A little nervousness can give the prospective performer an edge on stage, but too much can be disastrous. In fact, some performers can get so sick that they vomit or pass out. Many talented musicians are out there, but can’t go beyond the bedroom when performing. What can the prospective performer do about fighting stage fright? The following are a few suggestions:
Stage Fright Remedies -- Diet, Paradigm Shift, and Song Choice:
Good things happen in threes: The prospective performer should learn three songs well. They should play them every day. They should play them in front of people and not just their family and friends. For instance, the prospective performer should go to an open mike night and play until they feel comfortable with their three songs. Small settings are best at this point. Stage fright can vary wildly from person to person, but the more one plays in front of people the less one will suffer from it. The prospective performer should try to find songs they like, but are within their grasp of playing. Song choice is critical.
The Present: The prospective performer should always practice in real time. They should practice the way they are going to perform. They should set up all their equipment (system) in the same way regardless if they are practicing or performing. The more congruent their practice routine is with their performance routine the better. Note: Some systems are great for studio work, but not for playing live or gigging, so test your system. In short, the prospective performer should listen to what they are playing and spend some time learning how to create the best real time sound.
What mistakes? The prospective performer should not telegraph their mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but a seasoned performer gets better at covering them up with practice. When practicing, the prospective performer will just let the music flow. They will not stop playing no matter what. They will try to keep the song moving along even if they make a mistake. They will welcome the mistakes, since they are learning tools. Mistakes actually help one to learn to improvise.
Diet and Activity: The prospective performer’s diet can affect their nervousness level. For example, natural potassium may reduce ones stress level when it comes to stage fright. So, a prospective performer should try a few bananas one or two hours before they go on stage. Moreover, a prospective performer should stretch before they play. This will increase their alertness. The prospective performer should play relaxed. They make sure they eat a well balanced meal and stay in good shape through a consistent exercise program -- helps to keep the blood flowing. They drink plenty of fluids. They don’t play when they are tired. Injuries can happen if one plays without getting proper sleep.
Mind control: The prospective performer will remind themselves that they are in control. They will say, “I am performing because I like to perform.” They will visualize playing at home where they usually practice when on stage. They will redefine their nervousness as shear excitement. If they can look at being nervous as being excited and ready to play, then that may focus their energy so they play better. Sometimes all that is needed for a performer is a new paradigm. In addition, prospective performer should not compare themselves to anyone. Consider what Randy Rhodes once said: “If I’m good enough, I’m good enough. I’ll play what I can while I can. If you don’t like me that’s all right.”
Stage Fright Remedies -- Breathing, Listening, and Playability:
Distractions: The prospective performer will pick songs that they can play well even in the worse circumstances, such as an unruly roadhouse. They will practice playing their songs with distractions and noise. When playing live, there can be a lot of distractions that get a performer off their game. The prospective performer wants to be able to play through anything.
Listening: The prospective performer will record their playing and listen carefully for problems. This will give them more of an awareness of how they sound and what they want to work on. They don’t worry if they don’t sound like everyone else – They go for their own sound. They play their own music. They may be surprised by how many people like what they are playing.
Drug Free: The prospective performer should stay away from drugs. Drugs just mask the issues. It is about the music, and the music is the answer. The prospective performer should focus on their diet and exercise as was mentioned above.
Playability: The prospective performer will play with an instrument that is playable. It is true that not all instruments are made for performing. The prospective performer will buy a playable instrument and spend the necessary time maintaining it. They will be less nervous if they are playing a good instrument and they are very familiar with it.
Breathing: The prospective performer will not forget to breathe when performing. Many musicians forget to breath and as a result make mental mistakes. Also, they will stay focused on what they are performing. Mistakes can happen on familiar material because one’s mind can wander. However, the best playing experience is when one is in the zone, and not thinking about what one is doing. In such a state of mind, the music just flows.
Performance anxiety can be defeated if the prospective performer incorporate some of these strategies into their practice routine. In short they should: Pick three songs they can play well; Practice them in front of people; Practice in the same way they will be performing; Eat right and stay in shape; Think positive about playing in public; Breathe while playing; Invest in a good instrument; Cover up their mistakes. Above all, the prospective performer will have fun performing!
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