Performance anxiety, stage fright, nerves, etc. Whatever you want to call it, we all have to some degree an innate fear of being the sole focus of others whom we don’t know. Here’s some good news though. Breathe! It’s totally normal.
Neuroscience shows us that in essence, our fears are a defense mechanism that we’re hardwired to have. So, remember it’s not your fault you feel this way!
Further, it is a common fear that many people, even famous actors and musicians have, and have overcome. Your body uses fear to help you avoid situations that are PERCEIVED to be dangerous. The key here is that your body thinks you’re in danger and fight-or-flight kicks in. Adrenaline flows, and your once great guitar solo has now morphed into what you feel is a hack session. Wait just a minute though, isn’t there supposed to be a fix? Yes, it’s called REPETITION.
Seriously, the more you face the exact thing you fear, the better you’ll be at overcoming that fear.
At Sessions Music, we practice, rehearse, perform. Wash, rinse, repeat, until you become a stage veteran. Why do we do this? It’s because your inner rock star, performance pianist, or whatever you want to be, demands practice and the stage presence of an Elvis. So, clear that lump in your throat, know that it’s perfectly natural, and you will get better at it the more you put yourself out there!
