Performance Anxiety

[zbd1960]

My experiences on this are very mixed. My first public outings as a musician were once I started singing with choirs, which is not until my 30s. I've never felt particularly nervous or anxious about performing live in concerts as a choral singer. (I do not and never have performed solo...). In my 50s I started to play cello and sax in orchestras etc and started playing in concerts. Again, that didn't give me any grief either...

 

But... there are two things that do...

 

A few years ago I did my first ABRSM performance exam - grade 3 sax. Jeepers - I started shaking uncontrollably. I just about got through the exam, and passed OK. When it came to doing G5 though, I did all the work for it and refused to do the exam.  I really couldn't face it. 

 

The other is stick me in a social environment with people I don't know and I struggle. People who know me would find that weird as they tned to think of me a s 'confident' and 'outgoing'. But in a room with people I don't know... it's hard going for me.  

Edited March 10, 2022 by zbd1960

[Cat Burrito]

I was nervous for about my first 6 shows (1989 / 1990) and then decided that I needed to get past that, so i did. Not sure if I just bury it now but I have had maybe 3 or 4 shows where I have been nervous before but I have thankfully been able to deal with it - usually when it's a new band / big show. I think I am lucky because I appreciate not everyone can say the same.

[Paul S]

I don't really suffer from nerves.  Outside of music I give talks and presentations, usually to a room full of people I don't know, and there is nowhere to hide there - playing bass onstage is quite relaxing by comparison.  

[dclaassen]

My experience is that many performers are outgoing introverts. I know that I am. I can be very social, but also be secretly uncomfortable at the same time. 

 

What really helps me in any performance experience is to focus on the relationship between what I am playing and what the others are doing. As soon as that starts to gel, then I am fine, I guess because I am not part of a meaningful conversation. 

[WAYNESWORLD]

This for me is a fascinating discussion. I over come the performance angst later in life but enjoy the tingle of anticipation before a gig to this day .Conversely I never got over the feeling of inadequacy and nervousness when doing a location photoshoot in my 30 yrs as professional company/ commercial photographer. The thought of heading down to London which was a regular occurrence to do a shoot filled me with dread. Through out my work life I received many complements from some incredibly well known brands that had employed some of the worlds leading names in photography to represent them.Still I lacked self belief. In hind sight I know I was pretty good at what I did and proud of my contribution.On retirement I was asked by our marketing team how I would describe my time at work. My answer was “can’t believe I got away with it all these years”.Which on reflection was sad. Living and enjoying the moment is difficult to master some times. But reflection can be a nice conciliation. The most important thing though is to just do what you love whilst you can, not to try will be a the biggest regret in later life. Remember life is not a practise run.

[Doddy]

I don't particularly get nervous, but I do get a little bit edgy if I'm doing an unfamiliar gig for the first time. Not really because of any perfomance doubt but because I know that I'm going to be hyper aware of what everyone else is like, both onstage and off.

A few years ago, I split a gig with a well known UK session player and I was nervous about that. I was chatting with the MD before the show and I mentioned that I was a bit nervous because I was a fan of the player (I've got his book and video), and he responded "Why? You're doing the same gig that he is." That instantly chilled me out, and I had a great time.

[Woodinblack]

I get more room anxiety, in that I always have a little on edge before I go to the gig, whcih subsides by the time I actually have to do the gig, generally all the setting up etc takes it away. Its slightly less in a place I have been to regularly than a new place.

[4000]

17 hours ago, ambient said:

I was wondering how many of us suffer with it, and to what extent?

 

I’m currently doing a research project in the subject as part of my PGCE course, which is specifically designed for teaching in FE and HE rather than in schools.

 

It is - at least from what I’m reading - a problem that’s quite prevalent in instrumental and vocal performance, though for a variety of reasons it’s not really spoken about.

 

It is also, sadly, one of the main reasons that musicians misuse alcohol or drugs. They adopt such maladaptive practices as a way to cope with their problem. Though there are a wide range of other far safer methods of combatting the issue.

 

My personal problems started as an undergraduate student. Despite previously enjoying a career as a professional musician, I had never suffered with any significant issues. The weekly performance workshops, and performance related classes were an absolute nightmare for me.

 

I finally sought help from my GP, he referred me to a specialist therapist who was brilliant. We tried various things, including hypnotherapy - which sadly didn’t work. 

 

I’ve performed hundreds of times since then, including doing a lot of solo and solo bass gigs, and never had another problem. 

For me, as with many other music students it was evaluative performance - being marked - that was causing the problem.

