<p>S2 is a 9th grader who plays the piano well, and he has become increasingly anxious about performances. Last night he played a difficult piece in a HS concert that required auditioning. He was completely prepared, has played the piece smoothly many times, from memory, including for the audition. He ran though it the day before with his private piano teacher, who pronounced him completely prepared, and he arrived early to practice on the HS piano. He was playing well. When it came to the actual performance, though, his nerves got the best of him. He played a bit too fast, hit a few wrong notes, and actually got briefly lost a couple of times. He is upset about these obvious errors and feels bad about having participated. </p>
<p>I'd like to help him learn to cope better with anxiety. I thought of posting this on the music majors' forum, but decided that this is really a general issue, which applies in many areas other than music. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?</p>
<p>Thank you for the suggestion, Proudpatriot. I’m vaguely aware of the Alexander Technique, but don’t know much about it. I looked at the link and this is just the kind of thing I’m looking for. I know that it’s widely available and I will look around.</p>
<p>The usage of Beta blockers is rampant among performers. Not sure how I feel about this. D was in a NYC audition a few weeks ago and the discussion in the hallway turned to this issue. She was more than shocked to discover that MOST of the auditioners said they were using beta blockers.</p>
<p>I wound up studying AT because I did not want to take medication unless it was absolutely necessary. There are other behavioral therapies that can help with performance anxiety. I would try all of those before putting a 14 year old on medication.</p>
<p>When our daughter was performing in high school her anxiety got to the level that she started taking a beta blocker for high level performances (All-State Auditions for example). This was done through the care of a doctor who prescribed 10 tablets, 6 went unused. Some kids simply can’t talk themsves down and even though their nerves may be flying the beta blocker prohibits the physical effects of that. I think 14 would be too young for me, our daughter was 16 when she began using them.</p>
<p>If he can play while wearing sunglasses it can help. My son gave his pair to a girl who had bad nerves during a talent show at our H.S. After trying two times to sing and having to leave the stage twice, she came out later in my son’s shades and she was able to get through her song.</p>
<p>That is a common age for performance anxiety to manifest - they’re beyond the confidence of childhood and can now imagine what can go wrong, plus they’re so busy that their preparation for performance can on occasion be a bit scant, plus they’re working on harder rep than ever before.</p>
<p>The best way to make it diminish: perform more. When D3 encountered a spate of nerves as a 9th grader, her teacher put her on Every.Single.Recital. that her music school scheduled. Literally. Every weekend. She was asked to perform for the next student arriving for lessons. Patients at nursing homes were unable to escape the dining room without this kid playing for them. (Obviously, this wasn’t all new pieces each time.) Eventually, she gave up - it’s impossible to feel that nervous all the time!</p>
<p>The problem has popped up again a couple of times since, but now D knows what she has to do.</p>
<p>She’s also a banana advocate.</p>
<p>In her opinion, beta blockers aren’t safe and she thinks people’s performance lacks a certain “something” when they use them. (Especially for a young person.)</p>
<p>And read the Don Greene book recommended by howaboutthat.</p>
<p>Reminding yourself that you’re doing this because you love music can also help psych yourself out.</p>
<p>howaboutthat, Thank you for the book recommendation. It looks great! I’ll order it.</p>
<p>stradmom, Thank you for your insight and advice. As it happens, I spoke to the owner of the music school today and asked about the Alexander technique. She is very positive about it, and has used it herself for injuries. She also recommended the “perform-all-the-time” method! So S2 will be doing extra recitals, nursing home performances, etc.</p>
<p>I am the world’s worst musician but have performed on stage many times.
And I never get nervous with stage fright.
Many people have asked me what my “secret” is.</p>
<p>I really don’t know for sure.
But I think the two following things help:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Have fun.
One must truly enjoy playing and performing.
If one is experiencing joy, there is a lot less anxiety.</p></li>
<li><p>Just don’t give a damn.
The audience is there to be entertained.
They want to like you.
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Even a ‘boo’ here and there is not fatal.</p></li>
</ol>
Better living through chemistry.</p>