Controlling nerves? Help!!

[bonesquirrel]

My music teacher wants me to perform solo, the intro Hugh Laurie's version of St Jame's Infirmary, slightly improvised, in a whole school assembly (500+ students).

This is my first time playing in front of an audience that exceeds 4 or 5 people, need tips on controlling nerves. I know I will feel weird if I step up on a stage by myself and the piano, with 500+ people watching.

[chopincat]

Practice performing for other people, even if it's just friends are family who happen to be over. It's always different when you're playing a piece by yourself versus playing a piece in front of other people, and if you put yourself in the latter situation more often that you will become more used to it.

This might be kind of obvious, but make sure you really, really know your piece. In all of my performance experiences, I've always felt most confident when I've known that I've practiced my piece very diligently, and that it will be easy for me to get back on track if I make any mistakes (another good thing to do is find some spots that you could jump to if you made a mistake and make sure you can easily start playing from there).

On the day of the performance, make sure that you are extremely warmed up before hand and wearing relatively warm clothes. This will help prevent any stiffness or shaking that is often associated with nerves.

[hardy_practice]

Without doubt you will have an adrenaline rush - anybody would.  It will last about 5 minutes then dissipate.  If there's a way to be on stage earlier so the rush is gone before you play that would help.   Your neck may also stiffen (getting ready for flight or fight).  Your hands may shake.   Not much you can do about those but forewarned is forearmed.  If your improvising I don't think much can go wrong if you know your arps and scales.

[diomedes]

It appears you're being tossed into the deep end, rather abruptly. I don't think that's wise, but it's really your decision. Outcome is typically determined by experience, from my limited point of view.

What are you being asked to play?

[markh13]

Practice performing for other people, even if it's just friends are family who happen to be over. It's always different when you're playing a piece by yourself versus playing a piece in front of other people, and if you put yourself in the latter situation more often that you will become more used to it.

This might be kind of obvious, but make sure you really, really know your piece. In all of my performance experiences, I've always felt most confident when I've known that I've practiced my piece very diligently, and that it will be easy for me to get back on track if I make any mistakes (another good thing to do is find some spots that you could jump to if you made a mistake and make sure you can easily start playing from there).

On the day of the performance, make sure that you are extremely warmed up before hand and wearing relatively warm clothes. This will help prevent any stiffness or shaking that is often associated with nerves.

All great advice!

One other thing I'd advise, is to manage your expectations - you're probably not going to play it as well as you do at home, so accept that you may make a few slips... And don't be hard on yourself if you do, even the top pianists make plenty of mistakes!

[bonesquirrel]

What are you being asked to play?

Just Hugh Lauire's version of St Jame's Infirmary (introduction), my recording is on this website.