 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kes
Date: 2002-09-05 01:24
Well, yeah, this is kind of embarrassing I guess. I was wondering if you all had some advice to get rid of the audition jitters (aka nervousness). I get so nervous when I have to audition, even if I try not to! Sometimes my knees will even shake! :'( I'm usually not nervous until like 5 minutes before and then im nervous throughout the whole deal. Even with recording solo auditions for honor bands. Is it because I fear the judgement of others or something? I never get nervous for concerts! Since I'm always so nervous for my auditions, I mess up a lot (aka losing tempo, etc). I don't feel my auditions are an accurate reflection of my playing abilities. How can I make it better? Any help/comments/advice?
thanks!
~*~
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-05 01:44
I did drugs (legal ones) in my youth to overcome this - but hey, I'm a hippie (well sort of) and that's what we did in those days.
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Author: John
Date: 2002-09-05 01:48
Actually, I just had an audition. I found a book that has helped immensely. It's by Ruth Bonetti, and it's called Taking Centre Stage. Anyways, other than that book, deep breathing is a must! I can't think of much else. Remember that most judges really want to see you succeed, so that should give you a vote of confidence. Happy Clarineting
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-05 01:55
OMG! I studied with her mother - years ago - Mrs Frances Bonetti - she's in Brisbane (Ruth), right?
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-05 02:49
Kes,
You are not alone. I NEVER EVER have played my best in an audition or even a jury or anything like that. I play just fine in front of an audience; in fact I usually play better than in a practice room. I prefer to entertain folks, not be judged by them. I decided against a symphonic/classical career for simply this reason. I didn't want to have to base my financial success on my worst playing attribute. Not that I couldn't have conquered the problem. I just decided that having an orchestral career wasn't worth practicing the more than 8-10 hours a day that that level would have required from me. Your mileage may vary...
Are you a Leo by any chance? I'm just curious, as this seems to relate closely to my personal experiences...
Katrina
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2002-09-05 05:36
Diz, yeah Ruth is an (unfair!) A.M.E.B examiner (Australian Music Examinations Board) in Brisbane, and runs a shop with her husband called Musica Bonettica or something like that.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-05 05:39
Her father - Toni - was a principal violin with the SSO - he and Frances retired to the country and now live in a converted Monestary - lots of rooms for chamber music ... ah.
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Author: BeckyC
Date: 2002-09-05 14:20
Have any of you ever had a panic attack during a performance.
I am usually not nervous while playing, especially with the orchestra, but occasionally, out or nowhere a Bit a nervousness will pop up. For example, while playing the clarinet part in a clarinet and flute solo(duet) intro.......My heart begins to pound out of control. I can not stop to take a breath to control it so I continue to play. After the opening there is several measures of rests.......so I do. I have never felt so Faint in my entire life.
For the rest of the peice I was just fine.
The only way anyone could tell that I was "nervous" was to see my chest pounding, and then afterward my eyes rolling to the back of my head!! lol haha
Now that I think about it, it does sound pretty silly.
Can anyone relate?
Becky
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-09-05 20:54
Experiencing nervousness is natural, allowing it to predominate and sabotage an otherwise excellent audition or performance IS NOT. Striving for "perfection" in any live setting is fine for the rare performer who can muster nerves of steel but for most of us is an unrealistic goal and/or barrier to overcome. The audition process with its traditional “trappings” can indeed be intimidating. However, creating music FIRST should of course, be the priority and what ultimately gets the gig. You might try approaching an audition from the qualities of creativity, interest, enjoyment, satisfaction, and as a pure craft NOT entirely from external pressures such as competition, self-evaluation, peer pressure, lack of confidence or perceived fear of failure. A few proven techniques combating the audition/performance jitters:
1) Be thorough in historical research/study. Explore the genius of the composer through the ink. Apply the 5 "Ws", purpose for the composition, period, purpose, personal circumstances, lifestyle, demographics, etc. This knowledge is very useful in practical application. Time practicing "off the horn" is as critical to an effective performance as playing through the music a gazillion times.
2) Be relaxed, well rested and mentally alert, if you play your best when 100% in control of your faculties and have any "little" vices, aka, artificial stimulants such as nicotine, caffeine, any form of sugar, alcohol, spicy foods, etc) refrain from them at least two hours prior.
4) When waiting in the wings moments before your turn try applying reverse psychology as a confidence boost. That is, get falsely conceited (unless you're naturally stuck-up). Remember, your portion of the audition is “critical” to the selection process regardless where you finish. Your time, effort and participation are just as valuable as the committee’s and fellow participants. Also, although not for everyone, being p***ed off/moderate anger can be an effective motivator and tool as well.
