I was talking to a band director friend last night and we got on the subject of stage fright. I said that I thought most folks would use their performance nerves/fear as a way to focus on the music while on stage, therefore putting forth a more accurate, musical result. He suggested that many players let their nervousness get the best of them, sometimes resulting in a poor performance. I had to agree with that, too.
Naturally, because musicians are as human as the rest of the world, there are many conditions that might sway these performance results:
- Are they fully prepared and confident in their abilities?
- Do they use any exercises or thoughts to help lessen stage fright?
- How much experience do they have in front of a live audience?
- Do they consider themselves an amateur or a professional?
- How much do they truly care about producing a high-quality performance?
When I was studying music in college, I would prepare ensemble music and solo performances like many of my musician friends. The solos especially were nerve-wracking, and I remember playing in front of the piano accompanist, trying to figure out some way to reign in the automatic warbling vibrato that resulted from my shaking leg.
This went on for a few years and it seemed like an eternity before I would play smoothly in front of others. However, I eventually garnered enough time—both on the stage and in the practice room—to realize that I CAN be prepared and give a good performance, with minimal nerves. I say “minimal” because for many of us it’s an ongoing thing: we strive to improve our playing, our musicality, and our relationships with our audiences, all while dealing with some amount of freaky performance fears.
So, whether you’re a community musician or a professional, what have been your experiences with stage fright, either personally or with others? Do you think most adults are, over time, able to turn their anxiety into laser-focused attention and musicality? I believe personality, ability, and level of discipline all matter. Yes? No?
Looking forward to your comments. Thanks!