Whenever you perform, but especially in a lesson, a rehearsal, or an audition, you open yourself up to criticism. There’s no way around it. Playing or singing entails self-exposure, and the road to improvement is paved with evaluations. Music students who are overly sensitive to critiques tend to shy away from educational and performance opportunities. They might not see the connection, but their aversion to criticism causes them to pass up going to auditions, asking questions in lessons, or participating in master classes.

Klickstein, Gerald. The musician’s way: a guide to practice, performance, and wellness. Oxford University Press, 2009.