Is it normal to play not play as well when stressed or in a bad mood?

[italianstllion93]

I'm just wondering if I'm the only on that this happens to. When im under a lot of stress or my day just isn't going good, i notice that I'm a slight bit tenser, but even though it's just a little tenseness, it really affects my playing and technique. And I can't get rid of it until i'm in a better mood again!! Is this normal???

[Bob]

Ditto.  Although sometimes it's nice to take a break with music and leave everything else behind. 

I've noticed the opposite sometimes when I get sick or have a bad cold.  I practice more relaxes and sometimes things go better.

[keyboardclass]

I discovered some years ago that to simulate stage fright all you need do is have a big intimidating row with a good friend.

[timepants13]

If I try to practice repertoire or technique it can get really difficult and annoying for me attempt if I'm in a bad mood or bummed out. But I find that if I am in a bad mood and sit down in front of the piano and improv or just play anything really based on what I'm feeling it can be the most uplifting thing I could possibly do.

My advice for bad mood playing would be to brake away from structured playing and maybe start working on some jazz improv or compose something. It works wonders for me.

[lovettmusic]

Generally if you are stressed you'll be subpar than normal in anything you do. Try looking at practicing your repertoire as a stress relief rather than a chore. Sometimes it helps to warm up with some fun exercises like Hanon.

For myself, if I've had a stressful day, I'll come home and play the Moonlight or something, but when I've had a good and energetic day, I'll come and play Mozart.

[chopinsmaster]

If I am in a bad mood, I won't be able to play anything really difficult very well, but I find that playing something relatively calm and easy (certain chopin nocturnes or something) actually calms me and helps me get back to a better mood.

[keyboardclass]

I don't seem to have 'moods' - am I missing something?

[pianoplayjl]

Generaly when i'm in a stressed mood I don't perform very well as I used to. I perform well when I'm relaxed and into the music.

[kookaburra]

For myself, if I've had a stressful day, I'll come home and play the Moonlight or something, but when I've had a good and energetic day, I'll come and play Mozart.

Yeah, if I try to play anything bright-and-cheerful when I'm in a dark mood, I. just. can't. I have to play something to match my mood. Ironically, some of my breakthroughs on a really tough piece, have been when I was sick, and just sat down at the piano out of boredom, and to take my mind off my sore throat, and all of a sudden I could play the song. When I'm stressed out I either avoid the piano or play something suitable to the mood. Or compose something when I'm angry. (but often that just makes me more upset, since I'm not a very good composer).

If piano is more like a job which requires concentration to you, then stress will mess you up. But if it's more like your venting machine, then it'll make you play amazingly.