 

One of the problematic areas of MPA, is that it’s not related to your preparation, you can, as I - contrary to what my one tutor believed - spend dozens of hours practicing with your instrument, and still have a problem. The main issue is managing the heightened level of stress of the problem situation.
 

I suspect there are a lot of people out there, who would love to be performing outside of their house, but don’t feel able to.

I’ve always suffered dreadfully with performance anxiety/stage fright. I’m glad you’ve pointed out that it’s nothing to do with preparation, because I’ve continually read people saying that if you’re prepared you’ll be fine, and speaking personally it has absolutely nothing to do with it. There have been many instances where I could play everything I need to in my sleep, back to front and inside out, and yet soon as I get on stage I’m a complete nervous wreck and everything goes out of the window. It is absolutely about managing the heightened stress, which for people like me can be off the chart, completely out of proportion to what is actually happening.  I’ll add that I suffer with chronic anxiety and PTSD anyway. 
 

I’d be interested to know what worked for you because I haven’t found anything yet - other than the aforementioned alcohol, which I try to avoid as much as possible - that helps. Breathing exercises, actual pre-gig exercise, meditation; none of them work for me.
 

A couple of years ago we did a local gig as a support for something that was being filmed by the BBC. We weren’t shown in the end, but I was utterly terrified. I was frozen. I could barely move my fingers and the experience was hideous. How I got through it I don’t know. I’ll add here that I hate anything to do with adrenalin, which makes me feel physically ill. The buzz that most people get playing live is not what I experience at all, it’s more like being in a car crash.  

[pete.young]

I think the competitive or judgemental aspect can bring this kind of anxiety on, or make it worse. There's always more tension when I know there are lots of other players of the same instrument in the audience, and you can't help feel they're evaluating your performance. In this case it sometimes helps to imagine that they are wishing you to succeed, not hoping you're going to fail.

 

In the brass band world there are many actual competitions and this can be tough on people, where the consequence of nerves can mean difficulty breathing and hence making a note of any kind. We had a brilliant MD for a time who has since moved on to conduct at the very top of the brass band world, who sat us all down before one contest and said "I want you to play this piece as though you have already won the contest, and you are going out to show the audience how you did it." I think this is a brilliant piece of advice, and it's stayed with me to this day.

[Newfoundfreedom]

24 minutes ago, 4000 said:

I’ve always suffered dreadfully with performance anxiety/stage fright. I’m glad you’ve pointed out that it’s nothing to do with preparation, because I’ve continually read people saying that if you’re prepared you’ll be fine, and speaking personally it has absolutely nothing to do with it. There have been many instances where I could play everything I need to in my sleep, back to front and inside out, and yet soon as I get on stage I’m a complete nervous wreck and everything goes out of the window. It is absolutely about managing the heightened stress, which for people like me can be off the chart, completely out of proportion to what is actually happening.  I’ll add that I suffer with chronic anxiety and PTSD anyway. 
 

I’d be interested to know what worked for you because I haven’t found anything yet - other than the aforementioned alcohol, which I try to avoid as much as possible - that helps. Breathing exercises, actual pre-gig exercise, meditation; none of them work for me.
 

A couple of years ago we did a local gig as a support for something that was being filmed by the BBC. We weren’t shown in the end, but I was utterly terrified. I was frozen. I could barely move my fingers and the experience was hideous. How I got through it I don’t know. I’ll add here that I hate anything to do with adrenalin, which makes me feel physically ill. The buzz that most people get playing live is not what I experience at all, it’s more like being in a car crash.  

 

Very well described. This is exactly how I am. As stated by you, and previous posters, it has absolutely nothing to do with ability or how well practiced you are. My band does our own original material. We practice every week, and we've been together for two years. I know the songs inside out and it still all goes to pot as soon as it comes to public performance. For some people, nerves and adrenalin ups their game, for others it's absolutely crippling. 

[Barking Spiders]

In my job I have to do presentations at director level, trying to persuade investors to put money into solar energy projects, and also have to face down angry locals who object to them in their back yard at public consultations. I'm fine with this, no problems. I'm considered outgoing and sociable, but playing bass or guitar on stage is another matter. I don't gig anymore but always used to need Dutch courage. I think it's because unlike regular (non entertainment) work, where you can emotionally detach yourself, with performing it's a lot more personal as you've picked something you hope to get good at. If you're judged negatively it can cut to the quick and undermines belief in your own ability and even make you think about taking up another interest that doesn't involved public performance. I did way more gigs as a drummer, which wasn't so bad as being upfront as I was partly hidden away at the back of the stage and didn't have to try to make eye contact with the audience but focused on parts of the kit instead.

