It would be naive to pretend there is no such thing as
'performance nerves'. I experience that pre-performance feeling as pure
excitement: nervousness is always viewed as something negative, whereas
excitement is quite positive. Our performances are enhanced by adrenaline: that
is the 'secret sauce' of many a performance which can transport us to the next
level. But what about the students who
are hit with debilitating nerves? First of all, thorough preparation is a MUST.
It goes without saying that the musical aspects of the piece must be in control
for confident performances. The preparation must be consistent and thorough.
Learning to perform is another part of this process: have students perform at
nursing homes, for family and friends, for other students, in short, ANY warm
body is a potential audience member!
These impromptu performances must happen more than once a week so that
the performance itself becomes a little more routine. The art of keeping
centered and composed when being in front of others takes time to develop. Help
students develop a pre-performance routine, which helps build self-comforting
skills. Make sure students are reading about the psychological aspects of
performance (Don Greene has an excellent website and there are many books on
the topic). Remind your students that this too is a process.....and to
paraphrase Jeanne Baxtreser, former principal flute of the NYPO, as long as the
butterflies fly in formation, it is all good.
*Note - This article first appeared on the "Teaching Tips" section of Cindy Ellis's website.
For more on Cindy, visit her Powell artist profile page, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
*Note - This article first appeared on the "Teaching Tips" section of Cindy Ellis's website.
For more on Cindy, visit her Powell artist profile page, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
