Even when framed as a part of the process of learning an instrument, performing can cause feelings of nervousness and excitement. That is completely normal when sharing something that you have worked on and care about with others.
When I was taking piano and voice lessons growing up, the studio owner would begin every recital with her personal story. She’d share how nervous she used to get every time she had to answer a question in elementary school; she would always have “butterflies in her stomach.” Then finally one day someone told her that those butterflies were completely normal. Instead of panicking when they came or trying to eliminate them completely, she learned to accept and work with that added excitement. Her message – it’s okay to feel nervous.
I still get butterflies when I perform myself. Here’s how I manage that extra energy. I think about how happy it makes me to listen and see other people making music. Then, I remind myself that this is a chance to bring that same happiness to others.
Here are some other ways our Music Artistry teachers work with their butterflies to give flight to a musical performance:
“ Take a moment to center yourself before you go on stage-take a slow deep tummy breath close your eyes. Beforehand, practice playing as if you were in front of an audience: practice what you will say in between songs as much as you practice your songs. Practice in front of stuffed animals, a mirror, A recording video cam, family members, as much as you can. But really, the best preparation for on stage nerves is to perform in front of audiences as much as you possibly can.”
– Juli Wright
“To manage nerves I usually concentrate on the task ahead of me. I avoid thinking in terms of “what if?” and enforce thinking on the details of the piece. I also manage my breathing – inhale and exhale and count either to four, six, or eight. Another preparation that I do is stretching. Doing the “Child’s” pose or downward dog helps stretch muscles, which essentially relaxes them, and that leads to relaxed mind.”
-Anoush Tchakarian
“I find that the same breathing exercises I do before singing– breathing in for 5, holding for 5, and exhaling for 5– can also be helpful for managing nerves, except as I exhale, I imagine myself breathing out any worries or concerns that I might have.”
-Annette Frontz
“Prayer! Also, I have done many mock auditions for people beforehand. That helps simulate nerves as best as you can do.”
-Don Duncan
“Put on a performance for family members before your actual performance. I find that it’s more intense to play for those you love up close and personal. After that, maybe the recital will seem a little bit easier!”
-Allison Johnston
“The most helpful tip for me has been to take the focus off of myself, and instead focus all of my energy on the music. Take a seat on the bench, take a deep breath to calm your heart rate, and imagine the sound of the first note of the piece before you begin. If you are 100% engaged in the performance of the music, you won’t have the mental energy to be anxious.”
-Christin Cooper
“Performing music is one of the few activities you can do where everybody in the crowd is cheering for you. Even when the best Olympian takes the field, more than half of the crowd is cheering against him. But when you take the stage everyone is on your side.
Sometimes when I’m nervous my heart rate speeds up and and it makes me start the song too fast. Before I play my first note I like to hear the song in my head and just listen to it for a moment. Then when I’m ready, I take in a breath, breathe out, and I join in with the music that’s already playing in my mind.
When you’re practicing for a performance, don’t just practice playing your piece. Practice everything from walking up to the stage, bowing, and taking your seat, to bowing at the end and walking back. That way when the time comes, you’re comfortable and familiar with the whole performance, and by the time you start your piece, you’re already a minute into what you’ve practiced.
When you’re up on that stage getting ready to play your first note, take as long as you need to get ready. Get your hands set up, get comfortable, and whatever else you need. People are willing to wait for you. You’re in control.”
-Rob Sheffer
Leave a Reply