Posted on June 12, 2008 by Anita Prince in - Dealing with Performance Anxiety
I’ve had a lot of trouble in the past with performance anxiety (as you can probably guess from the fact that this is my second post in this category). One of the main things that has helped me get past my irrational fears of playing in front of people is a continuing effort to think positively about the cello. After years and years of highly competitive auditions and other stressful musical situations, I had somewhat lost sight of they positive side of playing the cello, without even realizing it. I now have to make a conscious effort to remind myself on a regular basis of why I love it. I do this both while I am playing and away from the instrument (for example right before I fall asleep at night).
I talk to myself about the things I do well on the cello. I consciously admire my sound and I express my appreciation for all of the hard work and technical facility that my hands are responsible for (You must be thinking that I’m a complete freak right about now, but I really do talk to my hands and send them loving vibes and tell them how grateful I am to have them, and it really does work, so don’t diss it till you’ve tried it.) To do this successfully, you have to really believe what you are saying and try to get your emotions into your thoughts. You have to really feel the love for your cello and your body.
The other main part of this is that when I am performing I try to think of my audience positively too and always make an effort to keep in mind that I am sharing with them and giving them something beautiful. This makes the audience seem more like friends rather than judges, regardless of who they really are.
Wow this is embarrassing to admit to! I hope it at least helps someone.