Musical Performance Anxiety | AskTVK

[@alyssah2932]

honestly I don’t understand why I freak out so much when I have to do a solo or recital, because I know i’m good (not meaning to be cocky or anything) and i’m always prepared and I know i have nothing to worry about, but my mind literally goes crazy.

[@kaycieromano2689]

I'm still watching this, 10 months later. And it still works just as well. This will definitely help me with a performance tomorrow!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Kaycie Daisy Sooo happy to hear that! :) Break a leg homie!

[@alyssah2932]

a couple years ago at my first recital, I got SO nervous that I forgot a section of the piece and i just stood there and the pianist just kept playing and I finally caught up and I think i’m till traumatized from that. also when I get super nervous I get cold and my body shakes a lot and my hands sweat and it’s so hard to play bc my fingers slip lmao

[@ThatViolaKid]

Hey Josephine! All you can do when your string pops on stage is smile, bow, and walk off. If you have a spare backstage, put it on and restart the movement! If you don't, no harm done! These things happen! Just don't feel embarrassed! Let that stuff roll off your back!

[@kiaraeijo]

I try not to think about my technical issues and I think more about telling a story with the music that I'm playing :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Kiara Eijo Exactly!!!

[@musiccouturexo]

Performance anxiety has been something I've been struggling with for a really long time and this video is so helpful! I feel ready for my concert tomorrow

[@ThatViolaKid]

music_couturexo That's fantastic!!! I'm glad I could help! Lemme know how it goes!

[@ThatViolaKid]

Hey Lauren, thanks for the amazing comment! I truly appreciate that you watch my videos and get my weirdness haha! I have been getting a lot of questions about doing a "day in the life" kind of video and I have decided to go ask the administration if i can do this! I can't promise anything, since they are very protective of their brand, but it can't hurt to ask! When school starts I'll give you guys and update! How does that sound?

[@Pushingbuuttons]

I came across your videos from a trombone choir video. I have to say your videos truly inspire me. Im a high school trombonist who wants to be a musician and be able to perform on my trombone. Everyone at my school says I won't get there and it makes it difficult to be motivated. Ive been around music my whole life, ever since i was 3 and my Grandmother showed me Louis Armstrong. The only thing I've ever dreamed of is being a professional musician(and a pilot). Your videos have given me the motivation I need to pursue my dreams and for that I thank you.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Silver Pawductions You're so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos! Your support means the world!!! :D

[@TheMeiikaification]

when i'm so nervous i make a mistake, i get so pissed,angry and agressive at myself, I then end up nailing the rest of my piece

[@ThatViolaKid]

Try to be nicer to yourself! It always helps me to forgive myself before I even begin to play. Mistakes will always happen!

[@kaycieromano2689]

I'm going to watch this before every performance now. Thank you so much!

[@ThatViolaKid]

Kaycie Daisy You're very welcome Kaycie! Thank YOU for watching! Please feel free to share it with your friends! I wanna help out as many people as possible! :D

[@bryantyoung5245]

Thanks, these tips help a lot. I'm a sophomore in high school and actually have a trumpet solo tomorrow. I am definitely going to use this to help with some of that anxiety and pressure that i put on myself. Thanks again

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Bryant Young I'm wishing you all the luck in the world!!! :D

[@amandalu1003]

I get performance anxiety thinking about people just watching me. It's so scary! I think it helps to have some water along side me. These tips were very helpful and made me really confident in my last performance. :D

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Amanda Lu I'm so happy to hear that! The best way to get over Performance Anxiety is just performing more!

[@lu0844]

"Nerves can help with vibrato" XD hahaha, no, they don't help if the vibrato is happening in the right hand with the bow!! that's the story of my life, I have issues with my bow arm it trembles like crazy when I perform in front of others... but I'm getting there, it's been about 2 yrs since I started studying violin, and playing in front of my family helps to loosen up, and aaah I'm working on getting rid of that and be confident. But I'll embrace them as per your advise!

