Articles

Performance Anxiety

by Laurel Ann Maurer

Originally published in the Utah Flute Association Newsletter, February 1998

As performers, we have to deal with musical as well as non-musical issues. One issue that probably all performers deal with to some degree is that of nervousness or performance anxiety. There can be large differences in how this affects performers. Some may be perfectly calm when performing, while some may be so overcome that they shake uncontrollably. How can performers help themselves? Them are a variety of methods. Let's explore the problem and some solutions.

Recognize the Problem

If you are feeling nervous, admit it to yourself. Pretending that it will go away by itself is probably not going to work. You need to dominate your feelings, but first you have to accept and recognize those feelings.

Understanding

Accept that you are a human being and be kind to yourself. Realize that this is part of the process and that you can learn to handle your anxiety. Self-blame is a dead-end street. It will offer you no understanding. Work to understand why you might feel anxious.

Channel and Direct

Your nervous energy can actually work for you. A little extra adrenaline may boost your performance when channeled into the music. The key is not to be afraid of it. When feeling nervous, imagine that the energy is flowing through you and out into the music. Direct your energy. This takes some time and patience, but it can be done.

Preparation

Being unprepared is one of the most common reasons a performer might feel nervous. Practice! Be as prepared as you can. That is your foundation. Then, when you experience anxiety, you can tell yourself "I can do this because I am prepared!"

Practice Performing

Duplicate the performance situation when you can. This is essential when preparing for an audition. Do not leave your audition up to chance. Play your entire program for teachers, family, friends, and others. Record the performance (video or audio) and evaluate yourself with an open mind. Put yourself in an audition committee member's shoes and ask yourself if you would hire based on what you just heard. Keep what is good and work on what is not. Performers need to be analytical about their own playing without feeling hurt about it. Also, practice your program in the clothes (especially the shoes) that you are planning to wear. It will also help if you can practice in the hail where you will be performing.

Psyche Yourself Up

We can all take a lesson from the sports world and give ourselves pep talks. Have a positive attitude and talk to yourself in an upbeat manner. Be your own coach. Tell yourself that you are prepared (if you are) and that you can do this.

Visualize Success

This technique has been very successful for many performers. Sit quietly and imagine your concert or audition. Play through your program in your mind. Make your program flawless. Do this many times. In a sense, you can program your mind to expect to perform well.

Focus

Many years ago, it occurred to me that feeling nervous was egotistical. I do not ever mean to blame anyone for feeling nervous, but when our minds are busy with our feelings, how can we be "into" the music? It is complicated. We can be "into" the music while feeling nervous by relying on training. Practicing helps accomplish this. But performers can reach a higher level when they remove themselves and become "one" with the music. It is sort of like "letting yourself go." One can feel relaxed and focused simultaneously. It is this "directed freedom" that so many performers strive for. That is when they perform well and they enjoy it. How do performers achieve this? One way is to empty the mind of any extraneous or judgemental thoughts. When or if these thoughts do pop into your head, keep reminding yourself to listen to the music. Direct your mind.

Breathe

Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm you down. Many years ago, I was taking an audition and the committee was running very late. I was already warmed up and I didn't want to over-practice, but I also didn't want to just sit and get stiff. So I found an empty corner and did breathing exercises for twenty minutes. When I performed my audition, I played well and I felt relaxed and focused.

Acceptance

Accept the fact that performance is part of your musical career. Embrace the notion. Learn something from each experience. Improve with each performance. We are all learning and, hopefully, improving as we continue in music.

Experience

Positive experiences are probably the best teachers of all. The more you perform well, the more you will get used to performing well. The key is to be as prepared as you can be.

There may be some who have such severe performance anxiety that these suggestions may not be enough. For those who are seriously plagued to the point of uncontrollable shaking, getting sick, etc., I would recommend seeking professional guidance. There are also books that can enlighten you about the subject. The book by Barry Green, "The Inner Game of Music," is very helpful. Seek out helpful information and good luck!