[sprocketflup]

Some may find this odd, I've taken to brushing my teeth in the half hour changing time that we allow ourselves before we play. I'm usually far from home so have my toothbrush/paste packed anyway. 

 

Try it, it works wonders

[Dan Dare]

Always remember (unless you are a solo artist, which is unlikely given that we play bass) that people are not there to see YOU. You are not the centre of anyone's universe (save perhaps your own) and an audience will focus its attention on the frontman/woman. Unless you are the main or only singer in addition to being the bass player, you will be largely ignored. Concentrate your attention on your colleagues and ensure you work well with them. Mistakes happen. Once they have, they're in the past and there's nothing you can do about them, so forget them. Don't obsess about them and screw up the next thing because of it.

 

The only times I am nervous when performing are occasions when I know I'm not familiar enough with the material and I'm winging it. The solution to that - more/better practice - is obvious. Use charts/music if necessary or if you are doing a last minute job where you have not had a chance to learn the stuff. It doesn't have to be on a visible music stand. Charts written large can go on the floor at your feet or on a monitor wedge in front of you. An aide memoire placed on top of your rig, which you can glance at between numbers to remind you what's coming next, is helpful, too.

 

It's music. It ain't brain surgery and nobody will die if you get it wrong.

[Woodinblack]

29 minutes ago, sprocketflup said:

Some may find this odd, I've taken to brushing my teeth in the half hour changing time that we allow ourselves before we play. I'm usually far from home so have my toothbrush/paste packed anyway.

 

We are generally within walking distance of home, so I don't think I have ever had my toothbrush!

[4000]

2 minutes ago, Dan Dare said:

 

 

It's music. It ain't brain surgery and nobody will die if you get it wrong.

Except your soul.😂

 

2 factors with me. Half the set (and in previous bands often all of it) is music I’ve written so I’m invested in that. Secondly, and more importantly, I’m incredibly hard on myself with pretty much everything. Always have been. If it’s not perfect, it’s not good enough. Yes, I realise that’s an issue, and it’s part of why I’ve been in therapy for years. 😂

 

 

[sprocketflup]

37 minutes ago, Woodinblack said:

 

We are generally within walking distance of home, so I don't think I have ever had my toothbrush!

Nip home and do it. In fact, you could do other things as well!

[ambient]

36 minutes ago, Dan Dare said:

Always remember (unless you are a solo artist, which is unlikely given that we play bass) that people are not there to see YOU. You are not the centre of anyone's universe (save perhaps your own) and an audience will focus its attention on the frontman/woman. Unless you are the main or only singer in addition to being the bass player, you will be largely ignored. Concentrate your attention on your colleagues and ensure you work well with them. Mistakes happen. Once they have, they're in the past and there's nothing you can do about them, so forget them. Don't obsess about them and screw up the next thing because of it.

 

The only times I am nervous when performing are occasions when I know I'm not familiar enough with the material and I'm winging it. The solution to that - more/better practice - is obvious. Use charts/music if necessary or if you are doing a last minute job where you have not had a chance to learn the stuff. It doesn't have to be on a visible music stand. Charts written large can go on the floor at your feet or on a monitor wedge in front of you. An aide memoire placed on top of your rig, which you can glance at between numbers to remind you what's coming next, is helpful, too.

 

It's music. It ain't brain surgery and nobody will die if you get it wrong.

 

Some very good tips. The problem with performance anxiety is that it doesn't necessarily relate to the amount of preparation that the sufferer does. It's more down to how the person handles the related stress and anxiety.

 

I do play a lot of solo bass, though that has been post-performance anxiety. The only time I have been nervous doing that was when I opened for Steve Lawson a couple of years ago.

 

For me the problem was that I was doing - and failing - the music degree that I had set my heart on doing for a decade or more. Many people have to give up otherwise promising careers as professional musicians.

[ambient]

1 hour ago, sprocketflup said:

Some may find this odd, I've taken to brushing my teeth in the half hour changing time that we allow ourselves before we play. I'm usually far from home so have my toothbrush/paste packed anyway. 

 

Try it, it works wonders

 

Distraction. I can see why this would work. I often take a book to gigs, and sit quietly in a corner and read.

[ambient]

2 hours ago, Newfoundfreedom said:

 

Very well described. This is exactly how I am. As stated by you, and previous posters, it has absolutely nothing to do with ability or how well practiced you are. My band does our own original material. We practice every week, and we've been together for two years. I know the songs inside out and it still all goes to pot as soon as it comes to public performance. For some people, nerves and adrenalin ups their game, for others it's absolutely crippling. 

