Klarinet Archive - Posting 000274.txt from 1999/12
From: David Glenn <notestaff@-----.de>
Subj: [kl] stage fright
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 00:06:18 -0500
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Nicholas Yip wrote:
> I just played in a concert where I had to play solo. I played the
> Mendelssohn Nocturno. It went okay except that I squacked four times and
> missed a couple of spots. I was nervous, and sweaty. The reed was a little
> light as well, so that did not help very much. Now, I have played this
> piece before much better. Before the concert I tried to calm the nerves
> down by eating bananas to keep me from becoming nervous. That kept me from
> shaking only. This is frustrating. This is something that has happened to
> me maybe 3/ 8 times. I have found some ideas and checked into the archives.
> I don't know any breathing techniques to help me relax. Does anyone else
> have any suggestions on how to overcome stage fright? I would really like
> to get rid of stage fright, so I can play much better.
>
> 1) The use of herbal tea
> 2) Alexander Technique
> 3) inderol
>
> Nick Yip
>
> "I'm a clarinetist, I can't help complaining!"
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nicholas,
Try reading (and applying) "Stage Fright, its Causes and Cures with special
reference to Violin Playing" by Kato Havas. Can't find an ISBN but its
Copyrighted MCMLXXIII by Bosworth & Co. Ltd. 14/18 Heddon St., Regent St.
London W1R 8DP. B.&Co.Ltd. 22187
I had some lessons with Ms. Havas in London (she now lives in Oxford) and
visited her courses in London and Switzerland. I recommend her book. You can
find many parallels between violin and clarinet (and other instruments) if you
think about it. She was the most important teacher for me and yet she couldn't
get a tone out of the clarinet (she tried once in her frustration with me!)
Basically, she taught me how to practise. And how to find my balance. Alexander
Technique also helped me there. In recent years, I have had much benefit from
Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong (pron.Chi Gong). With these disciplins, a lot depends
on finding a good teacher.
Yehudi Menuhin called the book, "the most realistic and practical approach
imaginable".
With herbal tea, don't forget that it is medicine. Don't OD.
What is inderol? Is it Dutch for "in the roll"? (just a joke)
Good luck!
David
P.S. just skimmed through the other mails and saw many excellant replies to
your question. Now I know what Inderal is. Stay away from it! (for this
purpous).
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