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What can an aspiring musician do to overcome performance anxiety and get better at auitioning?
#musician #JULY20
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Kevin’s Answer
Hi. That is a very good question! I think everyone including myself, and musician's on every level experience some 'nervousness' before a gig or audition. I believe being as prepared / rehearsed....prior to these situations give you more confidence when the time comes, and go into it with the attitude 'I can and I will' The more you play in front of people the easier it gets! Get on out there and play!!! Best wishes..
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Doug’s Answer
Two main ways I got over my performance anxiety
1. Perform. A lot. Volunteer. Nursing homes, hospitals, schools, Twitch streaming, etc etc. Perform pieces that you're already working on.
2. Do lots of auditions. Don't do your "dream" auditions first. Auditioning isn't just about performing. Auditioning is a skill in itself. You might have to interact with judges if they ask questions. Some may ask you to start in certain places and stop immediately when you least expect it. If you do your dream audition first, you have a greater chance of not doing well than if you did 5-10 other auditions first.
That said, I still get nervous performing and auditioning after 15 years of being a musician. But you get better at channeling that energy into your performances.
Setup a performance on your own (family, friends, etc)
Volunteer to perform in a public space (nursing home, hospital, etc)
Sign up for an audition aside from main places you want to audition for.
1. Perform. A lot. Volunteer. Nursing homes, hospitals, schools, Twitch streaming, etc etc. Perform pieces that you're already working on.
2. Do lots of auditions. Don't do your "dream" auditions first. Auditioning isn't just about performing. Auditioning is a skill in itself. You might have to interact with judges if they ask questions. Some may ask you to start in certain places and stop immediately when you least expect it. If you do your dream audition first, you have a greater chance of not doing well than if you did 5-10 other auditions first.
That said, I still get nervous performing and auditioning after 15 years of being a musician. But you get better at channeling that energy into your performances.
Doug recommends the following next steps:
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Ragon’s Answer
For me yoga has been a big help in forming breathing techniques that are now second nature. The breath calms my nervous system and grounds me. Hope that help!