It’s that time of year again—the holiday season, and with it comes many opportunities to perform music for friends and family! For some students, performing is an exciting opportunity to show off the hard work they’ve put into their music and gain valuable experience playing in front of an audience. However, with performance day approaching, it’s natural to feel a few jitters.
Performance nerves can happen to anyone, from beginners to seasoned musicians. In fact, even the most experienced performers feel them! Here are some helpful tips and tricks to not only manage those nerves but also turn them into positive energy for your performance.
- Understand That Nerves Are Normal
Nerves are a natural response to performing in front of others. Rather than fighting this feeling, try to reframe it: your body is getting ready to do something exciting! Recognize that everyone experiences nerves to some degree, and they don’t need to hold you back. - Focus on Breathing
Nerves are a natural response to performing in front of others. Rather than fighting this feeling, try to reframe it: your body is getting ready to do something exciting! Recognize that everyone experiences nerves to some degree, and they don’t need to hold you back. - Visualization Techniques
Imagine yourself walking onto the stage with confidence and performing beautifully. Picture the audience smiling and enjoying your music, and focus on the feeling of pride and satisfaction at the end. Visualization is a powerful tool to build confidence and ease performance anxiety.
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Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing your piece over and over can make it feel second nature. The more familiar you are with your music, the more confident you’ll feel. If you know the music well, it will be easier to enjoy performing it instead of worrying about making mistakes. - Start Small and Build Confidence
If this is one of your first recitals, see it as a stepping stone to gain experience. Each performance you do builds your resilience and confidence. The more you perform, the more familiar it will feel, and your nerves will lessen over time.
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Stay in the Moment
Try not to worry about the next note or wonder if you’ll make a mistake. Instead, focus on each note as it comes, enjoying the beauty of the music you’re creating. Staying present helps you feel more in control and less anxious about the outcome. -
Embrace the Supportive Atmosphere
Remember, everyone at Imagine Music is there to cheer you on! Your family, friends, teacher and fellow musicians are excited to support you. Even if you make a small mistake, know that the audience appreciates your hard work and is rooting for your success, the audience probably won’t even notice that you messed-up!
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Learn and Grow
Every performance, whether flawless or challenging, teaches you something valuable. Use each experience to refine your skills and build your confidence. Our recitals are a safe space for growth, so embrace this opportunity to develop as a musician.
In Summary
With some preparation and a positive mindset, you can transform your nerves into excitement. Remember, performance is about sharing music with others, and each recital or performance is a wonderful learning experience. So take a deep breath, trust your practice, and know that you’re ready to shine!
We can’t wait to see you perform and enjoy the music you’ve worked so hard on—happy practicing!
