Overcoming stage fright | Linda Apple Monson | TEDxGeorgeMasonU

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. World Renowned Pianist Linda Apple Monson reveals her past difficulties with stage fright, and how she was able to overcome it. Her discussion is weaved together with some live performances.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist, was honored as the George Mason University 2012 Faculty Member of the Year. An active international concert artist, lecturer, and master class clinician, Dr. Monson has given solo piano recitals, lecture-recitals, and piano master classes throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. An advocate of new music, she has presented numerous solo piano world premieres. Recently named Distinguished Service Professor of Music at George Mason University, Dr. Monson is also a recipient of the George Mason University 2009 Teaching Excellence Award “for exemplary dedication to student learning and commitment to educational excellence.” Dr. Monson was selected for the Fulbright Senior Specialist Roster, in collaboration with the U.S. State Department and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. A frequent lecture-recitalist at international and national conferences of the College Music Society, Monson’s recent international performances include Nanjing, China; Dublin, Ireland; Oxford, England, Hannover, Germany; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bangkok, Thailand; Madrid, Spain; and San Jose, Costa Rica.
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[@rory956]

When she said he described her as the vehicle, and without her the music would stay on the page, I got goosebumps. It really puts it into perspective.

[@siljeopgard8608]

I'm watching this 2 hours before i'm going on stage performing solo piano songs. I've been frightened for weeks now, but after watching this I somehow feel a lot more confident and less frightened. Thank you so much

[@IfYouMeetAWolf]

How did it go? :)

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Well, I don´t have stage fright, I have studio fright. When I know someone is recording, I can hardly play something, or improvise, or record. When they turn off recording, everything is fine and I play nicely.

[@Coasterdude02149]

Same. I would have a moment of terror first walking to the piano to perform in front of an audience but after a few minutes I'd loosen up, relax and it was very enjoyable. Recording? I was NEVER able to play right. I'd mess up whenever I knew I was being recorded.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Yes , and this is the greatest frustration of my life, panic when I know I´ve been recorded. In that moment I feel a sensation like being carried to a nazi concentration champ. Interesting I hadn´t it until the death of my father, and I became too perfectionist and hard with myself. Sometimes I get rid of these thoughts and can record, but after much effort. Sometimes it´s so hard I think I would faint and I forget even the first notes and chords, a total blackout of memory and dizzyness. Playing with so much fear never achieve a great interpretation, so the more fear, the worst music, so I fear to fear and this is terrible.

[@Coasterdude02149]

Right. I think the performance anxiety is that being recorded, even if just for own practise critique to improve, the feeling is that the recording is forever and will be judged. I thought nobody else was like this, glad it isn't just me. Fingers shake and the music gets all rearranged or forget entire parts, it's so frustrating

[@DihelsonMendonca]

That´s exactly what happens. Perhaps the only solution would be record everything. One day it will be good. And treat the psychologic problem by self-confidence.

[@meadish]

That's it - you found the solution. (I suffer from the same thing, but much less since I started recording myself more often.)

[@whoopsiedoop]

But stage fright is never thinking you're actually prepared, even if you are

[@se-hyunyang766]

this is exactly the point of stage fright. she completely missed it.

[@Aprilhojazz]

Stage fright is a sudden irrational rush of feelings that you're not good enough or you can mess up. I think there's no magic cure. Focus or deep breath or other techniques to "defeat" stage fright really is an exercise of controlling one's fright. To make this techniques work you have to put yourself in those situation again and again until you know what it is and how to contain it. It's cruel to yourself but at the meantime brave. Only after you experience this terror again and again you start to know how to tame it. Many people would have given up long before then.

[@jfluter]

I also think that a lot f our training also causes us to be perfectionists, so we feel the need to be “selfish” to make things “right” in our music. If not, we know we’re going to be critiqued by our music teachers for it, which can be very tough.

[@louisdresse8650]

I don’t agree. According my experience, if there are some weaknesses in the preparation work : memorization work not fully completed, some small technical problems at some places ...then stage fright shall insinuate itself and ruin everything. If preparation work is fully completed, if the score is fully known and all technical difficulties well worked, my experience as an amateur pianist is that stage fright is then much less deadly for my performance. I just share here my modest experience.

[@user-ln4ev9me7v]

See, thats where you re wrong. You need to overcome it.

[@bobg7471]

I understand what she felt. I play by ear and feel inadequate sometimes but am told I sound okay. My first performance in my church in front of about 150 people I was scared to death, but I remembered that my music was a gift from Christ and I had to share it...I played "You Raise Me Up." I got a lot of compliments. Now I feel quite comfortable playing in front of groups. What she said about being prepared is absolutely correct. She said, "focus on the music, not on yourself." Best advice.

