Almost every musician faces nerves at one time or another. If performing is not something you do often, it can be intimidating to showcase your skills in front of others, whether it's a teacher, a jam session, or an audience. Fortunately, I have some helpful tips to share that can assist you in dealing with incredibly common occurrence. So, if you're prepared to conquer your fear of performing in public, continue reading!
Oftentimes nerves can inhibit our ability to perform at our best. From a mental standpoint, the fear of failure and judgment can hinder confidence and focus. Physically, nerves and anxiety can make us feel like our body is out of our control. By keeping the following tips in mind, you will be able to enter any performance situation with confidence, and allow yourself to become a better musician and performer!
1. You are your own worst critic. No one is judging you!
We are often our harshest critics, creating internal barriers that may not necessarily reflect external reality. Understanding that the judgment we fear from others is often a projection of our own inner doubts can be empowering as a performer. This shift in perspective can lead to greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image overall. It is important to remember that everyone has their own insecurities and struggles, making it unlikely that others are scrutinizing us as harshly as we might believe. In reality, most people who attend a concert just want to have fun, and they want to see the performers enjoying themselves as well. By showing ourselves the same understanding and compassion that we would offer to a friend or loved one, we can break free from the cycle of self-judgment and start to really have fun in the music-making process!
2. Focus your attention outward. Think about what the music means to you.
As a performer, when you start to pay attention to the music itself, you'll discover a whole world of feelings, memories, and meanings that the music carries. Consider the emotions the music brings out, the stories it tells, and how it makes you feel. By thinking about what the music means to you personally, you will suddenly shift your focus to connecting with the music, and the nerves will quickly melt away as a result. If you are performing with others, shifting your attention to the other band or jam session members with an inquisitive mind can be incredibly helpful. What is the guitarist doing? Try to match their rhythm. Look how into it the bass player is! How can you bring that same energy? By making these simple observations about the people around you, you are able to bring yourself out of your own head, and into the moment. You are able to shift your focus from playing perfectly and getting all of the technicalities correct -- to the experience itself, and how grateful you might feel to be a part of it.
3. What’s the worst that can happen?
Asking yourself this simple question can help to bring you some healthy, realistic perspective when your anxiety feels out of control. By answering honestly, you allow your brain to go to the worst-case scenario, and you will often realize how unlikely or silly this scenario really is. The fear of making a mistake or facing a mishap during a performance can be daunting. However, it is essential to remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process in music. Even the most seasoned musicians have experienced slip-ups on stage!
In reality, the worst that can happen when performing music for others is usually not as catastrophic as you might imagine. It could be something as minor as missing a note, forgetting a lyric, or losing tempo momentarily. These small mistakes, while noticeable to you, the performer, will likely go unnoticed by the audience. Moreover, these slip-ups can serve as valuable learning opportunities, allowing you to pinpoint areas for improvement and grow in your playing.
Embracing the possibility of making mistakes can actually be liberating. It takes off the pressure of striving for perfection and allows you to focus on the joy of creating music and connecting with you audience - be it your teacher, friends, or jam mates. Every mistake made on stage is a chance to learn, adapt, and become a better performer.
4. Overall, just try to relax and have fun!
When it comes to music, it's important to remember that the ultimate goal is to enjoy yourself. Whether you're performing on stage or simply listening to a song, the essence of music lies in the joy and comfort it brings. So, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just let go, unwind, and have fun with the music! Remember, your audience is there to have a good time and share in the experience with you. By embracing a relaxed and carefree attitude, you not only enhance your own enjoyment but also create a more inviting and engaging atmosphere for those around you. So, take a deep breath, let the music guide you, and simply revel in the moment.
So, the next time you find yourself in a performance situation, I hope you’ll remember these tips. For more on this topic, watch the video below!
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