stage-fright

[klaviristkakatka]

    When I have concert I have got very very stage-fright. My hands vibrate and I don't concentrate on pianoplaying. I am stage shy person. Can someone help me how I will get over my stage-fright?

[moi_not_toi]

First of all, think Ayn Rand.

She said that she was the only person in the world that was worth a s*** and that everyone else just may as well not exist.
She wrote 1 or 2 horribly boring books on the premise of "Objectivism" as she called it.

While waiting to play, concentrate on what the rest of the people are playing, unless you're by yourself, then I really don't know what to say to you.

Think about this: "I am the person playing and no one else is playing this. If anyone has a problem with the way I play it, they are stupid. I am playing it perfectly, it's the notes that are wrong." I you go forward with this over-confidence, you might make a few mistakes, but then again, it's the notes that are wrong.

Be selfish. Your piece is played this way once and only once. They can like it or lump it.




Anyone like to correct me?

[lilypiano]

whether it's a piano performance or a speech I have to make, I concentrate on what I want to communicate and how I want to perform rather than worrying what the audience will think.  I worry about what they will think beforehand and afterward of course.  Focusing on the task at hand helps me with the anxiety I get when i actually have to get in front  of an audience.

[imapnotchr]

You need to practise performing on a regular basis - like once per week or more often if possible.  Take your pieces to nursing homes.  They'll love anything you play!  Start by giving concerts of simple music in order to build your confidence.  (really simple stuff - like music you played in your early years of piano lessons.  As you build your confidence, then play more advanced stuff.)  Play for family and play for friends.   

[yooniefied]

I agree with imapnotchr - the more experience you get, the more confidence you will have.

You also may benefit from recording yourself play the last few days before the recital - you might be surprised at how excellent you truly are - and "performing" for the tape will give you a similar feeling to being on stage.

Learning to meditate might also help you to remain calm and composed in a high-stress situation and perform your best.

Just some ideas! 

Good luck and if all else fails, a good night's sleep and yummy meal can soothe any pre-show jitters.