[@raneyboy9937]

The first time I played for church I was sweating almost,and I was thinking that everyone was going to judge me,but I remembered that He loves no matter what. I did my best,and went pretty well

[@mbushnell62]

This beautiful lady deserved a standing ovation...I am very inspired by her. She is a great gift to the music she performs.

[@FeeFelicia]

This video is posted 7 years ago and I'm watching this now.. 3 days before my audition and this reaaally helps me to actively change my negative selfdoubt into comforting words to myself. I've searched for soooo many video's for recognition and this was the only video I found hope in and faith. This woman is a gift from above and really deserves a standing ovation! Thank you for this speech and for sharing your wisdom and gift!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤❤❤❤❤

[@spaceiscool7791]

I’m supposed to preform tomorrow and I’ve been having a breakdown for the last two hours and then I found this video and it gives me hope that I won’t sound like a mess tomorrow Update: The performance actually went alright and the advice in this video really helped calm my nerves

[@FeeFelicia]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✨✨✨✨

[@chp763]

My stage fright was gone..after i went to a recital...and the pianist had lost her ability to see... But she was so brave to go up there and preform perfectly..she is in my heart..I'm so happy i was even able to meet her

[@alfonsoperezlopez907]

I listen to this literally every time before performing, as I am doing right now. Thank you Linda, for being such a jewel of a human being.

[@AMARINS]

I get that! I watched this video for the first time a little while back before one of the scariest performances of my life. It definitely helped me!

[@AstrologyBliss]

I’ve been dealing with crippling stage fright since I was 15. So much so that I gave up on singing after a bad recital. Nothing has ever changed my perception until I watched this. Thank you so much for sharing this

[@foxracer1703]

Me too. Once I hit puberty I think it got so much worse. Then I got bullied backstage before recitals etc. It's like my whole music trajectory died because of it. I can't even practice anymore.

[@Mukundanghri]

This is a debilitating problem for me and I respectfully appreciate this discussion. I remember working so hard all semester long on Chopin's Prelude, op. 28, no.15; I knew it like the back of my hand. As I lay my hands on the piano and started the piece escaped me as if I did no preparation. My leg trembled uncontrollably and my mind went blank. I stood and apologized after three attempts trying to start and walked away. My teachers implored me to no give up on my practice because they could see what I was capable of. One annoyance I discovered is preparing on one particular piano and having to perform on another; it has got to be the most annoying thing any performer has to endure.

[@throughjenslens44]

Practicing on one piano and performing on another tripped me up so bad!

[@AMARINS]

I’m sorry that happened to you!

[@foxracer1703]

Try to stay strong. Keep music in your life as long as you can. Once you give up, it's like a whole different sad piece of gray you're missing. Even if you just practice alone. If you don't use your gift you lose it. As a great man said "talent on loan from God. " I haven't picked up piano again because I hate keyboards and the stage fright of even touching one or playing with 1 person before me, brings me to tears. Don't give up.

[@emilythesongbird2306]

Thank you Linda. I've suffered from performance anxiety all my life. It came to my attention in my 20's when I had a similar experience as you. It's funny cause soon after I became a music teacher and found there were so many students following me who struggled with performance anxiety. I love the analogy of the music being a gift to share that is presented in a beautiful package. I also love your take on the perfection of the delivery not the notes. Your words and music are a gift to be honored. I am grateful.

[@georgefelty6357]

I worked with this lady when I was organist at Springfield United Methodist in Virginia.

[@ChristianSaveAmerica]

Part of being a piano teacher is encouraging the student to be prepared. Problem is many of my students do not care about what it means to be prepared to perform and are more concerned about being pushed by the parent to do something they do.not want to do. They feel trapped taking piano lessons. It's very difficult to teach students who have little motivation to learn. I'd be close to being unemployed if I dropped students like that. It's a fine art in itself being a piano teacher because you're working with mental issues these students have not just teaching how to play.

[@Alex-ll4xm]

It's great to see how passionate she is about what she talks about

[@oliviapla7324]

This is very helpful for me personally. I know Dr. Monson, she is the director of music at our church. I have a judged piano festival coming up in about 1 month. I have two memorized solos and one memorized concerto.

[@VoiceAndPianoByChristaFord]

Just fantastic, thank you, M'Am! I am a professional vocalist and beginning to advanced private Vocal instructor, ad well as beginning to intermediate private piano instructor, about to put on my third piano/vocal recital, and I really needed to hear this today! All glory goes to God!

