linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
My daughter wants to major in music (piano). Probably something with kids.
She's been playing for ten years now and is pretty accomplished.
Problem is, she gets in front of people and can't hold it together or just barely makes it through the recital, competition, whatever.
She had a festival this am and aced the sight reading, but totally botched one song and just made it through the other.
She was prepared, had practiced etc.
Not sure where to go from here. We've been visiting colleges with music schools, but she has to auditon to be accepted and I'm not sure she's gonna be able to pull it together.
Anyone out there been through this and how'd you overcome it?
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
It's a skill that performers of any kind need to learn, whether musicians, actors, athletes, etc.
The secret is to stay focused on the actual activity, not on judgement. Judgement/fear thoughts take away from the task itself.
I'd suggest picking music she enjoys and knows she can handle, and then get into the enjoyment of the piece. That attitude will communicate to the audience. People want to be able to enjoy listening to a piece of music.
Sometimes you have to let go of the outcome. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, something else will happen instead. Maybe she will find an easier path for herself.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Maybe she needs more opportunities to play in front of others until she gains confidence and is able to do it with ease.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
When I studied piano (I was a music major), my teacher had me use the pianos in the busiest parts of the school where there was a lot of foot traffic. It helped with concentration and not caring what other people thought.
These were pianos that were in gathering areas like lounges. Anyone could just sit and play if they felt like it.
I use to have terrible stage fright at times (the kind where you can't stop shaking). This fixed it, no amount of thoughts or trying to mentally prepare helped. It was actually just doing it over and over until I got use to it.
Preparation and just playing around people, not caring if it was a performance fixed it.
I hadn't played in years and a friend wanted me to accompany him a few years back. While practicing, I had my husband make as much noise as possible around me so I could build my concentration skills up again. It worked. No stage fright.
posted
I agree with what the others have said. I used to have terrible stage fright, and would have rather had abdominal surgery than to have to speak in front of a group.
Now, I'm a bellydancer who performs fairly regularly. When I first started performing, I couldn't eat for 6 hours before hand, for fear of vomiting. Now I don't even get nervous.
I also teach classes at work regularly, and I taught dance classes for a few years too. When I was younger, I would never have dreamed I'd be able to do these things; but I actually enjoy them now.
The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Posts: 48 | From Orlando, FL | Registered: Apr 2014
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Thanks everyone for the tips.
I think she's going to start playing at an assisted living facility here. She did some volunteer work there in the past.
She will be in a room where the residents go to play cards, watch tv etc., kind of like a rec room.
Lots of folks in and out, so it will be a good place to practice.
I am hopeful this will help her.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
That's a great idea! Tell her to go as often as she has time for.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
tutu, I think it will be a good opportunity for her, and hopefully a blessing to the people there.
Carol, thanks, we'll look into this. Might be worth a try.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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