Stage Fright and Confidence

Playing in front of people, is like learning to play the guitar.

The more you do it, the better you get.

A shot/beer or two will really calm the nerves.Even with anxiety and panic disorder I have never been uncomfortable in front of people with my guitar...cause I know what i'm doing for the most part.

I'm invulnerable to criticism,names and or any form of mental attack while behind the guitar.Its my shield and my sword.

I used to get really nervous before I played shows because I was always worried that I would screw up. And I have screwed up many-a-times (sometimes worse than others) But you just have to accept the fact that it's going to happen. These days I still get nervous but not as bad as I used to. Something that helped me was not to look at the crowd, just focus on your hands. Eventually you just get less nervous and it just becomes part of the thrill of performing...and this just takes longer to happen for some people. So I think you just need to keep doing it.

This is the way I see it:

Whenever people see someone else that is nervous on stage they can tell. They know that it's hard to play when your nervous and know that person is probably much better players off stage than on. People aren't going to think your a bad player because you made a few mistakes on stage. Plus half the time they don't even notice. Also, there's always next time to show them different if they do notice.

Even the best players have bad shows.

Lori,

I think one of the toughest thing to do is go up on stage in front of an audience and play. Like all the people say, practice makes confidence. Play in front of small groups, and ramp it up. I started out playing folk stuff in front of my friend I wrote songs with, and I was really nervous in front of him. Then, the more I did it, I got used to it. Now, it's been 14 years now. I play at my church that has a audience of 400+ for 2 services, and I sure the heck can't drink beer to loosen me up either. :p But I have absolutely no problems. If I mess up, well, I have my band to cover me up. But then again, when you're playing lead guitar, you can't hide well... :rolleyes:

One thing that helped me is to play the song that you're going to sing over and over until you feel comfortable not looking at your fingers, and you can close your eyes singing. Heck if you can head bob, or head bang, that's even better. The more animated you get, usually means that you're getting comfortable with your playing, and that's one less thing to worry about when you're up there. If you mess up, make a good one. We ALL have those stories. :D

Learn diapharmatic breathing. Breath from the lower abdimon and pratice that instead of upper thoracic. Its a natual calming technique.

um really if u just forget about wat ur doing and just have fun then thers nothing to worry bout....

most of all dont think about screwing up.
cuz that makes u screw up.

I usually take a Xanax about 30 minutes before hitting the stage. I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder though. Before I had the Xanax, I would get so nervous I'd shake and screw up my parts, and that's after 12 years of gigging, in front of some large crowds, a few shows with 800+ people there. So I can't say it get's better in time, but I have a reason I can't say that....

You'll get over it sooner than you think. I had the same problem but since getting past it, I would not trade my time on stage in front of a big crowd for anything. It is by far the best natural high.

Sounds like you haven't convinced yourself you are GOOD!
Playing and singing is a gift many, many people do not have. However, it's for sure many, many people appreciate music and that's why they are there; to see someone do what they cannot and to hear the magic.

Before you perform, close your eyes and become part of the audience, imagine sitting there with them, watching yourself on stage and hearing the fantastic music you create. Then open your eyes, smile really big and show them you are having a great time with them.
It's the time of your life!

Lori, I commend you on having the courage to just play in front of an audience! I've played 9 years and the most people I have played in front of was a group of about 10 people. And that was just me, no backing musicians.

Thats one reason why I've never done a live show, I've never really been in a band! But the truth is, I'm shy, nervous, etc... just like many people here have said they were/are also.

I drink a lot as it is, and alcohol does calm the nerves, but after about 5 beers it messes up my playing too which I sure dont need! So I would like to think that when/if I get my shot on stage, I'll do it sober. Its definately an experience that I would regret never doing should I die tomorrow. I like the suggestions people here have made too, ya'll rock!!

Just realize YOUR in control and you know what your doing.

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