Klarinet Archive - Posting 000469.txt from 1995/01

From: Jay Winick <winickj@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Nerves
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 1995 21:24:16 -0500

>I was wondering
>if anyone could give me some advice on controlling my nerves. Also, I am
>playing Weber's Concertino. If anyone has any advice regarding that piece,
>it would be appreciated.

Nervousness is a physiological reaction, the body has a "fight or flight"
mechanism which releases adrenalin into your bloodstream, this causes nerves.

Controlling nervousness is not what you want to do, rather you should
attempt to reform how you think about performing. When I was younger I
suffered from nervousness when playing, additionally I have seen many who
suffer from it as well. Music is FUN, probably the most fun you can have
with your clothes on (sometimes more fun). Thinking of auditions as being a
competition to be better than everyone else is not a good way to think. You
should attempt to do the best YOU can do.

Another mistake I've often seen is the "don't talk to me, I need to
concentrate on making myself as nervous as possible beforehand". If you are
auditioning talk to anyone. The practising you did for 3 months is your
work, you are now just expressing yourself.

Finally, you did not write the Weber Concertino, hence, you are only an
outlet for Carl's music, they want to hear HIS music, and if you have done
your work, and you like to play it will come through.

Regards,

Jay