ABOUT ME

Psychology helps me live a balanced and meaningful life — and it’s my passion to support others in doing the same. Music has always been my elixir, and playing the violin remains one of my most powerful inner resources. Combining these two areas that deeply move me — psychology and music — has become the heart of my professional journey.

That journey, however, was neither easy nor linear. I trained intensively for a career in orchestral performance until my body could no longer withstand the physical strain of daily rehearsals and high-pressure auditions. At one point, I lost my joy in playing. A turning point came during my psychology studies at the University of Vienna. As I developed expertise in coaching and performance psychology, I not only found a new path — I also found my way back to music.

This transformation sparked a strong desire to help other performing artists navigate the mental and physical demands of their careers. I became especially fascinated by sport psychology and the question of how its evidence-based techniques might benefit musicians, dancers, and actors. Since 2018, I have dedicated my research to the transfer of sport psychological interventions to the performing arts. Supported by a prestigious doctoral fellowship and an international scholarship, I conducted both experimental and qualitative studies focusing on pressure situations, performance anxiety, and strengthening self-efficacy. During this time, I had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed experts across disciplines: Peter Gröpel (Associate Professor of Sport Psychology, University of Vienna), dance psychologist Sanna Nordin-Bates (Associate Professor at GIH, Stockholm), and Jane Ginsborg (Professor of Music Psychology, RNCM, Manchester) — all of whom bridge science and practice in ways that continue to inspire me. Building on this work, I pursued a postdoctoral position in sport psychology at the University of Vienna, where I further deepened my research and continued to explore sustainable performance strategies for artists.

In 2025, I was appointed Professor of Musicians’ Health at the Lucerne School of Music — a role that allows me to fully integrate research, teaching, and practical work. In this position, I continue to pursue my vision of sustainable excellence in music by fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, prevention-focused training, and evidence-based support for musicians.

Certified in psychological coaching and embodiment-based approaches, I support performing artists in my private practice and regularly lead workshops and give lectures at institutions such as the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the Music and Arts University of Vienna. I also collaborate with the Penthesilea Academy (led by Karin Bonelli, flutist of the Vienna Philharmonic) and the Center for Professional Musicians (led by psychologist Heidi Brandi in Hamburg).

My work is guided by a strong belief in prevention and long-term wellbeing — not only to enhance performance, but to help artists build meaningful, sustainable careers. Practicing the violin daily and performing with various ensembles remains an essential part of my life and identity.

I am married to American conductor Mason Lubert, whose artistic vision and wholehearted support continue to be a source of strength. In my free time, I love running, fitness training, yoga, and spending time outdoors.

My coaching style combines solution-focused and embodiment-oriented approaches and is informed by evidence from sport and psychology performance, as well as my own psychological intervention research. We define what your goals for the coaching process are together and how you will notice that our work together was fruitful. It is most important to me to tailor an individual approach to your needs and requests while remaining open and non-judgmental.