The Grand Occasion
We all love to be in the spotlight as soon as possible. Getting applause from a live crowd is a heavenly feeling. The clapping sound adds more energy and liveliness into our performance. Stage performances are some moments that can be shared with others throughout our lives. Everyone cherishes such memories and treasure them in high regard. The grandeur can mislead our emotions in more ways than we could imagine. Korean popular violinist Kyung Wha Chung had this infamous incident where she lost her temper. She outrageously asked a parent to bring her kid to shows when she’s older enough to not cough throughout the notes. While the confident musicians have temper issues, beginners fight with stage fright.
How Common is Stage Fright?
Not many of the violinists and violin teachers have performed without stage fright in early stages of their careers. In fact stage fright has shaped a lot of talents and helps develop few other skills. Musicians who learned the way to overcome stage fright always excel at high levels. If you are stage fright, consider you are in great company. Musicians like Arthur Rubenstein, Pablo Casals too have had stage fright early in their careers. Few more like Luciano Pavarotti had this struggle at numerous juncture all through their career. While more than 90% of the violinists admit they have stage fright before performances, only one fourth of them consider it a problem.
Can it be Eliminated?
Some level of stage fright would exist all through your career, which is inevitable. However it is not always the case that nerves get to control your performances. With regular practice you wouldn’t be seeing it as a problem at all. Musicians are quite used to the phase of being “in zone”. When a violinist feels every factor fell in place during their performance, it is said to be in zone. To make a performance of that sort, you would require a little fright. You can’t end up giving an amazing performance without being a little nervous. Altogether it’s a tricky composition, where you need the balance to see the best of results.
Underlying Reasons
The natural anxiety is the reason behind stage fright. The odds of you having everything clicked goes through your mind. The continuous thought process leads to anxiety before the big stage moment. If your audience aren’t much and the task you have in hand is hardly any challenging, the level of anxiety would be less. When your mind feels the task can be done effortlessly, stage fright wouldn’t come into the picture. The kind of emphasis you give to the big stage and huge audience like your life depend on it, increases the anxiety. Not giving enough room for errors can only do worse to the situation.
How to Overcome Fear and Stage Fright
Some performers pretend to themselves as if they don’t care. Some believe in meditation techniques to reduce anxiety. Health conscious performers try different diet prior to the performance. However all the above three techniques have mixed results which are mostly negative. Mere thoughts on reducing your anxiety can backfire. Just focus on giving your best and find ways to control your anxiety. Always remember a bit of anxiety is required to deliver energetic and vibrant performances.
Preparing for the Violin Performance is Important
Preparation is of paramount importance before performing on stage. Make it intense and thorough to assure your mind, things would go good. Learn to manage the additional adrenaline rush you tend to get. Draw confidence out of your past success and remember self-esteem goes a long way. Focus and concentrate on performance and play it in your mind prior to the big moment. Know the ways to recover from mistakes instantly. Be totally determined to purse your goals. Always be rooted to do your best and do not panic.
Benefits of Performing on Stage
- The feel good factor to have after communicating something of value to audience is always good.
- Performing leads to enhanced confidence and helps standing in front of audience without stage fright.
- Performing on stage as violinist also shapes you well for becoming a good public speaker.
- Performing on stage helps you develop new skills which you never know existed.