leicester. We also provide best practice performing arts practitioner training. Getting advice about a health concern early on is important to help manage potential issues before they become serious and provide guidance on maintaining sustainable performance practices.
BAPAM clinics are open to all performing arts professionals and students, and are free thanks to the support of our industry partners and the performing arts community. Learn more about BAPAM clinics here.
Using The Greatest Hits in 2026
Starting the year with these five areas in mind can help you build a strong foundation for your health and career in 2026.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Remember that you don’t need to make huge changes or completely edit the way you work. Even small, consistent habits can have a lasting impact. And remember that BAPAM is here to support you. Happy New Year, and you’ve got this!