Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 1999/12

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] Re: Stage fright
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 14:35:36 -0500

My opinion on this topic is a little non-conventional. To me, the
solution does not lie in things you put in your body - bananas, Beta
blockers, alcohol, whatever - rather, the answer will be found in something
you already have - your brain! Everything else is a band-aid solution.

When I was in high school and the early years of college, I was rather
strongly affected by stage fright, more properly referred to as "musical
performance anxiety." I say to my students, only half jokingly, "I used
to be affected by stage fright, but I didn't like it so I gave it up."
There's more than a grain of truth there.

What happened was that a thought occurred to me. Music is supposed to be
a form of communication. If I am so frightened of the audience that I
can't function, then I am not in command of the situation. And, if the
performer is not in charge, then no communication can take place.

So, I advise all performers to stride out on stage with the utmost
confidence, as if you think you are the greatest thing since round wheels.
Stare the audience squarely in the eye, and be prepared to be in charge of
the situation. Shakespeare, as is often the case, gave us some good
advice: "Assume the mantle of what you would become." In other words, if
you want to be a calm and confident performer, then act one. If you can
fool other people long enough, you eventually will begin to fool yourself,
also.

Also, try to get the situation in perspective. What is the worst thing
that could happen? That you might squeak, or miss a few notes? Is this
really a problem? Look around you at the real problems that some people
have, and then this one doesn't seem so daunting or intimidating.

Do you think the audience wants you to succeed or to fail? I think that
in almost every case I have ever known about, the audience has been
genuinely supportive.

If you make a mistake, don't advertise the fact. Remember that no one in
the audience knows as much about what you are doing as you do. A lot of
things that we consider mistakes may not even be noticable to audiences.

Perhaps most importantly, stay in "real time." You can't afford to think
about any problems which might have occurred, or any difficult passages
coming up, nor can you think about what the audience might be thinking
about you. Focus on the task at hand. Make sure that every note on the
page registers on your eyes and in your brain.

Realize that performing music should be one of the most joyous experiences
of our lives. Don't let anything take this away from you.

If I had time, I would go on much longer on this topic. I don't mean my
ideas to be critical of anyone who wishes to use hypnotism, Alexander
techniques, or Beta blockers. I'm just advocating a common sense
approach, not based on substances to be introduced into the body.

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org