University News Last updated 26 February
RBC is celebrating five years of the Intelligent Behaviour Analytics (IBA) Performing with Confidence programme, which was designed in 2019 to support music students with their confidence, resilience and performance skills.
According to student feedback and a formal report, almost all (98%) participants said the programme had a transformative impact enhancing confidence and resilience, and all agreed it should continue for future student cohorts.
Open to all RBC’s Music students, the programme welcomes on average 20 students each year from across all instruments and courses. This small group setting allows for interactive sessions and personalised guidance.
The combination of self-understanding and practical musician-focused strategies sets the programme apart from other courses. Using the IBA framework, students gain insight into their strengths, behaviours and emotional responses, applying techniques tailored to their individual needs. These can range from managing performance anxiety and refining practice habits to mental preparation and stage presence.
Delivered across eight structured sessions, with optional one-to-one coaching, the programme fosters self-awareness, practical skills, and personal growth within and beyond music. Students report reduced performance anxiety, improved focus and enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, praising the supportive and engaging learning environment.
As RBC continues to develop musicians who thrive technically, creatively and personally, the programme exemplifies the value of targeted support that recognises each student’s individuality. Its success over the past five years demonstrates that combining self-understanding with practical performance strategies empowers musicians not only to perform at their best but to approach their careers with confidence and resilience.
Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead Katharine Lam said: “Since its beginnings as a pilot programme in 2019, it has evolved into a bespoke and distinctive approach to supporting musicians’ confidence, performance skills and personal resilience. Seeing the depth and consistency of student feedback over five years has been incredibly affirming and clearly demonstrates the individual and lasting impact of this work, and its value within a conservatoire setting."
Pictured: Katharine Lam.