Have you ever felt that familiar knot in your stomach before stepping onto the stage? If so, you’re not alone. This is a shared experience among many musicians, from beginners to seasoned professionals, who grapple with stage fright.
This article will explore the psychological and physical aspects of overcoming stage fright and provide practical tips that you can immediately apply to calm your nerves and take control of the stage.
So, let’s get started!
If we can play well at home, we should be able to play well on the stage. But why can’t we?
Almost every musician gets nervous about appearing on the stage, but the question is how and to what extent one can control the anxiety.
Overcoming stage fright is a journey that involves two key elements: psychological aspects and physical aspects.
Let’s break it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable.
Remember, this is a journey of growth and self-discovery.
Let’s discuss the psychological aspect, which is the key element. The most important step is to be clear about what you want. So, ask yourself: “Do I want to be on the stage, or I don’t want to?” If the answer is:
hmmmm… yeah… I guess so … I don’t know … well… hmmm… OK… I will do it. Fine.
Alibis is not an answer. The answer should be Yes or No! Only if the answer is YES!! I WANT TO BE ON THE STAGE!! Then, you can move to the next level.
Now, ask yourself, “Why do I want to be on the stage?” Is it because you want to improve and become a better musician?
If yes, then you know that the growth process in music involves challenges. These challenges can be nerve-wracking but are also opportunities for growth and learning.
Now ask yourself, “Am I ready to take on the challenge?” YES? YES? YES? YES! This is your journey to conquer stage fright and grow as a musician.
Remember, this is your journey to conquer stage fright and evolve as a musician. You have the power to shape your experience and overcome this challenge.
Now that you’ve been honest with yourself and set a realistic goal, you’ve already made significant progress in overcoming stage fright. Remember, all you need is the desire to do something.
The rest, as the saying goes, is a lot easier. You’re in control of your journey to conquer stage fright. Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome this challenge.
I will share some essential yet straightforward tips to help you calm down.
They say, ‘Take deep breaths to calm yourself.’ But let’s be honest, that only sometimes works.
I remember a time when I was so nervous that my chest felt like it was about to burst, and taking a deep breath made it worse. It was a disaster. But you know what?
That’s OK. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find what works for you.
Also, don’t listen to those who say, “Imagine the audience is a bunch of naked people.” No! They are not!
They are there wearing clothes, and usually lovely garments. Your responsibility is to entertain them, make them have fun, and make them remember you forever, just like an actor.
And yes, you have to act on the stage! And THIS is the challenge that you have accepted to take.
So, rest assured, these tips will help you relax, breathe naturally, and take over the stage. You have the power to control your stage fright.
First, you must know that music is all about listening and feeling, NOT THINKING.
When we get nervous, our brain wants to take over and reduces the functionality of our other senses, and as a result, we get so self-absorbed that we stop hearing, seeing, and paying attention properly.
So, we must not try to suppress our thoughts because it always backfires! But we must consciously use our other senses, such as hearing and sight, especially hearing.
Let me give you an example of how you can enhance your sense of sight. You are on the stage or behind the stage.
Try to look around and pay attention to objects and people around you. Do things like counting the number of the audience, seeing what type of clothes they are wearing and the color of their dresses, counting the ones with eyeglasses or those who wear blue shirts, etc.….
Here is an example of enhancing your sense of hearing/listening:
- Try to listen to the sounds around you.
- Listen more profoundly and deeply.
- Try to identify what people/audience members are whispering.
- Relax your head, listen carefully, and pay attention to the quietest sound you can hear.
Using these senses will quickly relax your muscles, and you will automatically start breathing easily. Remember! Don’t suppress your thoughts, and don’t fight to stop them. This method works only temporarily, only sometimes.
Let your thoughts flow through your mind while you are listening and observing.
Strengthen these senses no matter where you are and what you do. Train yourself in every moment you get so that you remember to do this when you are on the stage.
Now, is it more obvious why you can play so well at home and not as well on the stage?
It’s because at home, when nobody is watching you, your other senses are functioning, let’s say, 90%, but this number on the stage is reduced by, let’s say, a third or half unless you consciously keep them awake!
What does it mean to keep your senses awake? It means being fully present in the moment, aware of your surroundings, and actively engaging with your senses.
So, train yourself to be awake with your senses all the time, and then this whole thing will happen naturally.
Remember, music is about FEELING and LISTENING; if you can do that, you have overcome your stage fright!
Final Thoughts
Remember, stage fright is a common experience for many musicians, but with the right mindset and techniques, you can overcome it and deliver a memorable performance.
Keep practicing and honing your skills, and most importantly, enjoy the music!
