Method to get rid of stage fear

[evans]

i've never played to an audience before,though im looking forward to it,but when im asked to play a piece i get nervous and play a little too fast or have technical problems. I think that to solve that you need a very good domination of technique,and you need not to worry much about what the others are thinking of your playing,just let your feelings flow gently trough your guitar...the recording tip is a nice tip, it might help you to see your mistakes by yourself so you can improve yourself

[at_leo_87]

some awesome tips here!

my problem is that flamenco guitar, naturally, is rather loud. it just doesn't feel right to play it softly. also, the techniques, to a non-flamenco seems rather flashy.

and i HATE attracting attention and looking like a show off! whenever i try out the few flamenco guitars they have at guitar center, i always wait until everyone else leaves the room.

[Chiste de Gales]

Originally Posted by evans

i've never played to an audience before,though im looking forward to it,but when im asked to play a piece i get nervous and play a little too fast or have technical problems. I think that to solve that you need a very good domination of technique,and you need not to worry much about what the others are thinking of your playing,just let your feelings flow gently trough your guitar...the recording tip is a nice tip, it might help you to see your mistakes by yourself so you can improve yourself

You should be the person asking others to listen to you. Family, friends, whomever. Its ok to tell them you need to get used to audiences.

[drolma]

My first voice teacher used this method:

Find a quiet place. Close your eyes and imagine that you are in a redwood forest. Let your eyes follow the trunk slowly up the tree until you reach the sky. When she saw the sky, she was ready to perform~

I use this method and also remember that I have a gift to give, a talent that brings a little joy and happiness to people.

Robert Fripp, of King Crimson, says that he asks himself if he's ready: has he practiced his material sufficiently? Does he know the environment in which he's going to perform? Is he satisfied that his equipment will work? If so, he has the confidence to perform~

Hope this helps~