[Doug]

I've been obssessing about this. Have to play two short pieces - at first I was going to play Shenandoah and Black Orpheus but have opted to play a couple of originals. That way, if I make a mistake I can pretend that it was intentional.
My guitar teacher (who actually wrote his masters thesis on performance anxiety) says that it's very important for this to be a positive experience and so playing something that I'm comfortable with is a good idea.
The closest I've come to playing in front of an audience before was in a song writing class where I was so nervous, my hands literally shook - I had to strum the chords because it was impossible to play finger style.
My teacher was telling me that breathing slowly and deeply will alleviate the nervousness. He had a technical explanation - he said that the nervous system can be in one of two modes - sympathetic or parastaltic - not both at the same time. Breathing slowly and deeply is not possible in the sympathetic mode so doing so places you in the parastaltic mode. Which is good. I think.
At this point I'm trying to think positively about this and at the same time detach myself from it.
If anyone has pointers for me or stories of similar experiences I'd like to hear them. Oh, and wish me luck...

[knight46]

Doug,
You will do well, you play very good and you enjoy playing. Concentrate on your music and everthing else will take care of itself. The first time I had to sing in front of an audience I was literally a basket case until the number started, then I let the music take me and the next thing I knew it was over. Best of luck or should I say "Break a leg".

[allthumbs]

You will do great Doug. See if you can record it or get a vid done so we can hear it too.

[Doug]

thanks for the vote of confidence Marty, and Knight.
If they record the session (and it's not too embarrassing) I'll see if I can post it.

ps - I meant to say parasympathetic rather than paristaltic in my original post.

[eddiez152]

Just did one myself among some super players and very interesting people.
In spite of a few mistakes, the audience was wonderful and could appreciate the work.
Good luck in your presentation.
Relax.

[starsailor]

Have a good time doing the recital Doug.

[Aunt Doty]

Good luck! You can do it!

[Ellenback1]

Doug, I've performed in front of countless numbers of people, and while I'm not a perfect singer, I bring passion and energy to what I do, and they usually respond in kind. I'd think that most people who attend a recital are going to mark you easily, as anything that sounds remotely like a song is going to be wonderful to them.

I get sick to my stomach when I'm about to go on, and while I've tried the 'picture them naked...' it never really worked for me, well, because I have a naughty side...LOL and I'd get too distracted.

Make sure that your song choice is something you are passionate about, not just one you can play well...it's the emotions you portray that everyone needs to feel.

Geez, I hope that helps you, just a little, and once you get this one time over with, you'll be a pro for the next one, and you might even start looking forward to it!

Elle

[X4StringDrive]

Originally Posted by Ellenback1

Make sure that your song choice is something you are passionate about, not just one you can play well...it's the emotions you portray that everyone needs to feel.

+1...
Good Luck Doug, you'll be fine

[si16]

Good luck Doug. You have more than enough ability to get through it successfully.

[OldG]

I wish you well Doug, I am excited for you - I Love playing live!

My advice if I may.... Don't waste your time, effort ,inspiration and passion on worry and nerves - they won't help you at all.

Instead, use your self belief, and love of playing to enjoy your music. If you have faith in your performance, the audience will love it... you'll see

[Doug]

Good advice, everyone - thankyou it's really appreciated.
Ellen - I think you are right on about the passion of the music. And OldG, you're right too. I'm trying to let go of any negative stuff and visualizing sharing beautiful sounds with the audience.
All things considered, it's just minor drama in the scheme of things.

[jimmyzowens]

good luck and use your nerves to your advantage

[Ben_Sir_Amos]

Good luck, mate.

I think you get to feel like an 'old hand' relatively quickly once you start performing, so arrange another show as soon as you can after your first performance. I really enjoy myself on stage and always have a good time and my secret is to focus on sharing that enjoyment and good time with the audience rather than worrying about whether I get all the notes exactly right.

Have fun and play loud.

[Stratrat]

Best of luck, Doug - hope it all turns out well!