It's very natural to get nervous when you are performing. I know I certainly do. In fact, every professional I've ever talked to about this admits to getting nervous - even still - in certain situations. These situations will vary individually based on a lot of factors like how prepared you feel, your past experiences, the venue, how important you feel the performance is, etc. It's ok to have these feelings and it helps to normalize talking about them. Sometimes though, these feelings can interfere with your performance and that can kick off a whole mess of problems. Below are the points I discuss with my students regarding this. A downloadable PDF can be found here.
Overcoming Performance Anxiety for Musicians
Dr. Michelle Flowers
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Performance anxiety is a common challenge for musicians, whether you’re performing for an audience or recording. It can manifest as physical tension, nervousness, or self-doubt, which may interfere with your ability to express yourself musically. Understanding and addressing performance anxiety can help you perform with confidence and joy.
1. Acknowledge and Accept Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous before a performance. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, try to acknowledge it as part of the experience. Accepting that it’s okay to feel anxious can reduce the power it has over you.
2. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing can help calm your nerves. Practice slow, deep breaths before and during your performance to reduce physical tension. Try diaphragmatic breathing—inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and repeat. Progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and release muscle groups one at a time, can also ease physical tension.
3. Visualization and Mental Rehearsal
Before stepping on stage, visualize yourself performing confidently. Picture the setting, hear the music, and feel calm. Mental rehearsals can prepare you for the real performance, reinforcing positive outcomes and minimizing nervousness.
4. Shift Focus to the Music, Not the Audience
Concentrate on the music itself rather than the audience’s reaction. Think of each performance as a way to connect with the music and share it, not as a test of your abilities. Focusing on the joy of playing can help reduce self-consciousness and pressure.
5. Practice Under Performance Conditions
Simulate performance conditions during your practice. Play in front of friends, family, or even record yourself. The more accustomed you become to performing, the less intimidating it will feel.
6. Preparation and Confidence Building
Being thoroughly prepared can boost your confidence. Practice your piece to the point where you know it well enough that you can recover from any mistakes. If you're feeling nervous, remind yourself of past performances where you succeeded or overcame difficulties.
7. Develop a Pre-Performance Routine
Having a consistent pre-performance routine can help you transition into a calm and focused state. Whether it's a few minutes of stretching, listening to a favorite piece of music, or a warm-up exercise, doing the same things before each performance can create a sense of familiarity and reduce anxiety.
8. Manage Expectations
Not every performance will be perfect, and that's okay. Shift your mindset from "I need to be perfect" to "I want to express this piece the best I can today." Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and don’t let them derail your performance.
9. Use Positive Affirmations
Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Tell yourself that you're prepared, capable, and excited to share your music. Reaffirming your abilities can change your perspective and increase confidence.
10. Seek Support
It’s helpful to talk to fellow musicians about your performance anxiety. You may find that they have similar experiences or strategies that can help. A supportive community can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
11. Consider Professional Help
If performance anxiety is significantly affecting your ability to perform, a music therapist, psychologist, or performance coach specializing in anxiety may offer targeted strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- Normalize anxiety – It’s part of the experience for everyone.
- Breathe and relax – Techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation can calm your nerves.
- Shift focus – Focus on the music, not the audience or perfection.
- Practice performing – Simulate performance situations to become comfortable.
- Have confidence – Prepare thoroughly and remind yourself of your abilities.
- Be kind to yourself – Mistakes happen; they are opportunities to grow.
Performance anxiety is a common hurdle for many musicians, but it doesn’t need to hold you back. By acknowledging it and using strategies like relaxation, mental preparation, and focus, you can turn anxiety into a tool for better, more expressive performances.