The Performer Prepares by Robert Caldwell (Pst…Inc, 1990)
Excellent book based on the premise that a performer must be 100% committed and 100% conflict-free at the time of their performance, and gives step-by-step instructions on how to achieve it. A structured way to learn to not worry about aspects of your performance, and other good lessons are taught in this book.
Overcoming Stage Fright in Everyday Life by Joyce Ashley (Clarson N. Potter, Publisher, 1996)
This excellent book illustrates how our childhood issues influence performing anxiety. In a readable format, a pyschologist shows us how she worked with two participants in an eight week workshop, helping them unlock unconscious fears and, through actual dialogue, teaches readers techniques to empower themselves to become confident on stage.
The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green with W. Timothy Gallwey (Doubleday Publishing, 1986)
This is one of the classic standards. Overcoming self-interference, using the power of awareness, wll, and trust to cope with obstacles to our best musical performance. Includes exercises and chapters on ensemble playing and improvisation, composition, and creativity.
Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within by Kenny Werner (Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc., 1996)
How to let go of fear-based music performance and focus on love. Mastering your technique through practice, controlling your mind through meditation and affirmations, dealing with your ego, and letting go of mistakes.
The Confident Performer by David Roland (Heinemann, Div. of Reed Elsevier Inc., 1997)
Clear, concise book with lots of good ideas about focusing your attention, relaxing and living a healthy lifestyle, mental rehearsal, setting goals, developing a routine for performance.
The Audition Process: Anxiety Management and Coping Strategies by Allan Victor Dunkel and Stuart Edward Dunkel (Pendragon Press, 1989)
This book deals with psychological adaptations to audition stresses (doubt, feat, self-consciousness, etc), and on the realities of the music business (life in the arts, dealing with criticism, failure, and jealousy). The authors offer many healthy coping strategies for concentration, relaxation, and building confidence, trust, and individuality. May be out of print – check this
A Soprano on Her Head: Right-side-up reflections on life and other performances by Eloise Ristad (Real People Press, 1982)
A book that playfully encourages unblocking fear, guilt, and inhibition, so that inner freedom can allow spontaneity and creativity in performance. A very popular book with musicians.