Performance Opportunities

Who doesn't get nervous at some point when they are confronted with an audience?  Performing can be challenging at the best of times.
Hands get cold and/or sweaty, we get shakey, our mouth gets dry, nausea can set in, and we may even feel sheer panic.

There are some things we can do to help us deal with the nerves:

1. Be prepared: practice, practice, practice.   I've never heard a student say they wished they hadn't practiced so much....
2. Limit caffeine and sugar on performance day...eat well- you don't want to be hungry.
3. Consciously shift the focus off of yourself and your fear to the enjoyment you are providing to the spectators.  Close your eyes and imagine the audience smiling and you feeling good.
4. Don't focus on what could go wrong. Instead, focus on the positive.  Visualize your success.
5. AVOID thoughts that produce self-doubt.
6. Practice controlled breathing...deep breathing...relaxing.  Stay calm:)
7. Connect with your audience...smile, make eye contact and think of them as friends.
8. Act natural and be yourself.
9. Exercise, eat a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and live a healthy lifestyle.  (all of the above is easier that way)
10. Stretch your shoulders, back, arms...shake out fingers to loosen up.  Take a walk if it helps.

Keep in mind that stage fright is usually worse before the performance and often goes away once you get started.

This is a lot for most of us to digest.  How can we actually get GOOD at practicing these skills and techniques?  Well....the reality is that for most of us...the more we do something, the better we get at it.  So it's simple:  PERFORM MORE OFTEN.

Face your fears.  It won't always be so difficult.

Yes, you will probably still get nervous however, you will get stronger at relaxing, focusing and working past it.  Once you have more successful performances under your belt....you have confidence.

You know you can do it:)

I was chatting with a colleague at the piano festival and she shared that when she was young taking lessons she had terrible performance anxiety.  She couldn't cope.  Her parents enrolled her in a music school and one of their policies for all students was the once a month recitals.  Mandatory.  She recounted the great anxiety like it was yesterday.  Then she said these mandatory recitals were exactly what she needed.  Over time, it was 'no big deal'....performing.  She had done it so many times.  She was familiar with it all and had learned how to manage her nerves.

This spring I wanted to increase the performance opportunities for my students with this very thought in mind.  With festivals approaching and exams coming up quickly, it just made sense.  I booked a series recital times at a local senior's home.   Like a crazy lady I booked one every other week over the spring break.

So....is it working?  Well, these things take time.  But yes, this last week it was the best yet.  I witnessed several students lose the stiff nervousness and play with freedom and joy.  I am planning to continue offering this to my students because it both provides a much needed performance opportunity but also gives them something to work towards.

The best part of all is that each week we attend, the regulars at the home always chat with us and thank each of the students for blessing their evening.

Speaking as an audience member...who doesn't  enjoy hearing live music?