Stage Fright

[doryanne]

In fact it is not stage fright, just...video fright, every time I try to film myself playing, I make mistakes and if I don't, the performance will sound mechanical, dry not at all as nice as I play without camera... The same if I have to play for somebody 
How can I overcome this?

[keyboardclass]

By knowing the piece even better.

[perelea]

well what keyboardclass said, I might just add some rubbish...

record more, you will get used to it

If it's the classic ''i am nervous every time I press the record button'' then I think it might work if you try to take your mind off the videocam somehow.

I had this thing everytime I pressed the record button on my clavinova ( not even a video... ) ''oh dear how will I sound...I can't make a mistake...'' all this rubbush is somewhere in your mind. Try to counter it by focusing on the piece itself. Think of what you want to deliver in the performance, expression, feeling. Get yourself preoccupied by the piece and you will forget that the videorecorder is there. You must not think about technique and mistakes and how it will sound. Once you perform, you don't think bout that stuff. But to lower your nervousness about making a mistake and thus holding you back, you should practice it even more. We can all play better within the safety and privacy of our rooms, but the recorder is the best way to find out how you actually don't know the piece ;-)

[quantum]

Do a search on this forum for mistakes and recording.  There have been several discussions in the past.

[butterfly79]

I have stage fright. I used to be in choir as a child, even played the recorder but I hated being on stage. I have yet to do a piano recital, I am a beginner but I am one of those that wants to be as close to perfect as possible before performing for others. i know my fear is making a mistake in front of others.

A good idea would be to write down what you are uncomfortable with being video taped. Then you can take on one fear at a time. It could be you are putting too many expectations on yourself which leads you to make mistakes?

[doryanne]

Yes, butterfly79, this is my problem: I am afraid not to make mistakes and, because I am afraid, I do make them. As for the expectations, it is also true that I have high expectations from myself, even too high, I always wish I could play better and better, always forgetting that I only started last year. Well, I guess that in time, as I gain confidence, I will be able to record myself and even play for others' plaisure, not only mine 
Thank you all, for your answers!

[butterfly79]

doryanne, I feel the exact same way you do. I hope that as I continue playing I will become more comfortable with myself to play infront of others.

I am sure that as you continue you will be more comfortable.

[gene2701]

u hv to just let go of the feeling that ur constantly being 'watched'..
u can correctly it only mentally when u practice.

perhaps ur too cautious in ur practice.

and then when the 'real deal' comes, u start worrying and panicing...u hv this concept that

'ok everything has to go right or else....'

change it (easier said than done) and i m sure u will play better!

[i_am_joey_jo]

There are drugs in use called 'Beta Blockers' that you can take, and infact many professionals take before performances which will retard your sense of being watched and shyness.

You can ask your doctor for the ones that suit you best.  It's extremely common in the music industry to use them.  Hey, it's not like you have to do a drug test before a recital right?

[liordavid]

i always keep a hard candy in my mouth when I perform