 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: deepriver27
Date: 2003-07-13 11:37
I just played my first gig yesterday with a ragtime group I joined recently. I was so nervous I had difficulty concentrating - this is precisely why I gave up playing about 10 years ago until recently. I'm determined it's not going to cause me to quit this time though. I'd appreciate any insights anyone is willing to offer.
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-07-13 12:29
You can use the Search link above to look for other references on this board to "nerves", such as:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=104056&t=103684#reply_104056
Rubbing shoulders with some pretty good actors early on showed me that nerves are an issue for everyone. What they said has been validated by my own experiences. You should gain confidence by your level of preparation. If rehearsals went well, the performance will go well. I am at my worst when I worry about the wrong things, such as other players, sound equipment, or the audiences' expectations. I am at my best when well-prepared, and can focus on the joys of music-making with other good players around me.
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Author: Amy
Date: 2003-07-13 12:51
deepriver27,
Know that your audience want you to do well, or at the very least don't care one way or the other. Very few people want to see you crash and burn, and those who would, their opinion is not worth the time to consider.
Remember to have fun too. The main thing is to have fun. The more you worry something will go wrong, the more likely it will happen. Picture yourself being on stage, in front of thousands, and having a great time doing a great job. If you think about that enough and stay relaxed while you do it, any show will not stress you out. A little bit of nerves are good, they keep you on your toes.
I remember the first time I performed a solo in high school - I hyperventilated before going on stage. I got all worked up about going wrong and everything was fine in the end except for a bum note near the end which, when I mentioned to my parents who were in the audience, said they hadn't even noticed. Most people in the audience haven't even held a clarinet in their lives so just remember you are much more talented than they are.
Good luck with your next performance,
Amy
Post Edited (2003-07-13 12:52)
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Author: krawfish3x
Date: 2003-07-13 13:34
here's my thinking on nerves...
if you know you can do it then why should it bother you?
it makes sense to me.
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-07-13 14:03
You could try avoiding (eating or drinking) anything containing caffeine, or other stimulants, for eight hours before you are scheduled to perform; i.e., no coffee, tea, Coke, Pepsi, chocolate, etc. Some common medications contain caffeine so check those too, if applicable.
With more experience you will probably become desensitized and enjoy performing.
I applaud your determination and wish you success.
Hans
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-07-13 14:23
Playing in performance, for an audience, should be fun. If it's stressful, and not fun, don't do it.
A few of my students, and two of my professional friends, have had performance nerve problems. The students, after trying everything from Enderol to meditation, gave up performing in public. The professionals just "tough it out" every day, and it's stressful.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Pam H.
Date: 2003-07-13 23:01
Many people get nervous, it seems to be the natural reaction to doing something new whether you are performing music or speaking in public or starting a new job. Time may help you in that respect as you play more gigs together with this group and gain confidence in your own playing and how you work together as a group.
Also there are some good books available now that tackle this very issue. One that I have is called "The Inner Game of Music" by Barry Green and someone else - I don't recall his name at the moment. There are other books available as well. Sometimes understanding why I get nervous and what things I can and can't control in a situation help make things not so nerve-wracking and much more enjoyable.
I still battle nerves on occasion but have realized that I always play better when I am relaxed and can concentrate on the music, conductor, etc.
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Author: Henry
Date: 2003-07-13 23:44
A lot of good suggestions have been made above. Personally, I believe that it is perfectly natural to feel tense when engaging in any new endeavor, as Pam said. I remember clearly my own feeling of "terror" when, as a budding scientist, I forced myself to publicly participate in scientific discussions at the first professional meetings I attended, in the presence of many people that were idols in my mind. Before posing my question, my heart would literally throb in my throat! This didn't last very long, though. Soon I realized that most people are kind and appreciate the effort. The same is true in music. Just go for it! As Amy said, you are probably better than 99% of the people in the audience. The only way to learn is to do it. Just because it's initially stressful is no reason to not persevere! Good luck!
Henry
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Author: musiq
Date: 2003-07-14 00:06
Well, my first piece of advice would be to NOT imagine no one is in the audience and then stare at the wall. If you just stand there and stare than you will look bored, be bored yourself, and it wont be an enjoyable concert... even if you didn't mess up. The best advide i was given before a performance was from my pianist. He said just go crazy. Not crazy where you start to not focus and play too wildly and throw everything off, but go crazy in the sence that the music you create that night will be a product of you not holding back, original creativity, and timeless. If you hold back because you are afraid of messing up than you might not mess up, BUT then you are not doing the hard work you put in and the piece you are playing justice. I personally would regret any performance that i did not "go crazy" and just let my heart loose. Keep playing, I'm glad you picked your horn up again. Remember that you are playing for yourself because you love what you do.
-musiq-
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Author: clarinetstudent
Date: 2003-07-14 02:19
Whenever I am nervous, I take a few deep breaths and think, "Everything is going to be fine." You are out there to entertain the audience so enjoy it!
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-07-14 03:20
I've heard this book is very helpful in this problem (though I've not read it myself)...