[@carolstringer809]

That viola power tho... by the way, i think you'd be a great teacher

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

Great question, even better video! Been nervous about auditioning for Juilliard's Drama Division this January, so naturally fell upon your channel, and this is one of my favorite videos so far. "Performance anxiety comes from the fear of the unknown." That's wisdom I'm picking up.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Anthony Phillips I truly appreciate that, Anthony! I'm wishing you all the best for your audition! When you get here, don't be a stranger! I'll be floating around somewhere lol

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

Oh killer! I'd love to meet you face to face, and maybe pick your brain a little about the city in general.

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Anthony Phillips Right on brotha! I'm definitely no expert, but I'll help out in any way I can!!!!

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

To again! I'm in NY for just a few days. You still down to meet up?

[@jDnDvS.]

Thanks. Really helps. Under a lot of pressure with my clarinet.

[@tobiastodd5913]

Very glad i found your channel man. I'm performing a piece tomorrow that I've already messed up a little in a small scale performance. i've been listening to the piece in my head all week haha.

[@ThatViolaKid]

I feel you man! Don't let your mistakes echo in your head like that! Mistakes are temporary! You're gonna get another shot, so don't sweat it :)

[@tobiastodd5913]

Hey thanks man. Your comment means heaps to me I'm actually about to head out the door so yeah I hope. nay I know I'll do well.

[@ThatViolaKid]

Tobias Todd Lemme know how it goes, boss =D

[@tobiastodd5913]

I did a pretty good job. My tutor said I did great so that's a huge relief. your video helped so much too. I turned that anxiety into the driving force behind this one sick nasty crescendo. haha thanks dude, good luck with your studies at Julliard. I'm now a devout subscriber. Even though I don't play viola. I play piano; though I'm gonna buy a violin at some stage soon. :D

[@naomihill625]

I know this is an old video, but just wanted to say this was great! I used to cry because I was so nervous. when I learned the reason I was feeling nervous it helped some. what really made a difference was I would feel so bad about making mistakes that I would remind myself, as the time drew near to perform, that I wanted to feel good about how I played. I just have to make myself block out the audience and focus on the piece. being well prepared definitely helps as well. also remembering to breathe. ...reseting the sympathetic nervous system by taking 3 or 4 slow deep breaths, this helps calm me. simply remembering that I do this because I love to...and I love sharing amazing art with others. Anyway awesome vid!!!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Naomi Hill Thank you!!! :)

[@erikaelizabeth3823]

Love your videos! This is just me suggesting something, but I think it would be neat if someday you made a "musical journey" type of video. Like, how you got into music and how your journey has been since the beginning. Idk, I guess I'm just always interested in those types of things. Anyway, this was a fun video and I hope you keep doing what you're doing! :)

[@davemiller7633]

On point valuable stuff. Thank you for this!! French horn player here!!

[@shermanngjazz]

Drew you're not alone, I have some performance anxiety too, and I realized I shivered quite a lot when playing lol

[@josephinewu7708]

I'm actually curious--what happens if your string does pop on stage? What do you do? How should you react?

[@meredithwilder9399]

How about an ask TVK video about helpful but not mandatory things you can do as a musician? Like how to get involved in your community as a musician or learn how to improvise?

[@ThatViolaKid]

Meredith Wilder That's a very interesting premise! I'll definitely think about that one!

[@thepianoplayer416]

You can communicate with your audience if at all possible. Say a few words to introduce them to the piece(s) you are about perform. Once you established some sort of relationship with your audience, you would feel less nervous. When you're playing solo, give yourself a minute or 2 to calm down instead of just pick up your instrument and start right away. Last Dec. I was at a Christmas party and playing an electric piano at the corner. The first instinct was to turn down the volume and keep it low like you are sort of between practicing & playing but people can't really hear you. Even with a piece you practiced and know well enough like "Christmas Time is Here" from Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon special.

[@DanielHernandez-or4pf]

Thanks for uploading! I always look forward to Sunday. Lol. Later Drew.

