My guests today are David Juncos and Elvire de Paiva e Pona.

David Juncos is a clinical psychologist based in Philadelphia, PA. He works with individuals on clinical issues ranging from anxiety to mood and substance use disorders He is also on faculty with the Voice Study Centre in the UK, where he lectures on topics such as peak performance and statistics/research design, and trains music teachers in using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) principles to address performance anxiety and enhance music performance.

Based in Vienna, Elvire de Paiva e Pona is a classically trained singer who performs internationally. With degrees in vocal pedagogy and psychology in addition to vocal performance, she is also a dedicated educator and teaches individual and group singing lessons and facilitates music classes for young children.

We explore a range of topics including:
- The story behind Dave and Elvire collaboration for their new book. ACT for Musicians
-How ACT can support musicians in both formal clinical approaches as well as music lessons
-How Elvire’s direct experience as a professional musician has played an important role in this work
-Some of the barriers within music education to integrate mental and emotional components 
-Some of the common challenges musicians face including:
       - Performance anxiety
       - Perfectionism
       - Shame and self-critical thinking
- Hopes for the future of ACT within music 

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ACT for Musicians: https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Musicians-Acceptance-Commitment-Performance/dp/1627343814

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Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth