Cold hands before performing

[wwalrus]

I recently performed Beethoven's 2nd piano sonata a couple times, running into the same problem: really cold hands. So cold that they almost go numb, and, if you're familiar with the first movement, my fingers "freeze up" playing the runs. I haven't been particularly nervous before playing; actually, I've been quite calm. In practice I never have this problem and am usually quite comfortable. What do I do?

[awesom_o]

Do two things:

Firstly, do something to get the blood flow circulating well, such as push-ups or jumping jacks, running on the spot, etc.

Secondly, bring a plastic water bottle filled with very hot (but not boiling) water, and hold it in your hands!

[chopincat]

I used to have this problem, so my piano teacher recommended that I wear fingerless gloves before performing. It works really well for me!

[verqueue]

For me washing hands with cold and then hot water, then cold, etc helped.

[1piano4joe]

Hi wwalrus,

Gloves.

Sit on them.

Put them in your pocket.

Use a hand warmer like the skiers use.

Hold a cup of something warm (Tea, Soup, Coffee, Hot Chocolate).

Rub them together.

Alternate making a closed fist and open fist.

Put your hands inside your sleeves.

Run them under warm water.

Cross your arms and place under the opposite upper arm.

Place your hands together palms facing each other between your thighs.

Is there a nearby fireplace or perhaps radiator?

I hope this helps, Joe.

[mcwilson]

I had this same problem for many years.  I have also tried each and every tip listed above but the results only lasted for a few minutes. Then BAM! it hit me: a knitted hat. No more cold hands. You might want to give it a try. Just remember to remove it before performing on stage.

[bachapprentice]

Wear Gloves an hour before your performance and then soak them in warm water while rubbing your hands.

[tombikadam]

raise ur core temperature, if ur room is cold, u have no chance to heat up.

[chopinlover01]

If you can, do some exercises before, just enough to get your blood flowing, especially into your hands. The alternating between open and closed hands is a good one, I've used that before in a freezing church basement, where they did nothing with the steinway upright... Anyways. Holding a hot drink is a good idea, though the plastic bottle might actually melt depending on how good the bottle is (seen it happen before; not for a performance but a science experiment XD); for instance, most aquafina bottles don't hold, but dasani does. Odd.
I also like the idea of gloves. But I personally wouldn't do fingerless, as that's where I get cold hands for the most part.

[iansinclair]

I had that problem, too -- and now because of an injury I REALLY have that problem (extremely poor circulation and very poor flexibility in 2 and 3, right hand).  If it is possible -- and it isn't always -- try holding your hands in a basin of warm (hot enough so that it feels almost too hot) for about five to ten minutes.  Even better -- if you have access to a dressing room or dressing area, do the same thing but with a paraffin bath set at about 110 degrees F (trade name in North America is "Therabath") for the same length of time.

That will get your hands warm enough so that you can start your recital without problems, and by the time you get well into it you should have generated enough circulation to keep going.