How To Get Over Stage Fright: Tips for Musicians
It's all too familiar: You're on stage holding your violin, about to start your performance. Your palms are sweaty. Your heart is racing. Your mind goes blank. This is a classic case of stage fright, and it can happen to even the most experienced musicians.
Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety, can be a debilitating condition for musicians. But the good news is that it's not something you have to live with forever. You can conquer this common fear and deliver a confident violin performance with the right strategies and mindset.
Below, we’ll explore what stage fright is and provide strategies for overcoming it.
What is stage fright?
Stage fright is a form of anxiety that arises when a person has to perform in front of an audience, similar to the fear of public speaking (glossophobia). This type of performance anxiety can manifest physically as well as mentally.
For violinists or other musicians, stage fright may show up as trembling hands, racing heartbeat, dry mouth, difficulty breathing, and mental blocks that make it hard to remember notes or play confidently. Despite the precision and instrument mastery during practice, stage fright can suddenly make familiar notes seem alien under the spotlight.
Is stage fright common for violinists?
Stage fright is incredibly common among violinists; even the most skillful artists have battled it. The legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman shared his experience with stage fright, saying, "Nerves are part of what we do and the thing is to be familiar with them. It's not about getting rid of them."
Similarly, Joshua Bell shared how he channels his nervous energy to give a stellar performance, "Nerves can be a blessing and a curse. Certainly, a degree of nervous energy can give an excitement to your playing — and can mean you have more reserves at your disposal when you need them on stage."
The highly accomplished violinist Lindsey Stirling has also spoken about how she manages stage fright, "I fill myself with so much positivity that there's actually not very much room left for the fear and I can walk on this stage with confidence and do what I absolutely love."
These testimonies from celebrated violinists show that even professionals experience stage fright and that it’s a normal reaction when performing in front of a crowd. You should never feel ashamed or alone if you experience stage fright, as it doesn't discriminate based on age, experience, or skill level.
Why do people get stage fright?
Stage fright is not exclusive to musicians. It's a common fear that plagues performers of all types, including actors, public speakers, and athletes. So, what are the causes of stage fright?
The reasons can vary from person to person and are influenced by factors like past experiences, personality traits, and level of preparation. In the following sections, we'll explore why people experience stage fright.
Fear of failure or judgment
Violinists may feel immense pressure to perform perfectly, which can cause anxiety and self-doubt. However, it's important to understand that perfection is not attainable and that mistakes are a natural part of any performance.
Instead of focusing on the audiences’ expectations, shift your focus to internal satisfaction. Remember that expressing yourself through music, sharing your passion, and connecting with others is the goal, not perfection.
Lack of performance practice
Lack of performance practice can leave you feeling unsure of your abilities and lead to stage fright. Establish a consistent practice routine that focuses on playing in front of an audience — even if it’s just a family member or a few friends. This can help build your performance confidence and help you feel more comfortable playing in front of a crowd when the time comes.
You can also practice techniques like visualization, where you mentally rehearse your performance before the show, can help reduce anxiety and improve your mindset.
Past experiences
If you've had a performance or audition that didn’t go your way, acknowledge and work through those feelings. Reflect on what went wrong and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than dwelling on it as a failure. Visualize yourself succeeding and focus on positive affirmations before your next performance to build confidence and overcome past performance traumas.
High self-expectations
It's natural to set high expectations for yourself to achieve excellence. However, these high self-expectations can also contribute to stage fright. You may put too much pressure on yourself to perform flawlessly, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. Set realistic goals for your performances and embrace the learning process rather than striving for perfection.
Common symptoms of stage fright
Every person experiences stage fright differently, and the symptoms may vary from mild nerves to social anxiety disorder. Below, we'll explore common symptoms of stage fright that musicians may experience during a performance.
Increased heart rate
When your heart rate speeds up, it can make your hands shake and sweat, which impacts your ability to control the bow accurately. You may struggle to hit the right notes with an unsteady hand, leading to a less precise and potentially off-key performance. A fast heart rate might also make you feel out of breath, which could disrupt your concentration and overall performance.
Shaking or trembling
Shaking or trembling can interfere with the precision of finger placement on the violin strings. Similarly, trembling hands can disrupt your bowing technique, leading to an inconsistent or wavering sound.
You can manage this by practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation before and during your performance.
Difficulty concentrating
Concentration allows you to maintain the correct rhythm, pitch, and harmony while also paying attention to the dynamics and emotional expression required in the piece. When anxiety kicks in, it can disrupt this focus.
Anxiety can flood your mind with negative thoughts, doubts, or worries about your performance, causing you to lose concentration. This can lead to mistakes in your performance, like playing the wrong notes or losing tempo. Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your practice routine to manage anxiety and improve concentration.
Memory lapses
Memory lapses are common when performing complex violin pieces, especially under the spotlight. These pieces require extreme focus and precision, and the added pressure of a live performance can sometimes lead to forgetting parts of the piece.
