Who struggles from stage fright? When I was first starting to play, I found myself locking up before every performance. Not only did my stage presence suffer, but my playing suffered too! After years of performing across the country, I find myself doing the same 3 things before every performance.
1. Practice In Worse Conditions Than I Play.
Touring in a heavy music band, we often played bars and clubs with terrible sound and almost no light. I started practicing before tours by playing with my eyes closed while jumping in circles. I looked crazy, but it helped me feel comfortable knowing I could play my songs no matter what happened on stage.
2. Visualize My Performance Before I Play.
Before every gig, I go through the music, whether it's a call list of 75 tunes for a wedding or a musical book, and visualize myself playing each song. I close my eyes and watch myself perform each song and think of alternative ways to play a difficult part. By "playing" the set in my head, I can work out all the kinks before I play my first note.
3. Breathe.
This is going to sound simple and easy, but I often find myself holding my breath when I get to a challenging part of a song. For singer/songwriters, you may find that you're singing over your planned breathing points and then struggling to catch up. By focusing on breathing during a performance, before performances, and while practicing, you can help shake the jitters while on stage.
What do YOU find to help your stage fright?!
It is kind of like the old question, "how do you get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice. Practice. Practice" :)
Brad & Tom offered great thoughts. Breathing & Meditation. When I am preparing for a performance I always take time to sit in quiet, calm my breathing, meditate, at home or at the venue ~ I need to be in "my place,"
The more comfortable you are when you step on stage the easier it will be to ease stage fright. You have to keep doing it. Keep getting out there and go easy on yourself, start simple. Be prepared. Open mics are a great way to practice and gain confidence. Pick a few uncomplicated songs and learn them well so eventually you relax and are not stressed over the playing part of the performance. A comfortable, supportive venue is helpful, Remember, we are often our own worse critics and the audience is generally there to cheer you on. .. and be a part of RISA :)
Joanne