 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: eilidh
Date: 2001-11-11 13:42
i have an exam in about three weeks time...........any advice on how to handle performance nerves?
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Author: Benny
Date: 2001-11-11 15:40
I don't know if this will be any help, but when I audition I make myself think I'm practicing. Before I audition I also tell myself that I'm not going to make it so just I play and don't worry about screwing up. Good luck!
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2001-11-11 17:02
I just play like its not that important. I'm not sure if that will help, but just concentrate on playing for YOU not for the judges.
Good luck,
Kim L.
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Author: William
Date: 2001-11-11 17:09
Nothing defeats "perforrmance nerves" better than developing CONFIDENCE in your ability to perform. So, prepare your music until there is no section or series of notes that have not been mastered--even to the point of memorized. Then, it might help for you to "take charge" of the room in which you are playing. I often do this by adjusting my music stand, chair, or sheet music, even if they do not necessarily need adjustment. I then play a few low and high notes and tune very carefully to the piano, even if I know I am in tune. Often, I also wet and re-adjust my reed, just before announcing that I was ready. All of this--combined with being absolutely prepared to play my music and any other required scale, etude, etc--really help me to feel "in control" and to perform more with more musical confidence. Once, on a recital--to ease the "tension" and connect with the audience--I actually "forgot" to bring my music on stage with me, which of course drew a bit of a chuckle from the audience when I had to excuse myself to retrieve it from off stage. I wouldn"t recommend doing that in front of an exam committe, however, but being prepared to play and taking some kind of charge of the room always worked in my performance favor. I would still be nervous, but I would make that nervousness work to my advantage and confidence. So, prepare your music, take charge of the situation, take a deep breath, and Good Clarineting!!! You"ll be great!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Author: Kirk
Date: 2001-11-11 20:43
During my first performance, I had a squeak or two but I didn't let it ruin my confidence. I even made a joke about it saying that way the cats outside could enjoy the concert....sure took the edge off and tthen I returned to playing.
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2001-11-12 12:49
To go along with what has been said, just before performing take some deep breaths. Walk into the room with your back straight and your head held high, like you are God's gift to the clarinet world. Pretend you are just that. <i>Relax</i>, and <i>focus</i> on the music, blocking out the fact that there is an audience.
The two key words are <i>relax</> and <i>focus</i>.
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Author: eilidh
Date: 2001-11-12 21:08
aarrrghhh.................ok im calm im calm
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Author: Suzanne
Date: 2001-11-13 04:07
Instead of thinking, "I'm going in to play the clarinet," think, "I am going to sing for them." Singing is so much more simple, and easy, free of all the "mechanics" and motor problems of the instrument... Pretend you are singing instead of playing, and everything seems so much easier, at least for me. It also helps me to enjoy the situation.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-11-14 19:50
Getting nervous is only natural, letting it predominate and sabotage an otherwise excellent performance IS NOT. Striving for "perfection" (especially on a live setting) is fine if you’ve got nerves of steel and/or the stomach for it (which is almost no one) but it should never be the primary goal. If you play a piece perfectly and there is no music made, or someone isn't moved by it what good is it? Live music is just that, LIVE, almost always “imperfect”, that comes with the turf and that’s what it’s meant to be. The human element, spontaneity and connection between performer and listener are what make it glorious and unique, it's not a studio.
Of course, setting yourself up “for success” before tripping the lights is the challenge at hand and the best edge a performer can aspire to. There's disputably a science to everything, but in many cases old-fashioned common sense and stalwart preparation can prove the most valuable skills. Things I do to fight off the jitters before taking stage:
1) Be thorough in your pre-performance research and study of the composer and piece, get into their mind through the ink, and any historical information you can lay your hands on. Apply the 5 "Ws" on every piece you play, circumstances, mood, etc. This knowledge can be just as useful in practical application. Time practicing "off the horn" can be as critical to a presentation as practicing it a gazillion times until you’re sick of it.
2) Preparation, preparation, preparation. Decide on and budget your shed time wisely and know the music COLD. That's easy to say but it's a necessary discipline that must be attained. This is beneficial in many ways; it reduces physical demands and mechanics, builds confidence, patience and “programs fingers” so you can better showcase your talent and concentrate on making more "music".
3) When preparing solos, "master them to memorize them", then take the music with you using it, not as a crutch but as a spot reference. This is an effective tool/boost as you're not chained to the page and free to express yourself and interact/entertain the audience. Another perk, the more the familiarity with the music the better equipped you'll be to "read ahead" and absorb larger phrases and groupings before you play them. It increases that extra split second glance before tackling those technically difficult passages or shaky spots.
4) Certainly, be relaxed as well rested and as mentally alert as possible, if you're the excitable type or have any vices, avoid stimulants at least two hours before performance; nicotine, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, spicy foods, any worn out reruns of “Frazier”.
5) When standing in the wings switch gears and use reverse psychology to build last minute confidence. Put on your game face, get falsely conceited, (unless you don’t have to) and strut on stage projecting a "check me out" attitude. Remember, you’re part of the program too and you’re time is just as valuable as anyone else.
6) Smile, smile, smile! The audience can be as apprehensive as you; a toothy grin instantly creates a lighter atmosphere and guaranteed to generate a reassuring smile in return.
7) As the piece progresses, I often think to myself, "I've worked HARD not only on this solo but in years of sacrifice and dedication to this instrument, I'm not going to let it or myself down. I EARNED the right to play well today and MY audience (or jury) deserves to hear me and my very best effort.”
8) Clam? Forget it, bear down, be more determined and press forward. Depending on the hall you’d be surprised what can and can't be heard or what audibly comes across to the audience. That tiny glitch you just made after rehearsing it right 100 times in row might only be discerned by you and never make it past the podium or first row. If it’s a real zinger big deal, you’re a human being, we got that out of the way, let’s get back to the show.
9) During multiple-beat/measure rests, take a half-breath a couple beats before your entrance, then right before the entrance take a second breath to fill up your lungs. This will keep you from taking gasping breaths, help smooth, stabilize and even out your entrances as well as limit unnecessary movement.
10) After the performance is concluded, regardless how it went, exit the stage the same way you entered, confident, determined, and proud. A positive approach and attitude are the prime qualities of emulating (or being) a professional and the swiftest way to gain respect for yourself and among your contemporaries.
This isn’t the best example but the first that comes to mind. I remember years ago watching the Oscars. It was shown live coast to coast, the 60-70s pop singer Dion Warwick was one of the performers and sung about a 10-minute medley of all her hits. About 8 bars into the second tune she and the pit orchestra got horribly off, it was a real train wreck, even obvious to the most casual ear. This went on for I’d guess 40 bars, a whole minute and even through a transition into the next tune. But the whole time she kept singing, listening and smiling without giving a hint anything was awry. Finally, she and the band got it together and finished the chart. Afterwards, she got a standing ovation from everyone in the hall. I’ll never forget it because I was so impressed with her. That’s professionalism at its finest. WOW, I'm full of balloon juice today. <:-)
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