Performance anxiety. How to beat the boogie man
Tips and tricks for piano performance preperation
Performance anxiety is a common challenge faced by every performer, regardless of their experience or skill level. The fear of making mistakes, the pressure to perform perfectly, and the presence of an audience can all contribute to a heightened state of nervousness that makes performing at our best very difficult and very stressful. However, with the right strategies and practice methods, it is possible to manage, use performance adrenaline to make our performances more powerful, and hopefully even enjoy the experience! Here are some effective techniques to help you cope with performance anxiety.
1. Preparation is Key
The foundation of any successful performance is thorough preparation. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. We want to feel so prepared that we can play with the confidence that nothing can stop us, not even our nerves, because we know our music so well!
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial. Aim to practice every day, even if it’s just for a short period. This will help reinforce your muscle memory and increase your confidence.
Break It Down: Divide your piece into smaller sections and practice each section thoroughly. Focus on difficult passages and ensure you can play them comfortably before moving on. Practice staring from multiple places in your song. Being able to start at the beginning, in multiple spots in the middle, and at the very end of your piece mean that even if the worst happens and you make a mistake or have a memory slip you will confidently be able to continue playing without having to stop or ask for your music.
Write Out Your Music: Another great technique is practicing writing out the beginning, a middle section and the ending of your music on a piece of blank sheet music paper. If you can write out your music by memory you can play your music by memory!
Identify What Kind of Learner You Are: Everybody memories slightly differently. However, some people are more visual learners, auditory learners, or tactile learners. Identify what your strongest memorization skill is and use it to your advantage. Visual learners will benefit from writing out their music, playing visualization games, and paying special attention to what patterns their hands make on the keys in different passages of their music. Auditory learners will benefit from singing while they play, and memorizing lots hands separately and harmonically. More tactile learners will do very well with muscle memory practice, as well as working on stopping and starting their pieces at random spots. More tactile learners can also practice disrupting their muscle memory to test themselves. Practicing on different pianos that have heavier or lighter actions than they’re used to, in different spaces, with strange noises in the background, and with cold hands can all help strengthen muscle memory.
Practice your weaknesses: Once you have identified how you memorize best, challenge yourself to strengthen your weaker memorizing skills! To memorize well we need strong tactile, visual, and auditory understanding of our music that includes harmonic and structural analysis. Memorizing is like a three legged stool. If our stool only has one leg to stand on it will collapse. If we only have one strong memory tool, our memory will be easily shaken by nerves and strange environments.
Simulate Performance Conditions: Practice performing in front of a mirror, record yourself, or play for family and friends. This will help you get used to the feeling of performing under pressure. It can be a fun experiment to even try to make yourself nervous! This way the feelings of nervousness will not be a surprise the day of the performance and you will know from many practice performances that you can play well even when you’re nervous. You can even practice wearing your performance clothes and or shoes this way even your clothes will feel familiar and comfortable the day of your solo.
Percentages matter: When we practice it is easy to miscalculate how accurate we actually are. If you practice a passage 10 times and you struggle with it 5 times you only have a 50% chance, a coin toss likelihood of playing it correctly in a performance. In your practice focus on quality over quantity. Aim for increasing your practice accuracy as much as you can!
2. Mental Preparation
Your mindset plays a significant role in managing performance anxiety. Developing a positive mental attitude can make a big difference.
Visualization: Spend time visualizing a successful performance. Imagine yourself playing confidently and flawlessly. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem. Remind yourself of your skills and accomplishments. Phrases like “I am well-prepared” and “I can do this” can be very powerful.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can be very effective.
3. Physical Preparation is Key
Taking care of your physical health is just as important as mental preparation. Feeling your best will help you perform at your best!
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety. Activities like yoga, walking, running, or swimming can be particularly beneficial.
Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet and avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, as these can increase anxiety levels.
Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep, especially in the days leading up to your performance. Being well-rested will help you stay focused and calm.
4. Practical Strategies During Performance
Even with thorough preparation, you may still feel nervous during the performance. Here are some practical strategies to help you stay calm and focused:
Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves before and during the performance. Take slow, deep breaths to help reduce anxiety.
Stay in the Moment: Focus on the music and the emotions you want to convey rather than worrying about making mistakes. Staying present can help reduce anxiety. Singing softly to yourself while playing, allowing your mind to relax into the familiar muscle memory routine of playing, and picking something familiar to look at such as the piano strings, keys, or your hands can all help you stay present and calm in your performance.
Acceptance of Mistakes Before They Happen: Understand that mistakes are a part of live performance. If you make a mistake, keep going and don’t dwell on it. Most of the time, the audience won’t even notice! The only time music is perfect is in the editing booth of a recording studio.
Be kind to yourself: Imagine how you would listen to a friend or loved-one perform a song for you. If we listen to ourselves with the same amount of supportive excitement that we listen to others you quickly start to learn that an audience is not the enemy out to judge you but a cheering and excited support network.
5. Post-Performance Reflection
After the performance, take time to reflect on your experience. Acknowledge your successes and areas for improvement. If the performance was recorded force yourself to watch or listen to the performance. Watching a past performance can be one of the most unpleasant things after a performance but we always make things worse in our heads. Often times you will be surprised by how good your performance was when you can enjoy it as an observer.
Self-Assessment: Write down what went well and what didn’t. Use this as a learning experience for future performances.
Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can help boost your confidence for future recitals.
Conclusion
Coping with performance anxiety is a process that requires time, practice, and patience. By implementing these strategies and practice methods, you can build your confidence, reduce anxiety, and enjoy performing live piano recitals! Remember, every performer experiences anxiety at some point – it’s how you manage it that makes the difference. Keep practicing, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy the music!