[@haSHAH1]

"TO GOD ALONE, ONLY BE THE GLORY" ♥️

[@Marnie888]

You got me in tears. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, this is just what i needed to hear. LOVE ♥

[@normancash-alivelycadaver7479]

Hello Linda, I was part of the Peabody Fellowship with Tom Fleece, Bryan Kerr, Laura (Piano), Greg (guitar), at Mount Vernon Place... You were always so kind to me, glad you are doing well. Thanks for the video! I'm getting back into performing after 20 years and need it. Thanks and God bless.

[@emeka_eo]

Performed Chopin's C# Minor Nocturne. Was so scared my legs began to shake on the pedals. i ended up miss-interpreting the piece. so selfish.... thanks for the lecture.

[@hanacandelaria1184]

that happened to me once...wearing high heels in a competition...heel was tapping because I was shaking so bad...and (of course) it was completely off rhythm. Ugh!!!

[@ipv2000]

Emele Emeka I'm performing the same piece as you tommorrow... wish me luck!

[@raneyboy9937]

Vanessa Ip How did it go?

[@pianowithliv844]

Dr. Monson, is amazing. She is the director of music at our church.

[@anastasiaoutloud]

She described what goes thru my head cuz of stage freight SO ACCURATELY

[@ramonawilliams7269]

Very sound wisdom and advice. She did an amazing job, hopefully the audience received it. Thank you very much Tedx for sharing

[@ColorGrisss]

Thank you very much for this video. For years, I've been frightened each time I'm going to play in front of an audience. I think this is a very beautiful approach to music performing.

[@bedroommusicians7427]

I’ve performed a couple times and have been fine but this time I’m very nervous and watching this really cleared it up for me, I am only the vehicle it is the music that matters!

[@moniquemeneses6503]

many many thanks linda. How wonderful spoken and first of all how helpful.

[@66ebutu]

Totally agree with her views and I like to believe they are going to help me next week! Thank you Linda.

[@cubangeorge]

Excellent advise Dr Monson. Thank you and ! Bravo!!

[@musicfanmic]

Beautifully presented!

[@alexblake3818]

This is the best advice I've ever come across. The insights are profound!

[@jackybee13]

This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing your gift!

[@fabiocangero6561]

One of the most meaningful and powerful speeches I have ever listened to. Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@VeronikaKniazok]

Thank You! Such an amazing speech and amazing advices and wonderful seeing of things, thank You for helping us to understand something very special and so important , thank You for sharing with us your incredible experience and performance !

[@emilybh6255]

I wish I'd heard/seen this back in May 1979 for my senior year of college final voice recital. I went through the same thing she did but didn't have the benefit of my teacher checking on me right before the performance. I thought the venue was going to be a theatre but instead it was a classroom with a bunch of music teachers and students all close in bright lights and full view not in a darkened space. I freaked; was sure I'd forget the words to the song and ended up leaving before it was my turn. I ended up getting a "B+" instead of an "A" for the semester- which I thought was generous. It is too bad that I didn't have the "flow" that I had in 3rd grade when I easily and proudly stood in front of the class and sang several songs whole playing the ukelele for the whole class during show and tell and another time a year later where during an operetta I walked to the front of the stage and easily sang a complete solo to an audience of 350 people. I don't know where all the self-consciousness came from during my teens and 20s. Not that long ago though, I was asked to speak on an important topic and kind of gave myself a similar pep-talk that I was going to force myself to get through it because the little known information was too important not to share with people. In between those times I've had lots of opportunities to speak on talk radio shows with tens of thousands of listeners and more often than not was surprisingly at ease doing that. Maybe it was because I felt protected in a studio or in my home and only had to call in to the show and talk and answer questions and the audience couldn't see me and I couldn't see them. Today I know it REALLY helps if you take care of your adrenals glands. What you eat can weaken them and cause panic attacks and certainly during college I had not yet put the food/health connection together.

[@sydneydileo]

My favorite video on this topic. Every time I perform or post a video online I watch this to remind myself what the whole purpose is. It’s not about me, it’s about the music!

[@Brian-pk1ol]

I did my senior recital knowing my parents were not coming to see me. I found out that day. I was so upset and went out and played the best I ever did in my life to that point. I was so sad in that moment and it still makes me sad to this day...

[@janettejack7316]

Magnificent advice !!!

[@YogawithAliBeale]

Taking the stage this weekend to dance after a long time and I'll let these words bring me ease. Feel the music and be the vessel. Thank you!

[@ReganKeely]

Thank you, this changed my life, beautiful gift 🎁🙏💗

[@Halunlimited]

Thank you for sharing your unique sincere and meaningful attitude with which to address and become one with the music we are performing. Hal

[@Kate-zl3zl]

Makes me wonder if a lot of our problems in life stem from being focused on ourselves more than we should be and on other people/issues not enough.

