Stage Fright II

Here's another tip for overcoming stage fright.

For me, the number one weapon for conquering stage fright is preparation, by which I mean practice, practice, practice. I must know the music thoroughly, and be fully able to play it when I'm all by myself in order to feel comfortable performing it for others.

But sometimes, even when you are well prepared, that sickening feeling of self doubt fills the pit of your stomach when you look out to an audience of expectant ears. All the preparation in the world can feel like not quite enough at that point in time.

What I do at a time like that is look out into the audience and choose one friendly face -- one person who is going to hear only the beauty, and who is not going to hear the mistakes. Then I play to that person. I imagine it's a private concert for her (most of the time, I choose an older woman -- my little quirk).

It's a comfort to realize that the audience is on your side. The audience wants to see you succeed. If you can tap into that feeling of support from the audience, you can calm yourself, and get past any fears you have.