Tremble...tremble...tremble..., Controlling nerves Options

[Cellona]

Hi everyone!

Just had a students' concert on Sunday. As usual, they braved their way up stage to perform with many of them making mistakes that they do not usually make in class.

Reminded them to breathe 'consciously' when they feel nervous. Did success visualisation with them. Asked them to imagine playing at home when on stage etc....

People tell me that the more times a pianist plays on stage, the more calm she/he will be. I've a pupil who has been performing at least 2 concerts per year for the last 6 years still made many mistakes & stumbles on Sunday. Could anyone share with me what I've missed out? What do you usually tell your pupils to think psychologically before a performance or exam?

A pupil can play so well in class & once on stage, the whole piece goes hay-wired.

[Patricia]

Hi everyone!

Just had a students' concert on Sunday. As usual, they braved their way up stage to perform with many of them making mistakes that they do not usually make in class.

Reminded them to breathe 'consciously' when they feel nervous. Did success visualisation with them. Asked them to imagine playing at home when on stage etc....

People tell me that the more times a pianist plays on stage, the more calm she/he will be. I've a pupil who has been performing at least 2 concerts per year for the last 6 years still made many mistakes & stumbles on Sunday. Could anyone share with me what I've missed out? What do you usually tell your pupils to think psychologically before a performance or exam?

A pupil can play so well in class & once on stage, the whole piece goes hay-wired.

I'm havivig a bit of difficulty working out how to reply - hope this works! (I just clicked on reply, but did not intend to quote the whole entry that I'm replying to!) Anyway, what I wanted to say was: Have you ever tried beta-blockers? I'm not a medical person and don't know about their suitability for children, but they are great for an adult. I used to shake, sweat and be unable to find middle c, which is all due to too much adrenalin. The way beta-blockers ("propranalol") work is to keep a lid on your adrenalin levels, without affecting your central nervous system in the way the that alcohol would. (I tried that one too - you're less nervous, but you can't play, and don't care!) I asked my doctor for something before I did my diploma exam, and this is what she prescribed; apparently they're commomly used for panick attacks, job interviews, etc. If you take one or two 10mg tablets about an hour before a performance, you will feel no effects whatsoever, but can rest assured that your heart won't race uncontrollably, you won't shake, etc - i.e. all the physical effects of nerves. I gradually wittled myself down to 1 1/2 tablets, then 1, then 1/2, and now I don't need them at all - they got me over a big psychological hurdle.

[sarah-flute]

I gradually wittled myself down to 1 1/2 tablets, then 1, then 1/2, and now I don't need them at all - they got me over a big psychological hurdle.

I think that's probably the most beneficial thing about beta blockers, that they can allow you to play without excessive nerves and without medication.