[@AndrewAustin]

Thanks man have a make or break moment coming up in my career. I knew ecerwyoy said,but still needed to hear it from you. I'm subscribed;)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Andrew Austin Thanks homie!!! I really appreciate it!!! I'm wishing you luck!! =P

[@tylerchen618]

Great advice!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Tyler Chen Thanks bud

[@simonbrenton5009]

Very cool, really helped, thanks man.

[@ThatViolaKid]

My pleasure dude!!!

[@yarasalman4098]

"my favourite way to battle performance anxiety is to change my thinking paradigm" this sentence made me question if you have read a book called " The 7 Habits of Highle Effective People "

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Yara Salman Haha no I haven't! It sounds familiar though :D

[@yarasalman4098]

+ThatViolaKid haha you should give it a try and read it then :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

Yara Salman Definitely adding it to the list!!

[@gdalrymple9]

Oh my gosh. You're the best. I love you so much. Thanks!

[@ThatViolaKid]

Grace Dalrymple You're very welcome! I'm guessing I answered your question hehe ;)

[@gdalrymple9]

ThatViolaKid Yes! Thank you so much. I love that you took the time that is needed to answer my question thoroughly. Most KZbinrs brush through questions as fast as possible. I love that you are so personal:)

[@ThatViolaKid]

I'm not like every other KZbinr! ;) I'm so glad I was able to help!

[@chasingrabbits8529]

Can you please do an ask tvk over how to deal with judgmental people? In my orchestra being an excellent player is equivalent to being cool or popular and so therefore people judge often and harshly and when preparing a difficult piece it's hard to focus because of that

[@ninas7141]

Flutes exploding MAN you just made my day!!😂👌🏻

[@ThatViolaKid]

Hahahaha I'm glad you got a kick outta that

[@ninas7141]

ThatViolaKid yup, I'm just praying that doesn't happen today..😁

[@laurencunio2717]

Love these videos and the way you edit. You always make me laugh with those weird jokes :P Also, what would you say some of the stereotypes of certain people who play instruments are? Like cocky and attention seeking trumpet players or very outgoing and talkative violinists. Also what is your typical daily schedule as a musician studying at Juilliard? I recently got a tour and the dancer leading the tour said they were VERY busy so as a musician I've been curious as to how it might be for us

[@thelowbrassguy5605]

Drew I'm a HUGE fan of you, you are a huge inspiration to me you've inspired me to try to be a concert musician and hopefully go to Juilliard. I'm a Tuba player and I was wondering, Do they let in many tubas to Juilliard because I've been working really hard to get good enough to get into Juilliard and I was just wondering if it's a lost cause. Again I'm a huge fan and I love your videos so keep up the great work.

[@ThatViolaKid]

Bryan johnson Hey Bryan! Thanks so much fro your kind words! You're a boss! They accept a fair amount of tubists, but I honestly don't know how many! Since I'm a string player, I don't really get to know the brass process as well! ;) However, if you wanna come to school here, you should audition. Just go for it. What can you lose? And if you don't get in for your undergrad, just audition again for grad school! It's definitely an attainable goal if you put your mind to it!

[@katiefromatlanta]

Lol I'm about to perform a huge & scary af solo in pictures at an exhibition, perfect timing.

[@ThatViolaKid]

katiefromatlanta Whew! I'm glad it resonated with you! I'm wishing you the best of luck! I know you'll kill it!

[@kaydeeteeyo]

Hey Drew! Could you do an Ask TVK or a segment on how to improve on sightreading? This can go under the umbrella of audition preparation I guess! Is there any method to being a better sightreader? Is it something you should "practice"?

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Kaitlynn Turner I just shot a video addressing this! I can't post it for a few weeks because I have other projects I have to finish first, BUT, look for it in two weeks! :)

[@kaydeeteeyo]

Yay awesome! Can't wait to watch it :). By the way, I've been using your practice tips from your how to practice video (practicing in 50 minute sessions, 5-6 measures for 7 minutes) and I can definitely see an improvement! It feels great to not be slaving away in the practice room for hours and hours with minimal improvement. I also shared the video with a lot of my other music major friends and they thought it was super helpful as well. So thanks so much!

