Klarinet Archive - Posting 000712.txt from 2003/04

From: "Raycraft" <raycraft@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Performance Anxiety techniques/remedies
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:40:48 -0400

> Besides prescription meds, Alexander technique and bananas, anyone
> have any tips/tricks/natural herbal remedies that have worked to
> minimize performance anxiety? I started reading "Inner Game of
> Music" which some of the techniques help, but Im just seeking other
> alternatives. Thanks for any info.

Just get up there and pretend like you are someone else???
Like the most famous clarinet virtuoso you can imagine???

And then remember that even the best of them get performance
anxiety. Maybe part of the secret is to learn not to be so hard on
yourself. Nobody's perfect.
I know that the main reason the *I* have anxiety is the fear of
making a mistake in front of people. I'm assuming this is the most
common reason. If we can get to the point where we can just let
it go, like *water off a duck's back*, and realize that it's not the
end of the world to make a mistake ( and I think this is true in all
area of our lives, not just music), then it is much easier to relax
a little bit.
Enough philosophizing.
Sue

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