Stage fright is a challenge for musicians of all skill-levels. Beginners and professionals alike must cope with on-stage nervousness, which can range from simple “butterflies” to a paralyzing fear.
For most musicians, performance anxiety never actually goes away; it’s dealt with. The more you understand the thought patterns that accompany performance anxiety, the more measures you can take to control them.
Dealing With the Physical Effects of Stage Fright
Not all musicians like the “rush” of performing. Shaky hands, clumsy feet, and a rapid heart rate can jeopardize confidence and performance. Anxiety is normal, and it’s better to accept it rather than fight it. Let your body ease through the feelings so that they don’t sneak up on you. Try the following techniques to calm your nerves before a performance:
- Breathe
As soon as you start to feel anxious, concentrate on breathing slowly. Breathing helps alleviate exterior signs of anxiety (such as sweaty, shaky hands), and allows you to focus. - Stay Comfortably Hydrated
Refresh yourself with a few sips of water, fruit juice, or decaffeinated tea. A dry throat can be an uncomfortable distraction (but so can a full bladder). - Stretch Hands & Body
A quick stretch will loosen tense muscles and stimulate blood flow, improving agility and concentration. Concentrate on your arms, chest, hands, and ankles. - Channel Nervousness Into Motivation
Try to focus on excitement rather than nervousness, and keep a positive attitude about your talents. After a while, you might find that nervousness can be both pleasant and energizing. If your anxiety is severe, you might benefit from regular meditation.
How to Handle Mistakes During a Performance
Stage fright manifests itself in different ways. Many people fear the lack of control that goes along with stage fright more than they fear actually making a mistake. Serious anxiety tends to create a snowball effect of blunders; one sour chord turns into several when panic sets in, so it’s good to know how to cope with mistakes when they happen.
You will make mistakes; it’s a reality that every musician must learn to accept. Knowing your material is a help, so give yourself plenty of quality practice time.
On stage, the key is in how well you keep your composure after a musical blooper. If you feel overwhelmed during a performance, do the following to regain control over your playing:
- Take a moment to breathe, adjust your bench, or take a sip of water.
- Set a comfortable rhythm in your head (or metronome).
- Start again from the beginning of the song or page.
- Stay calm, and don't think too much. Put your energy towards playing (and enjoying) the song.
Keeping a special object around you can soothe your nerves by putting positive, familiar thoughts in your mind. This is a trick for all ages; stuffed animals work well for nervous children, while adults tend to favor sentimental jewelry or sheet music.
Get Used to Performing in Public
The only way to overcome stage fright is to face it, so it’s good to start performing in front of an audience as soon as possible. You can find information on open recitals in your area from colleges, instrument retailers, and piano teachers. You can also ask cafés, clubs, and piano bars if they have an open mic night.
- Don’t be afraid to start off small. Perform in front of a small group of friends or relatives to get a feel for a live audience.
