Kathryn Brickell Music is proud to offer violin lessons to our students in Queens. We will be posting informative articles relating to violin instruction and violin lessons.
The following article consists of quick and easy tips for dealing with stage fright.
We hope you will enjoy your violin lessons with our wonderful, experienced and dedicated local violin teachers.
Tips for Dealing With Stage Fright
The truth is that performing for a large audience can be relatively terrifying for a lot of people. I think that the scariest part of the whole infamous stage fright ordeal is the sense of being absolutely alone up there on stage (especially for solo acts). There is no one that can help you with your part; the fate of the show is completely on you; you are one hundred percent responsible. Add to that the blinding spotlights that literally reduce the world to you, your instrument, and burning white on all sides, as though you were stranded in oblivion, and the notion of performing for a crowd turns into a living nightmare. But it’s not all bad, really. There are ways to cope.
For smaller shows you might try planting a close friend or family member in the crowd close to the front where they can cheer you on. Even if you can’t see them while you’re playing, it can help to know that you’ve got someone out there who believes in you to play the show well.
But maybe the venue is too packed to squeeze a support group up into the front row where you can see them. Then what? Well, most importantly, know that you are not alone. You are up there with an instrument, with a song to play, and with a purpose. Keep these things close to you. They are your very best friends. If you find yourself thinking or worrying about the crowd, focus your attention on your instrument. I find that one of the better ways to do this is to stare attentively at the point of contact between your instrument and your body, e.g., if you’re playing guitar than focus on where your fingertips touch the strings, if piano then where they touch the keys, etc.
Notice that you are capable of creating an entire world of sound and meaning up there all by yourself, so long as you focus. This is what you’re up on stage for. This is what people pay to see. Good luck.