Summary, Episode 9:
In this listener Q & A episode, my guitar student Frank asks about how to stay calm and overcome nervousness and panic while performing solo guitar on stage.
I share my 15 best tips for staying calm, focused and relaxed.
1 - 7: "Practical" points. These points address preparation as opposed to dealing with the actual feeling of panic in the moment.
8 - 15: "Mental Game" points. These address how to deal with the moments onstage when the critical, negative voice enters, your heart starts beating and maybe even hands shake.
Plus 2 in the moment additional tips actually make it 17 tips. :-)
Enjoy!
Adam
Show Notes:
* 0:57 The question about nerves and performance - in Frank's own words.
* 3:29: Being happy and at peace with your tone.
* 5:26: Having your rhythm and groove feel good - before you start playing.
* 7:04: Learning the Sound of your pickup.
* 8:14: Be sure you are in "stage 4 learning"...your body knows the piece of music.
* 11:30: Importance of slow practice. I still practice my concert tunes slowly...
* 11:57: Learning the difference between practice environment & stage environment.
* 13:37: When you know what people hear, you can forgive yourself...what do they hear? Flow, groove & melody.
* 18:27: Nervousness is a displaced reptile brain reaction, as if you are going to die.
* 19:30: Using meditation to overcome the inner critic & beating yourself up.
* 21:34: Know and feel that the audience is there to suport you.
* 23:18: "Meta" things like groove and tone are more important than small mistakes.
* 24:16: Know your music theory...playing just fingerings will make you nervous.
* 25:43: Breathe on stage! Does wonders for the physiology.
* 26:16: Play light, if your touch is getting heavy.
* 20:20: Get backstage and warm up before you go on.
* 28:40: Keep smiling do not visibly dissaprove of yourself & a personal story...
* 31:02: Your opening song on stage should be "bulletproof", something you can play with zero thinking.
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