This is typically a stress reaction, and it happens to many musicians. The key is to stay calm, trust your practice, and keep going.
Feelings of panic or dread
Feeling intense nerves before a performance is completely normal. However, for some violinists, these feelings can amplify and manifest as panic or dread, particularly during a solo performance.
This might make your mind race with negative thoughts or make you want to run away. It's like a sudden wave of fear washing over you, which makes it hard to even think about stepping onto the stage. You can address these feelings by acknowledging and accepting them rather than trying to ignore or suppress them.
Tips to reduce the risk of stage fright before it happens
It's better to prevent stage fright from happening than trying to manage it once it's already taken hold. You can use various strategies, like limiting caffeine intake before a performance, to reduce the risk of stage fright and feel more confident on stage. Other tips include:
Mock performances
Practicing in front of small audiences or recording your violin performances can help ease the pressure of live performances. These mock performances simulate concert conditions, enabling you to adjust and get comfortable with the stage environment.
By doing this, you can adapt to performing under pressure, familiarize yourself with managing stage equipment, and even understand your audience's reactions. Working with a violin teacher can significantly enhance your confidence and performance skills. Trala teachers offer invaluable guidance, constructive feedback, and the confidence-boosting support you need to excel on stage.
Regular practice
Overcoming stage fright requires consistent, focused practice and preparation. The more you play, the more confident you become. By committing to a structured, efficient practice routine, you'll build skills and be better prepared for your performance.
Trala is a fantastic resource for violinists looking to improve their skills and build confidence. With the Trala method, you can access personalized practice content that helps you learn faster and more efficiently.
Visualization techniques
Visualization is a powerful tool that mentally prepares violinists for successful performances, particularly for solo or challenging compositions. By visualizing yourself performing flawlessly and receiving positive reactions from the audience, you can build confidence and reduce anxiety.
To effectively use visualization techniques, find a quiet space to relax and close your eyes. Imagine every detail of your performance, from your posture and finger placement to the audience's applause and satisfaction.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises help calm your nerves while performing without disrupting your concentration or technique. One simple exercise is to inhale deeply through the nose for four counts, hold for four counts, and then exhale slowly through the mouth for eight counts.
This rhythm helps to slow down your heart rate and relax your body. Another effective technique is taking deep breaths through the nose and releasing them slowly while playing a note on the violin.
Positive affirmations
Positive thoughts have a powerful influence on your emotions and actions. This is why practicing positive self-talk can greatly impact your mindset and confidence before a performance.
Tailor your affirmations to the challenges and successes of violin performance. Consider things like, "I am prepared and capable of playing this piece flawlessly," or "I trust my practice and am ready to showcase my skills on stage." Repeat these affirmations to yourself regularly, especially leading up to the performance.
How to overcome stage fright during a performance
Even with preparation and practice, stage fright can still sneak up on violinists during a performance. You may notice a racing heart, sweaty palms, or a sudden inability to focus. These are all common symptoms of performance anxiety, but there are things you can do to overcome them in the moment.
Focus on the present moment
Pay close attention to the feel of the violin under your fingers, the sound of each note you play, and the rhythm of the music. Embrace the beauty of each moment as you perform, and let the intricate harmonies of your violin pieces consume your thoughts.
This mindfulness helps you stay present during your performance and adds depth and emotion to your music.
Embrace the nerves
Feeling nervous before and during a performance is normal, even for seasoned musicians. Studies show that a moderate level of nerves can enhance your performance by increasing adrenaline and improving focus. Rather than trying to suppress or ignore these nerves, embrace them as part of the process. Use them to fuel your passion for music and your determination to deliver a stellar performance.
Look for visual cues
These cues can serve as anchor points to keep you focused and calm amidst nerves or distractions. Consider finding a familiar face in the audience and make eye contact with them periodically throughout your performance.
You can also focus on a specific object in the room or use your peripheral vision to take in the overall stage setup. These cues can help you stay present and centered, even during a high-pressure violin performance.
Keep perspective
Understand that every performance, whether it's your first or hundredth, is merely a single step in your journey as a musician. Each performance provides learning and growth opportunities, even if things don't go perfectly. Try to embrace each performance as a chance to improve and develop as a violinist instead of viewing it as a make-or-break moment.
Embrace your performance journey with Trala
You can deliver a captivating violin performance in front of a crowd by preparing and using the tips above to overcome stage fright. Stay focused, embrace your nerves, use visual cues, and keep a long-term perspective to excel on stage.
If you want support and guidance in your performance journey, consider taking violin lessons with Trala's experienced teachers. Not only can our teachers guide you with personalized instruction that builds your skills as a musician — these helpful mentors can also help you work through stage fright and any other challenges of learning a new instrument!
Start your journey today by signing up for violin lessons with Trala.
