The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is the largest provider of Performing Arts Medicine in the UK with coverage across the four nations. They provide free clinical assessments for performers with health problems affecting their performing arts practice. Their support is focused on specialist clinical assessment, specialist advice and the best care pathway for a performer, referring onwards to experts in the field where necessary.

Whether you're struggling with your mental health or have a musculoskeletal, vocal health or hearing concern, BAPAM have a range of free resources available to help you, including self-help guides to free consultations with clinical experts. 

This Musicians' Mental Health Month, you can also take a look at their article, Imposter Syndrome: A Double-Edged Sword For Performing Artists, by Dr Anna Waters.

Explore BAPAM's Performing Arts Medicine Resources

Book a Free BAPAM Consultation

Healthy Practice Training for Creative Professionals

BAPAM's FREE expert-led sessions for artists, creators and professionals are designed to equip you with essential techniques and strategies to sustain creative practice and prevent health problems.

Explore a range of topics to help you maintain good physical and psychological health, engage in practical exercises and share tips, experiences and strategies with peers. 

As part of Musicians’ Mental Health Month, we're highlighting one key session: “RSM and BAPAM Present: Self-esteem, Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome” on 27th May 2026. In this webinar, counsellor and psychotherapist Laura Duenster explores the signs of low self-esteem, imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and shares strategies to challenge these thought patterns and build healthier confidence in the face of the pressures musicians often experience.

Man wearing headphones has his head in his hands

RSM and BAPAM Present: Self-esteem, Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome

From a young age musicians are training to be performers with regular feedback from those closest to them. This can be internalised and can lead to low self-esteem and self-doubting behaviour.

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View all Sessions on the BAPAM website

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Phoebe Butler, Training Manager at BAPAM, comments:

"Imposter Syndrome can impact anyone. Maybe you have felt that sinking feeling of doubt, lack of confidence and a feeling that you are going to be “found out”. Some performers may never experience it, while for others it can impact their work and practice every day. Imposter Syndrome can seriously impact a musicians ability to perform. It’s fantastic that YCAT’s Mental Health Month is here to help you understand Imposter Syndrome and provide practical ways of dealing with it, should it happen to you.

BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) is delighted to once again be partnering with YCAT to help support young musicians to understand their mental health. We have tools, training and resources designed with and by clinicians who know what it means to work in the performing arts. Whether you would like to better understand how to handle Imposter Syndrome or need support with other injuries or illnesses that can impact your ability to work, practice or study, BAPAM is here to support you this Mental Health Month and throughout your career."


Healthy Practice Diary

Evidence from research tells us that around 75% of performing artists will experience a physical or mental health problem at some point in their career. Musicians, Dancers, Actors and Circus Performers use their bodies intensively like professional athletes. Physical injury, overuse or misuse, chronic pain, anxiety and psychological burnout are common. 

Knowing what you should do to keep healthy is one thing, this diary is aimed at helping you to adopt healthy practice as routine in your life.

BAPAM Healthy Practice Diary

Download Healthy Practice Diary

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Healthy Touring Checklist and Rider

Touring, working away from home and managing changes to your usual routine, are often fundamental to a profession in the performing arts.

BAPAM's Healthy Touring Checklist and Rider provides practical guidance for artists and performers on keeping healthy while on the road. It offers constructive strategies for preparing to perform, coping with issues such as performance stress, work-life balance and isolation, and improving general wellbeing.

View the Healthy Touring Checklist and Rider

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Managing Performance Anxiety

Included in BAPAM's resources is a guide to Managing Performance Anxiety, including information on:

  • What is Performance Anxiety?
  • Causes of Performance Anxiety
  • Physical and Mental Symptoms of Performance Anxiety
  • Some Strategies for Managing Performance Anxiety

There is also a new Performance Anxiety Poster available, designed to help manage anxiety in the moment, such as just before going on stage. The poster provides a fantastic resource for rehearsal rooms and practise rooms. 

BAPAM Performance Anxiety Poster

Download Poster

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Contact BAPAM:

Website

Email

Phone: 020 8167 4775

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