Piano Playing and Performance Anxiety

2008-07-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

I'll never forget the first time I played the piano for an audience.

It was my first concert and it was fairly full up. I was to play my first CD "La Jolla Suite" containing 12 pieces. There was to be one intermission and the whole concert lasted about 80-90 minutes.

Let me tell you that I was very nervous. So nervous I didn't think I was going to make it through. Suffice it to say that I really didn't enjoy myself. After many hours of trying to figure out why I was so nervous, the answer came to me - it was because I was self-conscious.

I was worried about how I looked, what the music sounded like, etc. I couldn't relax because I was too concerned about what the audience was thinking about me. And to this day, giving concerts is not my favorite thing. I realized that I didn't like being the center of attention.

What to do? For most people, myself included, playing in public is a fearful experience. Many suggest that you keep at it and eventually the fear will dissipate. But I ask myself why do it in the first place if you are scared. I have no hard and fast answers like many of the public speaking books would have you believe work. The truth of the matter is that some people are more comfortable in front of others. But one thing I think works is this: Start playing for very small groups of people and work your way up.

This desensitization process works better than most other methods because you learn that the audience is just made up of a large group comprised of smaller groups. If you can play for just one or two people and feel good about it, you are solidifying this experience. Then as you gradually play for more and more people, there is no fear because you do not carry it with you.

You see, if you play first for a large group, of course you will be self-conscious. But, by gradually building up, you don't create a situation where fear is generated in the beginning. Consequently, you don't carry it with you into larger performance spaces.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Visit http://www.quiescencemusic.com now and get a FREE piano lesson!

10 Ways to De-Stress

2008-07-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

Stress is a normal part of life and is necessary for survival. A little stress can be a motivating force in achieving results, deadlines and outcomes both personally and professionally. Most high achievers believe that they thrive on stressful situations as it forces them to make decisions that contribute to their overall success. But when is stress too much to cope with?

Stress becomes too much when the stress is greater than our individual coping mechanisms and we can no deal with situations effectively. It is during this time when people become overwhelmed that they say things like their getting stressed, they are stressed out or stressed to the max. Below are some strategies that can assist with coping with high stress situations and facilitate the de-stressing process.

1. BE POSITIVE

Avoid stress heads as they will not only frustrate you but add to your anxiety.
You are what you think- your thoughts control your life and your attitude can make or break you. So surround yourself with positive people who will inspire and motivate you.

2. GET BACK TO NATURE

Whether it's taking a nature trek, walking along the beach or watching the stars, make sure you take the time to recharge. Nature is a source of strength and balance.

"The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration." - Claude Monet
"The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. INDULGE YOURSELF

You work hard; you deserve to treat yourself to the occasional pampering. A relaxing full body massage will release all the stress from all your extremities. The euphoric feeling can also be achieved by handing over your visa card to the shop assistant, when undertaking retail therapy.

4. SELF ASSURANCE

Believing in your talents is important driver and will see you surpass your own expectation.

"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self- confidence is preparation." Arthur Ashe

5. LAUGHTER THE BEST MEDICINE

Laughter is the best natural stress remedy; it releases endorphins, the bodys' natural pain killers and produces a general sense of well being.

"Laugh at your problems; everybody else does." unknown

6. DON'T BOTTLE IT UP

Every time you share your frustrations you release its power over you. A problem shared is a problem halved. The burden is never as heavy when shared by another.

If you do not subscribe to talking to others then write down all your frustrations and give them to a friend not directly involved in your stress. They may be able to offer an objective point of view.

7. SOAK YOUR TROUBLES AWAY

A soothing, hot bath and can improve physiological processes such as circulation. As the tense muscles relax, so does your entire body, as well as your overstressed mind.

Relax with candles, calming music in the background and don't forget the glass of wine.

8. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

A sure way to forget your stress is to take a night out with friends. Dancing is good for the mind, not just the body. It can help with stress relief because it provides a way for the body to release tension and pent-up frustration.

9. DON'T BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS

The only candle you should be burning is the one under the oil burner. Not only will the essential oils assist with calming you but also with sleeping. One of the best regimens for dealing with stress is well within our reach yet almost always taken for granted; getting enough sleep. We don't call it "beauty sleep" for nothing. Make sure you get at least 8 hours sleep every night and keep to a sleep routine if you can.

10. EXERCISE, EAT WELL AND REMEMBER TO BREATH!

Exercise is a way of redirecting negative emotions. Through exercise stress hormones like cortisol are decreased and natural happy hormones like endorphins are released giving your body and mind a natural high. Exercise usually involves a change of scenery, whether it's a gym, dojo or outdoor setting, all of which can be relaxing.

The benefits of eating well not only help with your overall health and longevity it can also assist with your weight loss goals. When we look better we feel better.

Breathing and meditation techniques can assist in managing your stress. Having a personal mantra which redirects your negative energy into a positive state of mind can be used as a part of this technique.

These activities provide calming and relaxing sensory input for stress relief and can be selected according to lifestyle and preference.

Remember, the most important priority is you!

Nariman Taweel is an accomplished Trainer and Entrepreneur. To view more articles on events and event planning visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au .

Salon Wrozb
tania ksiegarnia

Stress Health

Piano Playing and Performance Anxiety

10 Ways to De-Stress