hands/legs shaking??

[david456103]

Hi guys,
so for a while i've had this problem where my hands and legs shake during performance(its gotten much better over the years, but still). However, this ONLY happens when I'm performing in a small hall, where my hands can clearly be seen. When I'm performing on stage, with good projection, I don't have this issue of "shaking". Any thoughts?

Another thing: When using the handkerchief to wipe sweat off a piano, is it ok if some keys are accidentally pressed? or is it not considered profeesional?

[prestoconfuocco]

I thinks that it will work itself over time. Like you said. it gotten much better, so eventually I think it will go away entirely.
Maybe try practicing with friends, or playing in public places. (Local conservatory, music stores, other people's houses, etc.)
Nobody really cares if a few keys are pressed accidentally, it's just a bit awkward, but nobody will remember after two minutes.

[indianajo]

If you are young, you can burn off excess energy before the concert by doing 25 minutes of aerobic exercise.  Fast walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, calesthentics, just get your heart rate up to 2/3 of 200 bpm minus your age. do this three times a week and it will increase your control over your body generally, increase you energy level,  and give you endomorphine for your aches and pains.  Read Dr Cooper's book Aerobics. I didn't learn about the benefits of this before the Army ROTC took me age 18, but could have benefitted in my teens.  If you are over 40, were never checked by a physician for student atheletics (eliminate possible aneurisms),  or obese, consult with a physician before starting an exercise program. 
At my age, some people are starting to get the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.  My sympathy if this happens to anybody. although the drugs now are better than they were.
And the more you play, the less you notice the audience.  Play at church picnics, bar open mike nights, any chance you can get.  Busking would be great but hard to do with a piano.  I was listening to Alabama Shakes band last night.  They played together twice a week in a home for fun,  then people started paying them to show up, now they are out on  a big road tour, on ACL on TV, played the White House, etc.