The Inner Game of Music
by
Barry Green w/ W. Timothy Gallwey
Maybe this will help you out. Anyone who knows this book, please add your opinions!
dH -theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2003-07-14 04:03
I'm an actor (and also a beginning clarinetist). I used to literally tremble before I went on stage to act, but the more I did it the easier it got. I guess I wanted to do it bad enough to make myself get through the fear eventually. I still get a little tense on opening night, but nothing like I used to, and I would think the more you perform the easier it will get, especially with good preparation.
When you get to the point where you are not so nervous but are really enjoying it, that's really a high. So hang in there.
Leonard
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2003-07-14 16:44
Hi,
I've never played in front of an audience, but I have had to speak. One guy told me to imagine that everyone is sitting there stark naked! It really helps, particularly if you have a 'Monty Python' sense of humour.
Of course, you may screw things up by laughing, but that's a different problem!
Steve
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-07-14 22:14
When I first played under Charles Mackerass (ABC Sinfonia) I was petrified - as were most of the orchestra as he is a granite figure in old school conducting ... he sensed this and started his first rehearsal by telling us some anecdotes about his life in the Sydney Symphony (when he played oboe) which ended up with us in fits of laughter. Those endorphines (sp?) are a good relaxant.
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Author: iowagrl
Date: 2003-07-14 22:31
Ethan Sloane gave this advise at the Tanglewood clarinet workshop:
If you're prepared, there's no reason to be nervous,
If you're not prepared, it's too late to be nervous..........
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Author: chicagoclar
Date: 2003-07-15 08:52
I had a terrible case of stage fright whenever I performed for a long time. My teacher made me perform as much as I possibly could, whether for other students, friends, family, an actual audience, my dogs, or even a mirror. I eventually got over my fright. I still get nervous, but i can manage to keep hold of my clarinet and not hyperventilate. Also, I've heard that eating a bannanna can help. I don't remember why, but it's supposed to have some chemical that calms the nerves or something (this could definately be an old wives' tale though) Good luck, and don't give up.
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Author: ken
Date: 2003-07-17 15:30
A few thoughts on nervousness and winning the internal game:
1) Be thorough in background research of any piece and composer; applied historical and practical knowledge is as vital to a well-represented presentation as long and tenuous hours of practice.
2) Practice, practice, practice, of course but organized and measured practice sessions produces better and long-lasting results. The benefits are wide ranging. Time management combined with knowing the music “cold” improves muscle memory recall, reduces tension and exertion, helps smooth out technical speed bumps and in turn bolster self-expression (i.e. increased creativity and less time chained to the notes and mechanics). Along these lines, I'm NOT a supporter of "don't over practice so you don't get sick of the music before you perform it". Getting charged up and making a piece of music sound fresh the first time as well as the 1,000th is as much a fundamental skill as mastering a chromatic scale.
3) If the performance setting permits, learn solos to memorize them, then “use the music” as a reference. The more familiar and committed the music the better equipped to “read ahead” in the mind’s eye and absorb larger phrases, groupings and negotiate the trickier licks or riffs, extreme jumps and sustaining notes demanding additional support or reset in finger position.
4) Be well rested and mentally alert. Refrain from artificial stimulants two hours prior to performance; i.e. caffeine, sugar, alcohol, spicy foods. Avoid stressful situations, social or professional, if you need time alone, take it if you can.
5) On the day “before” performance/solo, cut practice routine at least by half (when possible) and on the day of a performance should be used as a “touch-up” day only, warm-up, sound check, review of important passages/transitions…then “get off and away” from the horn until it’s time to start blowing warm air through it and that insurance swab. If already performing on stage in an ensemble, rest the entire piece (or sections) if at all possible. If appropriate, leave stage the piece before (inform the conductor and Principal prior to concert), wait in the wings.
6) When standing in the wings use whatever “mental anesthesia” working the best, put on the game face and walk out on stage confidently with calm assurance projecting a "check me out" attitude. Smile! The audience (especially general/casual audiences) is often as apprehensive as the soloist. A genuine, warm grin always makes a good icebreaker and projects an inviting self-image.
7) As the piece progresses, think "I've worked extremely HARD not only on this solo but in years of sacrifice and dedication to this instrument, I'm not going to let IT or ME down. I “earned the right” to play well today and MY audience deserves MY very best effort." If a note or passage is clammed immediately erase it from the mind and press forward bearing down even more determined. If the mistake can’t be shaken off use negative energy as a positive force…ticked-off can serve as a useful motivator. v/r Ken
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2003-07-17 15:51
If I were you, I wouldn't think about the fact that it's possible to mess up. Don't even think about messing up. My biggest weakness is having everything to be perfect all the time, and forgetting that what I'm doing is something beautiful and unable to be repeated exactly the same way. Think about the music itself and how beautiful it is, and how you're trying to give a wonderful experience to the audience. Don't think about your nerves. Think about giving something back to your audience. Hope this helps!!
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Author: deepriver27
Date: 2003-07-17 23:41
Hi -
Been away all week and haen't had time till now to thank everyone for the great input. I have another gig this Sat -
I'm really glad I recently found this board.
Bill
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Author: Barrie Marshall
Date: 2003-07-19 00:59
"The Inner Game of Music" by Barry Green, did me a lot of good, what I mainly learned from it overnight was to stop worrying about making mistakes as I did a few years ago through nerves, I dismissed them and at once did not make as many.......risky business this jazz, but that is a positive statement, you have to take risks not play clichés
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