Performance Anxiety - How to overcome nerves before a big show!

by Christine Terrisse

Every performer whether a child performing at their first recital, or a famous actor, gets nervous sometimes when they perform in front of people.  Feeling nervous is very natural. In one way, its a good thing...it means you care about presenting your very best. However, it is very frustrating to realize that some of the physical reactions to nervousness can negatively affect your ability to do your best. Here are three simple tips to gain control over your nerves before a performance:

1. Prepare  The best way to combat fear is through preparation.  This is all the weeks of practice you have been putting into your piece or your instrument. Take confidence in the fact that you have been coming to classes and you have been working on this at home. Even if your nerves were to take hold, you have a basic foundation to hold you up.  If you know you have a performance coming soon, go over your piece more than you normally would.  Pinpoint trouble spots with your instructor and work on those extra hard. Imagine when you are rehearsing alone that you are performing for an audience, this will make it less strange to you when you have a real audience.

2. Trust  Trust in your instructor. Know that they are not setting you up to fail, they want you to succeed. They would not allow you to perform something they did not think you were ready for. Trust in the audience.  They want to enjoy your performance and if you are enjoying it, they will too. Remember, they don’t know the piece as well as you do, so they won’t necessarily know if you messed up or not.  Act like nothing happened and they will think its a part of the show!  Most importantly, trust in yourself.  You probably know it this better than you think you do. Its always good to aim for excellence, but you don’t need to be perfect when performing.  Some of the most memorable performances ever have had mistakes in them.

3.  Breathe  How can breathing be a solution to calming nerves? After all, we are always breathing and we don’t even have to think about it. True, but when you are nervous your body releases a chemical called adrenaline, which tells the body to be prepared in case of danger. This is why your muscles tense up, your hands shake while playing or your mouth feels dry.  Your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. If you stop for a moment and take long, slow and deep breaths, your body will begin to calm down.  You might still be a little nervous, but you will be in control. So breathe, smile and step on the stage!