Author: oboe1960
Date: 2007-10-12 12:52
performance anxiety is just a fact of music life. EVERYBODY is affected by it, and you won't be able to just put it behind you. The best thing you can do to help yourself is to make sure you feel 100% prepared in what you are going to play. Practice it flawlessly so many times that you can almost do it on autopilot. Feeling CONFIDENT that you are really ready and very able to play this piece is at least 80% of the battle. If you are doubting your capability for a certain note, sequence, entrance or whatever, you WILL mess something up. Ironically, it might not be that part; it might be some other part you had down pat.
Experience is the best way to learn to cope with the other 20% of the battle. Frankly, bananas never did a thing for me  I found that doing some yoga on a regular basis aids in deep, supportive breathing which feels really good and can help calm you down even on stage.
It also helps to remember that your fellow musicians and the audience all want you to do well. Everybody is rooting for you! So take heart, practice those tough spots and be confident. Good luck! We have been there too!
P.S. Forget about the alcohol, although it is tempting, I know! I know that for me, even one glass of wine decreases embouchure control and mental sharpness. I won't even try to practice if I've been drinking... it just messes up the mechanics too much. Save the drinkies for after your good performance!
Post Edited (2007-10-12 12:55)
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