[@ThatViolaKid]

+Kaitlynn Turner Awww thank you so much for sharing that with your friends! That means so much to me! I'm glad it helped you out---in spite of the horrible video quality haha

[@jaydawilson3382]

I have really bad performance anxiety and if I don't cry before any performance I usually do really bad 😂 Crying just relaxes me for some reason and makes me play so much better. This is my 6th year of playing violin and the anxiety is getting better but it's still bad.

[@marijavasiljevic6830]

Hey, I was wondering if you could do a video on practicing and the best/right ways to practice or just how you practice? It would really help me cause where I'm from we have a music high school and this year I'm gonna be a freshman and I really want to start off as best as I can! So I would really appreciate any advice and tips :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

Marija Vasiljevic I already made a video about how to practice! It's called "Ask TVK | How To Practice" Hope this helps!

[@deshaungoriola]

I can act without a thought but I can't ever sing without feeling like I'm gonna pass out

[@ryangiraldi5722]

When you’re an organist and playing solo Bach is 50% of your job... Thankfully I’ll only have to do play 1 Bach piece for my Juilliard audition.😅

[@ostockert1630]

Hi, I'm 16 and i play the viola and sing. I loveeeee your videos and I have awful performance anxiety. The frustrating thing for me is that I already know all of this. I know exactly what I'm supposed to do and how I am supposed to set my mind but when I get up on stage or in front of an audition jury my mind just starts freaking out. I think its because I get scared that I'll disappoint someone if I'm not good enough. Also i get SO jittery and nervous that my voice or arm shakes sometimes. Any thoughts on this?

[@callmeevelina7308]

Hey, I just discovered your channel and I'm hooked- your fresh approach and sense of humour are great! I'm in the UK equivalent of my junior year in high school and I'm an experienced clarinettist who soon hopes to take a performance diploma, but as we're forced to specialise very early in our education system I'm no longer able to study music at school. :( Do you have any tips on keeping music in my life as much as possible, as well as keeping my music theory education up so I don't fall behind my musical peers? Keep being awesome! :D

[@ThatViolaKid]

Play chamber music with your musician friends! Do you best to find youth orchestras in your area to play with!! And you're probably gonna have to buy a theory book or two! You can find a few on imslp.org as well, I believe!

[@callmeevelina7308]

ThatViolaKid Thank you so much :) music theory is hard for me as my piano skills are limited, but I'll keep persevering!

[@timothynaff2663]

I'm not motivated to practice, and I think it's because I have nothing to lose by messing up. Help

[@basketball7677]

Hey man, I don't get why but I get fully red on stage when I perform and my hands go freezing cold over the past month.

[@alexism.1701]

What is the best way to memorize music? I have a difficult time memorizing songs

[@ThatViolaKid]

alexis mcgowan The best way is just to practice. A lot! To the point where your fingers automatically go where they are supposed to. It's more like building a good habit! It just takes some time, or it takes some effort! :) Hope that helps

[@alexism.1701]

Thanks

[@nonchanyuzu7308]

What do you do when you are recording? I'm going to be recording for prescreening very soon and I would love to hear your advice :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

+nonchan yuzu Recording is a lot easier, in my opinion. I would recommend setting up a few different days to record because you might not be playing well one day, or something catastrophic could happen in the middle of a recording! Having plenty of time to get things right is KEY. Additionally, I don't feel much pressure because I can always just re-do a piece or start over if I make a HUGE mistake. Just be sure to make sure your accompanist is available and you compensate them for all of they days you need their services.

[@kerry00]

When I get performance anxiety my hands go blue and icy cold that I can hardly move my fingers. Any tips on how to make that better? X

[@julia-wl8vn]

I play oboe and I have horrible performance anxiety… ya… I always get so many solos and I'm always so proud and honored to get them, but my nerves are always in the back of my mind😢