[@Hannah__794]

I needed this. I have a duet at the spring concert and a try out coming up. Thank you for your help❤️

[@AMARINS]

I really loved this video! I watched it before my first ever concerto performance with a professional orchestra and it helped me enjoy the experience so much more! Thank you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@meetoo2330]

Wonderful talk thanks so so much! ❤️

[@KatePen3]

I love it! I am truly grateful for this video, so inspiring and grounding, beautiful performance ❤️❤️❤️

[@jeffh5388]

Thank you for sharing your stage fright episode. A true learning experience for all who watch this. I felt your fright as you discussed the story. Thank you. .

[@jcee6886]

I suffer from stage fright but I reassure myself somewhat by realising that my immense talent will get me through.

[@kelliereviews5341]

WOW Prof. Linda Apple Monson is incredible playing! But also, her piano teacher told her your are the vehicle the music emanates from! That Transends us. Thank you Professor Linda for that gift of music. 👍😉🎹

[@PDN11141]

Fabulous advice and an astonishing gift to share. What a pleasure to listen to, I enjoyed the story and the music. Thank you.

[@IndraBahiaMusic]

16:02 A deeply realized talk. One of the best on this topic. Thank you so much 🙏🏻💝

[@mt8253]

I grew up terrified to play violin in front of others, I couldn’t even play a simple scale in front of the receptionist when I got a new bow and had to test it out. When I had to perform in front of my classmates at school, I froze, my fingers were numb and I could think at all. I have another performance in a month and I haven’t performed since that moment, but this time I will try take her advice, I will try update. 🤞

[@lnxguit]

So good! Your approach resonated with me - thank you!

[@tomyvrosales3535]

What a nice event this must have been…. Thank you for the insight. As a person that suffers anxiety when playing the instrument for someone, this really motivates me to try your recommendation!!! Thank you again!!!

[@petercoloma8092]

This is great. Thanks

[@Venus.actor.singer]

Awesome video. Made me cry

[@Torebordalpiano]

Nice inspiration for my first Beethoven op 110 recital!

[@weirdo66636]

this is rlly life changing

[@MNTFresh]

this helped so much as I'm preforming in a week a very simple song in front of my school I'm glad it wasn't a harder piece now that I think about it xD

[@ubarhd1]

Great talk thanks

[@spywi]

I feel like this will help me when I'm leading something for my youth group or choir :)

[@retrosun1845]

As a performer for years I have crippling anxiety until I sat down one day in tears and asked myself what is it I'm so afraid of ? It wasnt the crowd...or anything like that, it was the thought of being judged, what if I mess up? The truth is, people judge, its what we do, doesnt really have anything to do with me, and if I mess up...well...it happens, sometimes musicians mess up it's no biggy

[@milestellers9829]

this is so inspiring and helpful omg

[@PointOfImpactMinistries]

This was perfection!

[@osxar7188]

I preformed 2 weeks ago in a school concert and I forgot my piece half way through the preference. It was extremely embarrassing :(

[@climbingstill9503]

I did that today at my dress rehersal >

[@21Cauzzie]

Josh Wright in is videos said he picks out "lifesaver" places where he can restart from if he gets lost while playing. I don't remember exactly what words he used but it seemed like a good idea.

[@wolfgangamadeusmozart7672]

Oh! I love Josh Wright!

[@bobg7471]

We are all human and subject to forgetting when we are nervous...remember everyone in the audience was rooting for you, not looking for mistakes.

[@justinrosales5962]

劉 feels bad man

[@girlinagale]

I play a suitcase of analogue synths, I performed at a shellfish festival, some old geezer came up mid-track and exclaimed "This is not music! I played professional classical music for fifty years, and this is NOT music". So I turned up the LFO and added reverb to the Moog and made a deeply resonant fart sound, he went away, and I was satisfied with my reply.

[@foxracer1703]

A gift

[@franc1smurray]

yesterday at my talent show i broke down at the keyboard halfway through the song from stage fright and stormed off the stage but today’s second showing so i’m hoping i’ll keep my stage fright under control (it’s my first time performing solo i’ve played in my school jazz band many times)

[@jasminhacker7243]

It’s about getting out and making sure everybody is having a great time. Not about playing perfectly accurate

[@kitzman]

The first piece is Evocación from Suite Iberia , book 1 Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909)

[@createsusie]

I have a concert in less than a week this really helps 😭

[@ryanmcdonald2027]

thanks for this ! this is very helpful as i am getting a band together and i have a busking licence and we want to go busking eventually and perform music live for everybody somewhere in auckland cheers :)

[@sthom4bad]

If someone told me it was about the music and not me, I'd then be scared I was going to let the music down.

