Performance Anxiety / Stage Fright
Discussion
On Saturday I had a bewildering first time experience, namely that of extreme stage fright. I have been drumming since I was 4 and playing the euphonium since 20 and have played both at a high level. I don't do much drumming anymore, so all of my musical endeavours are euphonium based. I have voraciously consumed all the literature I can find on playing techniques and performance guidance etc, and have played on the contest stage in the principal euphonium role often enough - and usually under quite a bit of pressure - with no issues whatsoever.
I have been playing at a much lower level than I traditionally enjoyed for the last year or so with no issues. My routines are always the same, hydrate, warm up and down properly, early night, minimal alcohol the night before etc. This does not change. I have always used nerves as a benefit, except on Saturday when confronted with the easiest solo I can remember, I dried up, sweated profusely, shook uncontrollably, couldn't articulate properly and generally made an arse of myself. I was still shaking nearly an hour later.
If I feel nerves I had a series of little exercises I do to help them pass, deep breaths, running my tongue along my bottom and top teeth to provoke saliva production, all of which have worked in the past. They didn't work on Saturday.
It was horrible - I had no control over myself at all. The shakes were severe enough for me to be unable to form my embouchure to play.
Does anyone have any advice about how to confront this? It is entirely alien to me, and my techniques proved no use whatsoever.
Thanks.
PS If this isn't in the right forum, I apologise.
I have been playing at a much lower level than I traditionally enjoyed for the last year or so with no issues. My routines are always the same, hydrate, warm up and down properly, early night, minimal alcohol the night before etc. This does not change. I have always used nerves as a benefit, except on Saturday when confronted with the easiest solo I can remember, I dried up, sweated profusely, shook uncontrollably, couldn't articulate properly and generally made an arse of myself. I was still shaking nearly an hour later.
If I feel nerves I had a series of little exercises I do to help them pass, deep breaths, running my tongue along my bottom and top teeth to provoke saliva production, all of which have worked in the past. They didn't work on Saturday.
It was horrible - I had no control over myself at all. The shakes were severe enough for me to be unable to form my embouchure to play.
Does anyone have any advice about how to confront this? It is entirely alien to me, and my techniques proved no use whatsoever.
Thanks.
PS If this isn't in the right forum, I apologise.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 12th March 12:09
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