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Author: marieplayer
Date: 2011-12-10 01:05
So tomorrow i have an audition tomorrow and i'm really scared my nerves will get the best of me. my heart starts beating so fast as the time comes closer and it ruins my performance. i worked really hard on the audition piece and scales and if anyone could tell me any advice or ways to calm down or if there is any vitamins or foods that help calm nerves i would appreciate it. it would be my dream to get in and i feel like my mind is focusing on the negative perspective of this experience therefor setting myself up to do bad. :(
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Author: oca
Date: 2011-12-10 01:55
Well, in my experience as an athlete, I train mentally as well as physically.
In an article in sports psychology, it states that a good portion of preparedness comes from running through what you are aiming for in your head. But beware, this might cause mental fatigue. Also be sure you get enough sleep.
Another way, which is more long term, is to get involved in more solos in your community. The more you do it the easier it gets.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2011-12-10 01:59
Wake up early. Have a wholesome breakfast (not necessarily big, but eat good foods, i stay away from too much milk, sugar, or oil). Stretch, maybe while listening to a relaxing classical symphony, or any music that relaxes you. Have a warm shower. Drink plenty of room temperature water ( again, don't go overboard, but definitely no ice). No sodas, and I even discourage fruit juice, but some may disagree. Get to the tryout early.
You've worked very hard, you should be proud of yourself. I know you'll do great.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2011-12-10 03:39
Eat a banana about an hour before your audition. Brush your teeth before playing of course, but the banana will help calm the jitters! I had heard about this, and even recommended it to my students (who all found it to work) and the had the chance to use it successfully myself this year!
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Author: C.Elizabeth07
Date: 2011-12-10 03:54
yoga, before all my performances. I find a quiet place and do some simple yoga. Its great for calming you and getting you in the right mind-set. I've even done it in floor length gowns backstage before going on. And I second the banana thing. Avoid any and all caffeine including coffee, tea, soda and chocolate etc. Break a leg!!!
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2011-12-10 14:13
There was another discussion about this topic recently, and Katrina mentioned bananas. I seconded her suggestion, and suggested other potassium-rich foods as well which also help to lower blood pressure. Still, I think there is something to this banana idea, especially if it is eaten within an hour or so before you perform. I really think it does help to calm the nerves.
I know I'm getting a bit off topic, but I think bananas may also help to control mindless snacking. Many of us sometimes get a bit stressed and hungry in the middle of the afternoon, and feel the urge to snack, often on foods that aren't the healthiest. I've found that eating a banana first helps to cut down on these cravings.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2011-12-10 14:22
I think the banana sounds like a good idea. I may test it on myself soon to see the results.
For now, to release the jitters, I do a good old set of jumping jacks. They're not over tiring, they warm up the muscles, and they calm me down.
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Author: Dori
Date: 2011-12-10 15:22
You don't have to feel totally relaxed as some nervous feeling can actually be a good thing. My son's karate Master tells his students before a test that when you feel a bit nervous you are paying attention to what you need to do. The ones who are so relaxed that they think they can do everything without thinking usually make mistakes.
Try to think of it as anticipation rather than nervousness.
Break a reed!!
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-12-10 16:16
In reading the above posts, some of which suggest techniques to get your adrenalin pumping (e.g., jumping jacks) and others that suggest calming techniques (e.g., yoga), I'm reminded of a psych prof years ago who talked to our class about techniques for maximizing performance on exams. He suggested that some students do best when they are calm and relaxed while others actually perform best when they're hyped up. For the former group, he suggested resting in a dark place before the exam, getting to the room early, staking out a corner near a window, and not interacting with anyone else in the room before the exam. For the latter group, he recommended running to class at the last moment (and/or) perhaps running around the outside of the building a couple of times right before the exam. The important thing was to figure out under which conditions, you would perform best as an individual and then to do what you could to establish those conditions. I think, perhaps, the same theory applies to auditions.
A lot of people swear by bananas.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2011-12-10 19:26
What exactly are you worried about? Figure that out. It usually something a little deeper than I hope I get the prize or I hope they like me. There is no nervousness when you are in the "now". If you're in the past or the future you will be constantly nervous and up tight. When I feeling a little "not in the moment" I make sure I feel the air hitting my fingers and every thing involved in making the sound and playing "right now" After this is where all the things that could change the out come are, might as well be there. Tom Puwalski
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-12-11 02:53
To be honest nerves will react differently. I always try to play the best I can and who knows, perhaps the judges won't care about a few missed notes. I've auditioned lots of times and have had average luck. If you miss a notes or even a measure or something DON'T stop. Often the judges know mistakes happen and its really the recovery, or the rebound that matters the most. I've also lost several auditions including the San Diego sym. I really messed that one up and badly wanted it.
By the way pros screw up and thats partly why there are several openings in major orchestra's, not just the clarinet, but all of the woodwinds. It also has to do with money as orchestras are hurting trying to find money.
The next positive thing you can do is play is front of friends, both really good players and a few non musicians.
Nerves can strike in many ways. Legs shake, fingers mess up; uneven scales, even your lips quivering sounding like a vibrato!
Trust me, if something happens regarding nerves don't be afraid to tell the judges. They understand and often they may ask you to come back later in the day or a different day of auditions.
I auditioned at Eastman and Stanley Hasty was walking around on wood floors screwing up my rhythm. Well I stopped and told him that his walking around messed up my rhythm. He stopped and I got it right and was accepted. I also got into Peabody with a scholrship and my folks lived in Maryland. The price between the schools was huge. I would have rather gone to Eastman. Hasty wsa a really nice man.
Lots of thing may mess you up, but don't worry, because everyone screws up. Just have fun and believe me the judges mess up too.
Good luck!
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-12-11 18:05
I think one thing that messes with the nerves at an audition is letting yourself get psyched out, listening to other players warm up. Just because someone can play scales at lightning speed doesn't necessarily mean that person can sight-read well or play with musical sensitivity.
The key is to focus on what you need to do and even find a somewhat secluded place to warm up, if possible.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2011-12-11 19:20
I think a lot of good points have been made on these threads. I just wanted to see if anyone had the same feeling on a few things:
In my experience, I feel that if I brush my teeth too close to a performance/audition, it actually negatively effects my performance. I notice this more when I play flute, but it seems to dry my lips and mouth out, making it hard to control my air. I try to brush early, and drink lots of water afterwards to rehydrate. It may just be me or my particular toothpaste, but something I've noticed in my career.
As far as jumping jacks and adrenaline are concerned, to me, they are a relaxing, easy exercise, and I don't know if I'd say that it builds adrenaline, as I do them very lightly and just enough to warm the muscles and release the excess nerve energy the emotion of a pressured performance creates. That being said, I'm not trianed in sports medicine, so my assumption may be completely false in the matter.
Well done on all points, I will definitely add a few to my routine.
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