For many singers, musicians and multi-faceted performers who are just starting out in the entertainment industry, and even for some pro's, performance anxiety can easily ruin what should be a rewarding and exhilarating experience.
After hours and hours of practice, rehearsals and preparation, you step out on stage and the applause or lack of applause, the sight of a large crowd, or the presence or absence of loved-ones, and many other factors, create a sense of anxiety or even panic. It varies from one performer to another. Entertainment for events can often become overwhelming at the last minute.
If you're not prepared for the crowd, or the lack of a crowd, or the weather (if you're performing outdoors), or whatever is "out there", it could ruin that big moment. Some newbie music performers actually cancel because the anxiety was too much. Music Performance anxiety has been known for various physical and psychological dilemmas, such as causing rapid heartbeat, profuse perspiration, crying, lack of bladder control, the list goes on and on.
Here are 3 easy techniques suggested by Nadel Paris a musician you can use at the last minute to reduce music performance anxiety when entertaining for an event, before stepping out from behind the curtain, into the spotlight.
1. Before entering the performance area, (the stage or the spotlight), allow time for several deep breaths. Relax your muscles, starting by closing your eyes and envisioning a quiet place that you like, (the beach, the seashore, the park, your backyard, your bedroom, etc.). Start with the top of your head, and concentrate on relaxing your facial muscles, then your neck muscles, then your arms, your torso, your hip muscles, your legs, your feet. This could probably be done very well by sitting in a chair. But you can do this with directed mental focus even if you're standing.
2. Next, allow yourself to envision the end of your performance. See yourself bowing, receiving applause and adulation and admiration, and shaking hands and smiling after "it's all over."
3. Finally, go out there and look at the audience. Smile, and say to yourself, "They are all here for ME. And No one here can do what I do." If you truly believe this statement, your performance will come across with confidence. Then, ignore the audience in a sense. Focus on "your zone." Have fun with what you know. (You will have had to have done "your homework" and be very well-rehearsed in order to do this.) So even if you make a mistake, and keep smiling, and keep going, the audience will love you anyway!
The multi-faceted performer is a source of pleasure and enjoyment for the public and an asset in any culture. Remember that!
