Easing the Anxiety of Performing

Live performance plays a crucial role in perfecting the art of music. More so, it gives you the confidence to believe in your own set of skills. And whether you’re a sought-after artist with thousands of gigs under your belt or a newbie looking to get a break, the pressure of performing live music can take a toll on you. Easing the anxiety of performing isn’t easy, but with a few tips from Stages Music Arts, things can get a little easier.

Having ‘butterflies in the stomach’ prior to performing is acceptable. But nervousness might ruin your only chance to show the world what you have got. Luckily, these can be addressed effectively with a little help from your teachers & parents.

Do you want to add vigor and spark to your performance to let the crowd sing along with you? Here’s what you can do to make your performance lively and lit.

Practice

This makes total sense. The more you master your art, the less you get nervous about it. The practice sessions tell you what works well and what needs more work. It enlightens you with the emotions and thoughts while you perform.

From impromptu jamming sessions with the band to individual heavy-duty practice, every aspiring musician needs to understand that merely playing the songs won’t cut it. The members have to invest time, bond well, and practice as much in a week to ensure that they don’t fumble through.

Talk or Write About Any Anxiety

It’s no wonder that venting out your emotions in any way is a great way to enhance your productivity. According to a recent study, students can improve their performance and combat anxiety by writing about it on a piece of paper before their big exam. Music students are advised to do the same before appearing for musical performance.

Take a small notebook and a pen, and list down all the fears in your head. If that doesn’t help you, grab your buddy’s arm and pour your heart out. This might help you with seeing things from a different perspective.

Warm Up

No matter you are a singer or a guitarist, warming up is equally important for every musician. Find a silent corner, take a few minutes to play or sing a bit, imaging yourself up there on the stage. Try out your Rockstar clothes and let the vibes sink in. This is an excellent way to prep yourself to face the mob and get into the zone.

Shake Off the Nerves

Let not anxiety get you. Performing is a big deal, and you surely don’t want to destroy it. Before you hit the stage, do something that will elicit the best out of you. If the undermining pressure weighs you down, try meditating or having a moment of silence. One best way to get ready for the big day is to cleanse away, take a good 8 to 9 hours of sleep, and steer clear of overwhelming noises.

Remind yourself that the performance is not for the world; it is for yourself. Therefore, enjoy it the most.

Start with Your Favorite Song

It’s your performance. It’s your call. If you want your performance to reach straight to the hearts of your audience, feel it first. This is only possible when you choose a song that’s closest to your heart and perform it with that extra pop and sizzle.

The adrenaline rush will induce your brain to believe that you’ll nail this performance, and perhaps it will end your anxiety. Better yet, make you excited and sound like a seasoned professional.

Tour the Venue

Pathetic setups can take away the feel of the performance and the energy of the performer. It can make them sound uninspired, dull, and instantly forgettable. Hence, the performance becomes equivalent to soggy Rice Krispies. As a musician, you are not just going to go up there and do your job. You will interact with a bunch of people.

The foremost thing is to tick-off sound check. It involves setting up all your musical instruments appropriately, having the sound engineer by your side to allow him to place the microphone in its position, cabling up instruments, and then giving a shot so that the sound engineer can determine reasonable levels. Besides, sound checking makes the musicians comfortable with the stage. However, all of this has to be done before you take up the stage to perform.

Knowing the little details of your venue will help you with putting up an outstanding show and channel it effectively into your performance.

Embrace Being Fearless

Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay. Because only then you learn something new. Learn to hush the critic in your mind and move past your mistakes. If you forget the lyrics, hum or create lyrics on the spot and jump on the next one, but keep going.

Play courageously, become mentally stronger, and recover from setbacks quickly. Your music will touch the hearts of the audience only when you will enjoy it to the fullest.

About Stages Music Arts

Our mission is to help you find your unique voice by playing the music you love from the start. We strive to inspire students of all ages and abilities to discover your passion, gain confidence, master your instrument and thrive in a supportive community. At Stages Music Arts, you become part of a community centered around the joy and soul of making music.