 

Yes, there's a tipping point where the nervousness stops being of positive benefit to the performance, and starts to have a negative effect.

[Dan Dare]

24 minutes ago, 4000 said:

Except your soul.😂

 

2 factors with me. Half the set (and in previous bands often all of it) is music I’ve written so I’m invested in that. Secondly, and more importantly, I’m incredibly hard on myself with pretty much everything. Always have been. If it’s not perfect, it’s not good enough. Yes, I realise that’s an issue, and it’s part of why I’ve been in therapy for years. 😂

 

 

 

Your "soul" is more robust (or should be) than to be destroyed by making a few mistakes in a performance. It's pop music, it's ephemeral and it doesn't matter. A glance at what's happening in the world at the moment should make anyone aware of that.

 

People who are "incredibly hard" on themselves are usually the same towards others. I wish I had a pound for every time I've heard people say "I'm hard on others, but I'm harder on myself" as if it was some sort of justification for being unpleasant to and making excessive demands of their fellows. It isn't.

 

None of us has the right to demand perfection when we fall short in so many ways ourselves. "Perfection" is something we strive for and, if we're fortunate and work at it, we may get close to it very occasionally. By it's nature, nobody EVER achieves it. Rather than throw a strop when it doesn't happen, we should be grateful for and celebrate those rare occasions when we get close. Count your blessings and all that.

 

Perhaps a change of therapy/therapist might be in order if it's not changed in years. 🙂

[Dad3353]

1 minute ago, Dan Dare said:

... By it's nature, nobody EVER achieves it...

 

[Dan Dare]

1 minute ago, Dad3353 said:

 

 

Shouldn't the slogan on the side of the car read "Correct and Serve"?

[Dad3353]

1 minute ago, Dan Dare said:

 

Shouldn't the slogan on the side of the car read "Correct and Serve"?

 

No. 

 

...

 

 

[4000]

10 minutes ago, Dan Dare said:

 

Your "soul" is more robust (or should be) than to be destroyed by making a few mistakes in a performance. It's pop music, it's ephemeral and it doesn't matter. A glance at what's happening in the world at the moment should make anyone aware of that.

 

People who are "incredibly hard" on themselves are usually the same towards others. I wish I had a pound for every time I've heard people say "I'm hard on others, but I'm harder on myself" as if it was some sort of justification for being unpleasant to and making excessive demands of their fellows. It isn't.

 

None of us has the right to demand perfection when we fall short in so many ways ourselves. "Perfection" is something we strive for and, if we're fortunate and work at it, we may get close to it very occasionally. By it's nature, nobody EVER achieves it. Rather than throw a strop when it doesn't happen, we should be grateful for and celebrate those rare occasions when we get close. Count your blessings and all that.

 

Perhaps a change of therapy/therapist might be in order if it's not changed in years. 🙂

Well I’m certainly not going to use you! 😂

 

You appear the have missed the emojis, and implying that I may be unpleasant to people because I’m hard on myself is greatly appreciated, as is throwing a strop when things don’t measure up (when I’m actually more likely to be utterly down). I’m actually quite capable of measuring people by their standards and not mine. 
 

Thanks anyway. 🙄

 

 

Edited March 10, 2022 by 4000

[ambient]

6 hours ago, Sweeneythebass said:

I love performing live but sometimes I used to get so anxious. I’d have to bolt to the toilet before the show and then once on stage I’d start sweating like some mad beast and  make lots of mistakes that I’d never made before. It was really frustrating.
 

Drinking beforehand wasn’t much help as I’d be less nervous but my playing would be sloppy as I’d lose some of the dexterity in my hands and I’d be aware of it too and then feel anxious again. 

 

A few simple things like eating properly not  drinking too much caffeine and having a laugh with the guys post soundcheck can help but above all it’s letting the mistakes go that’s the most important attitude to have. The reality is that everyone will make a mistake at some point but they only really become noticeable if they’re dwelled upon and you carry the mistake with you.  ‘Style it out’ 
I still get nervous if I think about soloing as I’m trying to make it ‘perfect’. As nothing will ever be perfect I’m trying to let this go too! 
 

Anyone looked at ‘the inner game of music’ great book about dealing with performance anxiety. 
 

Also check out inverted-u hypothesis for arousal-performance. As someone said some nerves are good. 

 

 

 

The Inner game book is really good, highly recommended. There are a few books worth checking out, some have been written with specific instruments in mind.