Are You Ready for Center Stage?
by Shannon Price
There you are, ready to give the audience what they’ve been waiting for, and what you’ve been practicing and preparing for. But now you’re quivering in your shoes and your palms are sweating. You’re certain that when you open your mouth, nothing will come out, or that when you play, you’ll forget the chords.
If you feel like this at an open mike, at a house of worship, or even in front of friends at a party, don’t worry. Stage fright happens to the best—even Barbra Streisand couldn’t sing in public for years because of performance anxiety. Performing live is 90% about confidence, and that confidence is in you—you just have to find it!
Take Stephanie Roberts, 30, of Belle Plains, Iowa, one of my regulars in the Weekend Warriors program that groups amateur musicians together for sessions. Roberts is a powerful singer now, but the first time I worked with her, she was so deep in her shell that she whispered and squeaked her first song. I knew that wasn’t her real voice. She had sung in church and elsewhere, but never with a microphone and not in front of other musicians. That can be intimidating.
So Roberts and I worked on building confidence and getting all that power out. In fact, the first time she belted out a line, she was so shocked, she withdrew again. After more coaching, she was less timid but singing sharp without range and dynamics. So we chose songs in a lower key. Thinking of herself as only a soprano, she was certain she couldn’t sing that low.
Roberts gave it a try, and out came a song as smooth and rich as silk. Wow! Since then, we have worked on increasing her range. These days, Roberts looks forward to singing in front of an audience and strutting her stuff, but she still has some stage fright—until she gets going. She has done several sessions now. Each time she chooses yet more exciting music to sing in order to add to her variety and range.
Actually, stage fright is not the most accurate term for the nervousness that occurs just before a performance. Most of the anxiety occurs before you step onto the stage. That’s when you worry about how you’ll sound or if you’ll remember the lyrics. Once you start, the anxiety usually goes away.
Confidence grows with time, but that first performance can be excruciating. On the other hand, it can be exhilarating. Once you hear the appreciation and applause of friends and family, confidence begins to build. For some people, the thrill of performing and hearing applause can become addictive.
Below I offer some advice on getting over stage fright, the natural way.
Get Comfortable
If your shoes hurt or your clothes are too tight or too loose, they can become a source of worry. Make sure you not only play your best, but look and feel your best. Just like in the world of business, the right clothes can give your confidence a boost.
Eyes on the Prize
Where should you look? When performing try to look slightly above the audience members’ heads. See the whole scene by scanning the room. Occasionally, gaze at a person without making them feel uncomfortable. This will show them you are not performing to the clock on the wall.
Take Your Time
Arrive and set up with plenty of time to spare. Never feel rushed, as this can become a source of anxiety. Leave time to eat, and if you don’t feel like eating, don’t. Also, find somewhere private where you can warm up, tune up, stretch, and prepare your instrument.
Mix It Up
If you have friends and family in the audience, take time to mingle with them. They’ll be giving you encouraging words and their laughter and smiles will help. On stage, imagine them listening and anticipate their applause.
Take a Hike
Alternatively, taking a short walk before a performance can really help alleviate anxiety. Walk around the block or down to a local store to get an important performance accessory: a bottle of water.
Water Good Idea
Drink non-iced water or fitness water. Hydration before, during, and after a performance is crucial. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which will make your throat dry. Another note about alcohol and tranquilizers. Don’t be tempted to use these for performance anxiety. They may make you think your performance is better than it actually is.
Miles of Smiles
Don’t forget the basics of good posture and muscle control whether singing or playing an instrument on stage. Remember to stand up fully straight and smile. If you’re a vocalist, remember that smiling makes singing easier.
Breathe Right
Practice deep breathing before, during, and after your performance. This is fundamental to a good performance. Whether or not you’re a vocalist, become acquainted with singers’ breathing exercises.
Get a Cheerleader
No matter where you perform, always try to have your spouse, a close friend, or other cheerleader present. That person is the one who’ll clap first and loudest. (Or if you think it didn’t go so well, they’ll console you, cheer you up, and tell you how proud they are of you.)
Stretch Out
Here’s a good stretch to help alleviate stage fright: Drop your arms and legs to the floor like a rag doll, then reach as high as you can. Drop back over, slowly, and try to place the palms of your hands on the floor while relaxing your head and neck. Now stand up again slowly, rolling one back vertebrae at a time. Then open your mouth as wide as you can (go ahead—no one is looking!) Now breathe deeply, evenly, and slowly for a minute or two.
Believe In Yourself
Your audience probably won’t even notice if you play a bum note, sing a little out of tune, or fluff a line or two. You’re performing because you can and want to. You’re there because it’s a thrilling part of your hobby and because you learn a lot by playing in front of others. Your audience is there because they love to listen to music and performers are fascinating and enchanting. Remember these tips, and you’ll do just fine!
