Overcoming Stage Fright for Musicians: Part 1
Even Rivers Cuomo of Weezer deals with stage fright: "The truth is, I hate performing," he told a New York Times reporter in 2006 during an interview. "I get such bad stage fright, it makes me physically ill." It's hard to believe that someone who has spent his life writing and performing music, touring with his multi-platinum rock band could experience so much stress, but it happens. But luckily you don't have to have feelings in those situations control you.
Practicing often and knowing your music well should eliminate a lot of the stress you?re feeling?if you?re well prepared you shouldn?t have much to worry about, right? Another way to reduce the amount of stress you experience is to control your environment in the best way you can. The night before a show, rest adequately? being tired only heightens bad emotional situations, making it more likely you?ll be tired, irritable, and frazzled the day of the show. The day of the show, eat well and drink lots of water; a properly fueled body and mind will be more likely to stay clear and energized. The day of your performance, avoid getting stressed out or distracted, and you especially want to plan your day well so that you have plenty of time to practice with your band before the show, working out the setlist and and any tricky portions of songs so you feel competent and ready to rock without fear of getting out of synch or out of tune.
Next blog we'll talk about mental relaxation techniques that will help you calm down and overcome your stage fright before a performance.