Performance Anxiety
I have to be completely honest with you all. Even though I have been performing for a long time, I still get nervous before a performance. Although, I have improved. I remember my sixth grade violin recital—it was for a very tiny group of parents in my private teachers home. Until then, I had always heard of the phrase “knees knocking” when people talked about performance gitters—but I didn’t think that I would actually become the real life demonstration of it. I was humiliated—all I could think of afterwords was 1.) at least I was wearing a skirt and 2.) I will never be able to listen to Ava Maria again (my recital piece)—even now when I hear that song all I can think of is knocking knees!
So, how do I deal with performance anxiety. It’s like this—when I perform– I make it my mission to communicate musically–as if I was having a conversation with someone. Every musical work has a story behind it–just like a story you would tell a friend. Sometimes the composer will tell you what it is—or sometimes not, sometimes the back story of a song is more personal–it comes from your own heart—we all have special music that reminds us of old times and warm memories! Back stories are personal, emotional—and many times people are uplifted and moved by hearing them. If you make it your mission to remember the song’s story even if it’s your own version–musically communicate this—most of the time you will find your focus shift from, “Oh know, my knees are out of control!!!” to “I have something important to share—listen up, folks!”
That being said, remember, music is just as much for you as it is for the listener. Enjoy it and share it—because you never know who you might inspire
