Plus a free resource!
Performance anxiety is something almost every musician experiences at some point. Whether you’re playing in front of an audience for the first time or you’re a seasoned performer, nerves can hit and make your performance feel impossible. But the good news is, with the right strategies, you can manage and overcome these nerves and turn that anxiety into something positive.
Understanding why you are nervous
Anxiety is a common experience for many people, including musicians, actors, and public speakers to name a few!
There are several reasons why people experience anxiety when performing, and it can help to understand that it is a normal feeling, and what exactly is causing the anxiety. Performance anxiety can involve a combination of factors:
- Fear of Judgment
- Perfectionism
- The Need to Control
- Lack of Experience
- Past Negative Experiences
- The Desire to Impress
These are all valid reasons for performance anxiety and all things which I certainly have felt from time to time. My piano performances began with a baptism of fire- I didn’t have much choice as a child. Although I don’t believe this was a particularly healthy way to begin my musical performance career, and has no doubt added to my need for control, it has made me quite resilient when it comes to performing.
As an adult it made me see what I don’t like about performances and how to avoid that. I believe it has also made me more understanding and kinder to people who are feeling performance anxiety, and I can help them better because I understand the feeling.
I’ve had some less than good experiences as an adult musician too. Through some difficult times, I’ve come into some better times, mentally and musically. And actually, I now have a very strong belief in what I do, which helps with overcoming performance anxiety.
I make sure to incorporate performance coaching and mentoring into my lessons, because I believe it is integral to learning an instrument in any way, let alone performing live.
Why overcome performance anxiety?
Ultimately, musicians perform because it allows them to connect with others, express themselves, challenge their abilities, and experience the magic of music in a way that practice alone cannot replicate. It’s the joy of seeing their art come to life and the fulfilment of sharing it with others that makes live performance such a central part of their musical journey. I’m not going to lie- I may have a strong belief in my musician hood, but other people validating that for me- there is little like it!
Here are some tips to help you overcome performance anxiety:
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
This is the most successful tip I have found to help overcoming my performance anxiety. Nothing helps build confidence like being well-prepared. This helps my need to control every element- I simply make sure I control every element WITHIN MY CONTROL. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel in your abilities. Knowing your pieces inside and out means you’ll be able to handle any hiccups that might occur during your performance. This preparation also allows you to focus on the music instead of worrying about making mistakes.
Breathe and Relax
Anxiety tends to make us tense up, and this affects our performance. Learning relaxation techniques, like deep breathing can calm your nerves before and during your performance. I personally really like the app headspace, as it has a lot of different meditations, mindfulness activities, and and also some exercises for posture and movement.
Slow, deep breaths help reduce the body’s physical anxiety responses and allow you to focus on the music. I hold a concert for my students in the spring, and during performance week, I encourage my students to take a moment to do a breathing exercise before we even begin the music lesson!
Personally, I use this app in one way or another every day.
Focus on the Music, Not the Audience
I wish I could have told myself this even ten years ago. It’s easy to get wrapped up in how the audience perceives you, but the truth is, most people are just there to enjoy the music.
Shift your focus away from yourself and instead, immerse yourself in the music. Let your passion for the piece guide you, and remember that it’s about the experience of sharing music, not about perfection.
Its a difficult one, and something I’m constantly trying to work at- this can also be used as an analogy for life too!
Start Small
If the idea of performing feels overwhelming, start small. Go and watch performances! Make a recording of yourself performing something you enjoy and send to a few friends or family members. Gradually increase the number of people in your audience as you become more comfortable.
Then, perhaps invite them to watch you play live in your home, then at an open mic night etc etc… The more you perform in low-pressure environments, the less intimidating it will feel when the stakes are higher. Seek out supportive people, fellow musicians, a music teacher, and others who can support you on your musical journey.
Perform Regularly
The more you perform, the less intimidating it becomes. Regular exposure to performing will help you build a routine and reduce the anxiety that comes with it. Whether it’s for a small group of friends or at an open mic event, each performance is a stepping stone toward feeling more comfortable on stage.
Final thoughts
Overcoming performance anxiety is a journey that takes patience. Trust in your preparation, and let your passion for music lead the way.
Again I wish I could tell my younger self this, but performing, learning a musical instrument, being resilient with practice and preparation…these are all skills, and don’t let someone who has no experience or knowledge in these skills ruin it for you. Try to use those more difficult experiences to make you a stronger performer in the future.
I’ve added a little colourful handout to help with overcoming performance anxiety to my free resources page- feel free to print it, and take it with you to your next performance!
If you’re feeling especially anxious, or beginning to feel anxiety of any form is taking over your day to day life, then please don’t feel afraid to seek professional help.
Good luck, and happy playing! 🎶