[@suewilkinson9629]

Thank you so very much. Can you tell me how to get a transcription of your speech? Loved so very much your performance and your choice of pieces.!

[@FishingtonBurpPuzzle]

Thought she was going to mention bananas. They really help calm one's jitters. But it's healthier to keep playing in front of people until it becomes second nature.

[@luchen6207]

#Tangy Network r

[@imperfectst]

Amen.

[@brittanynicolemeyer8843]

Wow. I have my volume up all the way (both on the video and on the computer's main volume knob), and I can barely hear this at all. This has happened on several of the Tedx videos. I hope they work on improving this in the future. :/ I am having to put my ear an inch from the speaker to hear it.

[@alyssa915]

I’m so terrified because I have to perform with my band in front of my entire school and our parents and other people who have graduated from my school. I have the piccolo solo in Stars and Stripes Forever, it’s a very long solo and is very complicated. I’m absolutely so terrified to perform and could use some advice, aaah!

[@ElliMsp]

piece: Debussy , Arabsque #1

[@dimakhatib9554]

It is 2022 and I am performing in 13 days. I hope this talk will help me focus on the music not on me

[@kerrinwhite6977]

The audio on this is very quiet, and without subtitles it was hard to hear, my computer was full volume btw

[@brittanynicolemeyer8843]

Same! I just commented this, as well. I noticed this on several of the TedX videos. I wonder why they are all so quiet?

[@oz4648]

Love the George Winston fragment at the end...

[@nohandleXD]

I needed this, i have a concert in 4 hours. I’m first chair, out of only three cellos though XD Sigh... I’m so scared 😦

[@michaelenns8872]

Max volume and I can hear what she is saying.

[@ima4tubing]

Perhaps only my personal statement; however, "Everything that happens on stage is the result of Artistic License". If your best has been shared at the time it is as perfect as it can be and no apologies are necessary. Answers to any "critic" is "Thank you for coming and for sharing your thought(s). Perhaps we will meet again sometime".

[@scottconnuck2632]

Thank you, Dr. Monson. This has helped me a great deal! In addition to your most helpful talk, I wish to complement you on your lovely playing. The last piece that you played (I'm certain it is French)... what is the name of that piece? If anyone knows, please let me know. Thank you!

[@CentauriXD]

Its Claude Debussy, Arabesque No.1

[@Gigi3x1]

No one can explain how horrible my stage fright is...😞

[@The_MissJarvis]

Just 2 girls yes I agree! I went to vocal performance school to get through my stage fright. It was beyond excruciating at times. I'm grateful I spent that time and energy pushing through because singing for people gives so me so much joy! You will rise above that fear!

[@PinacoladaMatthew]

WHY ARE YOU SO SELFISH!! YOU THINK THIS IS ABOUT YOU???!!!

[@Piano-Love]

When performing, if I make noticeable mistakes, I slump into self-loathing and shame….. I have come a long way…… My. Stage freight was so debilitating, I couldn’t play in public……

[@ouncy]

Shame you can't hear anything.

[@LukeDayInTheUK]

ouncy, shame for 'you' maybe. I can hear it.

[@bobg7471]

get better speakers. I did and now I can hear when the recording volume is down.

[@bleensteen9331]

Luke Day Music Woop-tee-fukin do, it's possible to get understandable audio even on the crappest computer speakers these days and most sound engineers can manage it, if the video is hard to hear for lots of people the problem is the audio not their speakers.

[@recruitlegionary]

When does she talk about stage fright i need to take notes for online class

[@andrew3979]

Still doesn't help. I can play guitar pieces perfectly by myself and even with one person i start shaking

[@robinthomsoncomposer]

I don’t think perfect if is healthy aspiration I aspire to excellence

[@Magnet12]

haha the way she talks reminds me of my year 9 piano teacher

[@Magnet12]

but without the Australian accent

[@gloriousgardens1257]

Can't hear this. Bad audio

[@JohvanGestel]

Het sneeuwt I’m just getting ready for the weekend to go home I am home from school now so if I have a good day

[@jennyshoelessnewman9100]

IDK if it's my system, but the sound on this is very low

[@larryphelps6607]

Typo, this was at the I can't hear "U".

[@ageeblue752]

great vid but its volume is so low

[@___xyz___]

4:29 i'd say vessel but whatever i guess

[@Sheet_music0]

She is still fighting with herself. She is not free from her ego. Don't listen to her.. Strange idea to kill the fear. She gets more anxiety by trying to avoid it.