About Us
Musical potential is made up of experienced CBT specialist Sarah Bateup
and professional musician Ruth Ballantyne
Since then 4Flutes has gone from strength to strength and now in addition to it’s annual event I now lead regular flute choir sessions.
Like many performing musicians I often put great pressure on myself in both performance and practise. With research on music psychology and music therapy I have been able to incorporate some techniques into my performance that I have found highly beneficial. Simple techniques and sometimes just the understanding of the feelings you experience can make quite a difference. As with many things in life it is often the simplest ideas that provide the most lasting benefit.
As a performing professional who has struggled with performance anxiety the benefits of these techniques has been life changing.
Musical potential offers an excellent combination of CBT specialist and professional musician to help you enjoy your music.
I am a specialist flute teacher with a BA hons degree is music. An experienced and enthusiastic teacher of all ages and abilities I am also a professional performer playing orchestral, solo repertoire and as part of a flute and guitar duo; Duo Volatus. My teaching and performing is enhanced further by my regular involvement in directing ensembles, workshops and events as well as mentoring.
In 2003 I started an independent charity 4Flutes to give local flute players the opportunity to take part in workshops and events with leading international flautists.
Over the last 20 years I have treated a great number of people who have experienced performance anxiety, sports men and women, actors, television/radio presenters, musicians and public speakers. It is an area of work that I find intensely rewarding. Whilst anxiety is a normal phenomenon in these professions, it can sometimes become disabling and detract from the enjoyment of participating and performing. CBT and Contextual CBT are really effective tools to assist in reducing the struggle with anxiety and enhance performance.
I am a strong advocate of continuing professional development and am currently studying Contextual CBT also known as ACT. Contextual CBT is a third wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, I am finding it an extremely effective way of helping people with complex or chronic difficulties eg chronic pain or chronic anxiety state. I am registered with the Association for Contextual and Behavioural Science.
I have always been a keen musician (albeit an amateur) since I was a child. I started playing the oboe aged 11 and in my early thirties I began playing the flute. In 2003 I gained a Dip. Music and I have started (but not yet completed) a masters in music. Music has always been a passionate hobby.
I combine my love of music with CBT and provide workshops for student and professional musicians who wish to enhance their musical performance or reduce performance anxiety.