Isata Kanneh‑Mason is a British pianist and the eldest of seven musical siblings. Growing up in a household where every child played an instrument, she quickly became the family’s first musician and a natural leader.

She has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. At age 17 she travelled to Los Angeles to play viola with Elton John’s band, before later focusing exclusively on piano. More recently, she was a soloist at the BBC Proms, a gig she describes as one of the most nerve‑wracking experiences of her career.

Isata Kanneh‑Mason says, “I find that overcoming nerves is really just being able to slightly manipulate your body functions, get your mind in the moment rather than erratically jumping around.” She adds, “On the most difficult passages, I've learned to control my breathing, slow my thoughts and stay very present.” These tiny physical tweaks help her keep anxiety in check and stay focused on the music.

Beyond her own performances, she champions female composers and pushes for wider access to music education. She notes that more works by women are being programmed, and she argues that free, high‑quality music lessons in schools are essential for a diverse next generation of musicians.

Isata’s approach shows that managing performance anxiety does not require dramatic changes – simple body awareness, steady breathing, and staying in the present moment can transform nerves into energy. Musicians at any level can adopt these habits to feel more confident on stage.