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Performance Nerves
Do you feel nervous about performing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are some helpful strategies to help you keep your cool, from keeping those stomach butterflies and bow shakes under control, to developing a commanding stage presence:
Latest Performance Nerves
‘We still get nervous’: violinist Brett Yang on performance nerves
The key to dealing with performance anxiety and nerves is to have the confidence to gain more experience performing, says the violinist
Opinion: The Wisdom of Yoda
In the Star Wars universe, Jedi Master Yoda is the ultimate teacher – and his insights can be applied just as readily to string playing as to learning the ways of the Force, writes cellist Brian Hodges
Opinion: Jedi Wisdom for string playing
In the second of his articles, mining the wisdom of the Star Wars universe, cellist Brian Hodges explains how the teachings of the Jedi can be applied to string playing
Learning about your performance anxiety: Adam Hockman
Understanding what influences your performance anxiety is the key to overcoming stage fright, writes practice and performance consultant Adam Hockman
Bow Shakes and Cold and Sweaty Hands
8 tips for good muscular health as a performer
Looking after your body is the key to meeting the physical demands of a busy performance lifestyle, writes violinist Davina Clarke
Conquering performance nerves: how do I banish sweaty hands and nausea?
Brian Hodges and Diana Allan answer student questions on coping with stage fright
Stage Presence
‘It hypes you up in the wrong way’: violinists on what not to do before a performance
Violinists Tasmin Little and Jennifer Pike share strategies on how to keep composure before a performance
Anxiety
Learning about your performance anxiety: Adam Hockman
Understanding what influences your performance anxiety is the key to overcoming stage fright, writes practice and performance consultant Adam Hockman
Mindfulness
The importance of body awareness in violin playing: Rachael Ridge
Developing good body awareness is key to preventing injury, playing with little to no pain, and producing a good tone on the violin
breathing
Blue Sky Teaching: Using creative approaches to refine students’ technique
In our June 2019 issue, Judith Kogan spoke with three string teachers, all based in North America and whose unique ideas are achieving significant results
Negative thoughts
Conquering performance nerves: how do I banish sweaty hands and nausea?
Brian Hodges and Diana Allan answer student questions on coping with stage fright