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RE: Stage fright-to merry and becky

Author: Greg
Date: 1999-08-20 04:55

Actually, for problems as severe or as chronic as you describe, NO amount of playing will alleviate one's symptoms. For this, a special class of medications for performance anxiety provides an alternative to the needless suffering that you describe. No one should have to endure that level of fright (a social phobic reaction) for any reason on a short or long term basis.

Check all of the postings under the thread "beta blockers" just above this one on this bulletin board. I and others have a few things to say about this issue.

My very best to both of you...
Greg Smith
Clarinetist
Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Merry wrote:
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Does it really get easier with practice? It never did with me. I'd know my pieces just fine but as soon as people were watching me my fingers would freeze and everything I worked so hard for would go out the window. I tried to be rational and tell myself I was being foolish and I was only letting myself down but it was to no avail. I think it is a personality thing, some people thrive on performance and competition and other don't. Now, 12 years after my nervous high school days I find myself in the solo horn (brass tenor horn that- we don't have a concert band in town) position in our local band and my nerves are really no better. I get though the solos OK but I definitely lack the brilliance of the other soloists in the band. Sorry I haven't said anything very positive, you just have to try to deal with your nerves the best that you can. Of course I am really pathetic, I get nervous playing in front of my parents, my boyfriend and even my students.

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