"When It's Easy, It's Fun!"

Monday, January 19, 2009

Performing Piano: How To Deal With Nervousness, Part 2

In part 1 of this article on dealing with nervousness, we discussed totally immersing yourself in your playing.

In part 2, we will talk about practicing as a way to deal with nervousness.

Let's use one of the techniques from a previous article that dealt with practicing to perform.

When I first started playing professionally, there was a ritual for me to go through to prepare for a performance. I would practice scales, arpeggios, and other technical studies to get my fingers "warmed-up", and mentally prepare for the gig.

What was discovered is that my nerves did not calm down, and it was difficult playing a lot of musical ideas on the piano.

Then, one day, after reading an article in a jazz magazine, I started practicing a new way - "practicing to perform".

To summarize, whenever you practice, pretend you have an audience watching you. In other words, pretend you are performing "live".

To have even more fun, exaggerate your performance.

For example, try standing in a room other than where your piano or keyboard is located.

Next, pretend you are being introduced. Then, make your grand entrance in the room with the piano, sit down and "go for it". Remember, as soon as you start playing, it is important not to stop for any reason.

When you finish playing a song, actually hear you audience clapping and whistling for you. Then, take a brief pause to acknowledge this appreciation. After this, proceed with the rest of your concert.

Stand up and take a bow when your concert is over.

This may sound a little crazy to you, but you will be amazed at how effective this strategy is.

Take advantage of your "big" imagination. If you are saying, "yeah right, what imagination", use this as an opportunity to re-discover yourself.

Practicing to perform may perform miracles for you as it did for me.

This technique is so strong, that when you are actually performing, it begins to feel as though you are only practicing.

In turn, this greatly reduces the nervousness you feel.

Until next time, continue to have fun on your piano journey!

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Have Fun!

Charley Wyser
easypiano.com

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