5) Complement and build yourself up. Say with conviction, "I've worked incredibly hard preparing for not only this audition but in the months/years of sacrifice and dedication to this instrument, I'm not going to let the horn or myself down. I earned the right to play my very best today and the committee deserves the ‘privilege’ of accessing and enjoying what I do. Always, focus your energies on the “reward” of the challenge, not the “consequence” of failure.
6) Visualize. Picture yourself mentally already “winning” the position as you play you’re triumphantly performing your part in the ensemble/soloing. Visualizing WHO you want to be, doing what you’ve dreamed of doing and the way you want to do it can be powerfully effective. This technique provides an instant and positive self-image, I also overcome the “irrational” fear of rejection.
I once took an audition for a U.S. military band where the committee (a dozen or so woodwind section leaders/players) was strategically seated in a full circle around the candidate who was put smack in the middle. This configuration was a first for me, but it proved the perfect “mental anesthesia” and environment to relax more and play better (if not keeping from laughing out loud). As I played through the material I kept thinking why didn’t they just stick me on a revolving platform so I could do 360s and be my own theater in the round?! v/r KEN
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-09-05 22:50
I have begun reading The Inner Game of Music which has been mentioned on this board before - that's where I got the idea. I think what they discuss in the book and exercises to try are good ideas. That is along with what has been mentioned already.
I do fine myself in an orchestra setting, but when it comes to doing solo for a recital I have been all nerves in the past. I think part of it for me is that in the orchestra pit I feel safe and just a part of what is going on but with a solo out in front of the room. ACK!
I hope you find something that helps you.
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Author: kes
Date: 2002-09-06 00:51
Thanks all! Your ideas are great and I'll just have to try them on my next audition! It's nice to see that I'm not alone. And Kat, no I'm not a Leo, I'm a Virgo (oddly enough), but my best friend is a Leo. Lol.
Thanks again...
~*~
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Author: Marie
Date: 2002-09-06 00:58
Remember that if you aren't having fun you're forgetting the whole point of why you play. Try to block out the judges if you can and just play for the love of playing. I also get very nervous for auditions and that's what I try to remember. I try to foget about the situation and focus on enjoying the music.
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Author: Alex
Date: 2002-09-08 01:24
I was in the same situation a couple days ago, and played my most nervous audition ever.
My advice to you: OWN your audition piece.
I spent the last couple months ironing out every last detail of the piece I was preparing for the audition (Carlo Paessler's Concerto con Variazioni, last movement), and had it to the point where it seemed concert-ready when I played it by myself, complete with a whole mess of artistic style, tempo, and articulation all nicely done. I knew where every breath, every style mark, and every note would go.
When I walked into the audition, I was incredibly nervous (as usual), but unlike last year, this year I went into auto-pilot as far as notes and articulations were concerned, and the tiny bit of composure I had left after all was said and done was just enough to pull off bit of musicality and flow.
Granted, I should probably have just tried to relax, but in an audition sometimes that goes out the window.
Also, be sure to practice the easy parts thoroughly. Just as my clarinet teacher told me might happen, the parts I messed up were the easy ones that I didn't practice, while I nailed the tough passages I'd obsessed over.
Be warned, however... since I now OWN my audition piece, I can't get the darn thing out of my head.
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Author: Greg, MD
Date: 2002-09-10 00:14
Inderol (propanolol) 20mg, by mouth 45 min to 1 hour before performance. It is a beta blocker; meaning it blocks the affects of adrenaline. It blocks the rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, shaking, "nervousness". It has no central action, i.e. like a valium. Meaning it has no affects on cognitive function. You are able to think and perform clearly. I use it when I give lectures because I am a TOTAL basket-case. I have the worst case of stage fright. I stammer, and have nervous figgiting habits without it. With it, I have confidence, speak slowly, clearly, am able to interact with the audience and able to answer impromptu questions clearly and with confidence. I get excellent reviews from evaluations with regards to presentation after lectures. Ask your doctor about it. It is a very safe drug. It is an antihypertensive med. I used it before I took my oral medical boards: a situation where you HAVE to have a clear mind and not be "doped up." It is a not uncommon legal drug used by performers in all forms of entertainment: actors, musicians.
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-12-15 16:02
Kes, here are a few thoughts/suggestions I shared on the "audition jitters" thread...hope they help (9th post down). Don't ever get discouraged, "success and failure" is part of the game.
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=88828&t=88759]
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