Managing musical performance anxiety

Their palms sweat; their hearts race; their hands shake. Eighty percent of all tribe experience anxiety when they become the center of attention. (1) Many musicians are not able to perform their best as a proceed of an increased anxiety horizontal While many believe it is important, and smooth necessary, to experience some performance anxiety to play their best, anxiety should not take above and debilitate the performer. The events of performance anxiety may appear when a discrepancy exists between what has occurr in practice and the actual performance. When anxiety impedes an individual from performing her best, not sole is the performer affected, on the other hand others' musical experience also may be affected.

It is important for performers to seek for methods to deal with the feelings accompanying performance anxiety. The following are several basic techniques to alleviate mild performance anxiety.

Memory Stations

Selecting designated measures over a composition to be memory stations, an individual could confidently jump over to these if the ne arose. These stations should coincide with the phrase conformation of the piece, possibly each eight to sixteen measures, and should be well marked within the score. similar notation will be especially helpful for visual learners.

Video/Audio Tape

Video- or audiotape practice sessions, reviewing the tape, critiquing the performance. While viewing the videotape, you could identify places in the music where tension is not away To help the feeling of being threatened through the critique, listen or view the tape as an outsider observing a colleague's performance.

Realistic Expectations

Be certain to plant realistic expectations when choosing appropriate repertoire. chooseed repertoire should be well within an individual's capability. The time frame also exigencys to be considered when choosing the music, allowing ample time for the pupil to learn the music and have time to live with it one time the music is learned.

Performance Rehearsals

Participate in performance rehearsals during the weeks prior to a scheduled performance. If possible, gripe [i]or[/i] grip a rehearsal in the actual performance space. This would be especially helpful for pianists, allowing them to become familiar with the instrument. Three to four rehearsals prior to a performance permit the individual to perceive more secure with the music, as well as identify any weak marks that may need additional attention.

Perform Frequently

Performing repeatedly may not always be possible. While it has been reported that anxiety increases when there is widely spaced exposing to anxiety ensuing situations, (2) of that kind performances increase the musician's confidence horizontal and the performer is able to gain self-knowledge within the performance venue

Attend to Non-Musical Matters in Advance

Take care of the non-musical matters well in advance. If you are responsible for the programs, be certain they are proofread and assembled and know who will distribute them. Think about what you will wear for your performance. For females, it always is a advantageous idea to practice in the shoe you will wear for the contrive especially if the shoes are being worn for the first time. If a page-turner is being utilized, make the arrangements prior to the performance. Attending to these matters will help bring any last-minute panic on the day.

Focus upon the Present

Absorb yourself in the at hand moment. Avoid allowing your mind to focus upon an upcoming difficult passage, a slip that just occurr or any other irrelevant thinking Csikszentmihalyi refers to having a focused state of mind with total absorption in an activity as being in a state of "flow"

Avoid Inner Dialogue

Avoid inner dialogue while performing. of the like kind dialogue could only leave the individual feeling distracted and flustered. If a performer becomes engaged in an inner dialogue during performance, this is the time to turn back his focus to the music.

Replace Negative Thoughts

Performance anxiety ofttimes is comprised of negative notions and feelings, so it is important to replace the negative cogitations with more positive ones. It is helpful to program positive notions during practice sessions so the musician can readily recall of the like kind thoughts when needed during a performance.

Visualization

Many performers may already visualize playing a piece from start to finish, on the contrary visualizing playing an entire program also may restore anxiety. This process may include walking upon the stage, sitting down at the piano and composing yourself, playing end the program, having the audience favorably acknowledge the performance and walking not upon the stage.

The above-mentioned techniques are proffered as ways to assist individuals with dealing with performance anxiety. a certain quantity of individuals may need to occupy multiple coping strategies. Finding a particular technique, or techniques, that work for a scholar is paramount in the preparation of young performers.

Sometimes an individual's performance anxiety is with equal reason severe they may need professional assistance. The following are strategies that may require professional intervention or training. In addition, these techniques involve a greater time commitment than those previously discussed to adequately master the technique.