 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: eilidh
Date: 2002-06-08 21:44
I know this topic has probably been dealt with before but I am relatively new to this board.
Any time I have to play in public I am totally debilitated by nerves and sound as if I can't play things I actuallly can.
The pieces suddenly look like pieces I have never seen before.
I shortly have to perform the Sutermeister Capriccio in public and I find it even worse playing an unaccompanied piece as it feels so lonely up there!
Advice welcome
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tim2
Date: 2002-06-09 02:06
Do a search on this BB for "stage fright" or "anxiety" (sp) or even "banana". I eat one an hour before I play. If you know that you know your stuff, the confidence should be there. Your audience wants you to do well.
This topic has been dicussed at length many times and there is a wealth of information of advice of what and what not to do. Good luck. Play well!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kat
Date: 2002-06-09 02:43
Eilidh,
That piece is SO awesome! I've performed it on 2 recitals. Of course both of those were more than 10 years ago, but I enjoyed the piece thoroughly.
I don't know specifically how to address your difficulty with stage fright, but here are some thoughts:
1) Enjoy the music.
2) Before you have to perform, practice performing it in front of friends. Don't stop even if you goof...REALLY pretend it's the "big night."
3) Read Eugen Herrigel's (sp?) "Zen in the Art of Archery." Think about only one thing at a time. If you're concentrating on the music, concentrate on the music. If you want to concentrate on the stage fright, stop playing and concentrate on the stage fright! ;^)
4) Discuss the problem with your teacher. He probably knows you better than you think, and certainly better than we on the board do. He may have more appropriate suggestions.
5) ENJOY THE PIECE!!!! You're so lucky to GET to play it. I mean that. That piece is one of my all-time favorites. I love the freedom an unaccompanied piece allows. You don't have to "wait" for the pianist to play 4 or 8 bars of accompaniment at any time. You control the show. You're driving the truck. You are in charge.
Hope I haven't scared you with that last bit, but I consider it a privilege to get to play that piece in front of people.
Katrina
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Laurie H.
Date: 2002-06-09 03:17
Two things. Read "The Inner Game of Music". Don't think of it as performing. Instead, think of sharing your gift of music with the audience. If you're prepared, it's just a matter of perspective.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: HAT
Date: 2002-06-09 03:23
Let's assume that stage fright is bad enough that you play 50% of what you would play it in the practice room. This is not uncommon. For a more advanced student it would be more like 75%. Whatever.
The key is that there isn't anything you can do about stage fright that will work quickly. It just takes lots of experience. For some people it never goes away.
So accept for now that when you play in public, you aren't going to do your best. It's no big deal to admit that. And it is perhaps the first step to getting over it.
Next, if you are 200% prepared, and you suck and play 50%, you'll still play pretty well.
You just have to be willing to become so good at playing that when you play bad, you're still great.
This is really what seperates the great professionals from the great students. A great student will play great and think: "I sound just like Larry Combs. . .I must be almost as good as he is" and then two days later play like a pig on something else.
A great professional will sound awful to himself but sound like a god to the people in the audience (and play as well or better than the great student on his best day). And when he plays well. . .wow.
The other big difference is the KIND of things that go wrong. A great professional might squeak or hit some subtones or have trouble controlling intonation and sound quality to some degree on a bad day. BUT, rhythm and rest counting, etc. will remain rock solid. This is extremely important!
Good luck and go play lots of concerts. But make sure you're ready, or it will undermine your confidence.
David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sarah
Date: 2002-06-09 21:43
Know what you're talking about-I always feel like I'm going to faint or puke (occasionaly both!!) when I step out onto the stage-Haven't done either yet......(knock on wood).......I find that it helps to calm my nerves by taking big breaths and not eating anything atleast 3 hours before the show...Good Luck
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Frank Mochol
Date: 2002-06-12 14:39
I suppose in a contest or jury type situation this may not apply, but you should realize that people are there to have a good time and enjoy the music, not be critical. I usually worry more about letting my bandmates down, than displeasing the audience. I used to get very nervous playing classical stuff, but was totally relaxed playing jazz....i guess part of it is due to the fact that you are in control of what you improvise, so a "tough lick" is only as tough as you want to make it. A problem in performing is that if you're really scared, the audience is probably picking up on it.....by the same token if you're there to have fun, so will they. Good luck.....and remember, the next time you perform....you are surrounded by friends!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: anon
Date: 2002-06-14 01:39
there's a great book out there called "Taking Centre Stage" by Ruth Bonetti. Look for it online. It's australian so it'll take a bit to get here. It's worth it. Drink tons of water, it helps your brain. I was drinking so much during a week of concerts i was in the bathroom more than the practice room! more than you needed to know, i'm sure. Good luck, remember "Music is alive, and anything alive cannot be perfect."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
