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

Aija Reke: how to deal with performance anxiety

2024-06-05T09:02:00+01:00

The violinist gives tips on how to build your confidence on stage through her own experiences and examples from literature

‘We still get nervous’: violinist Brett Yang on performance nerves

2023-07-18T10:47:00+01:00

The key to dealing with performance anxiety and nerves is to have the confidence to gain more experience performing, says the violinist

More Performance Nerves

Opinion: The Wisdom of Yoda

2023-05-04T09:02:00+01:00

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

2023-05-04T09:01:00+01:00

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

Bow Shakes and Cold and Sweaty Hands

8 tips for good muscular health as a performer

2022-12-02T12:41:00+00:00

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?

2022-09-08T07:31:00+01:00

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

2022-03-30T10:28:00+01:00

Violinists Tasmin Little and Jennifer Pike share strategies on how to keep composure before a performance

Anxiety

Learning about your performance anxiety: Adam Hockman

2023-02-14T11:02:00+00:00

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

2023-04-11T08:58:00+01:00

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

2022-11-24T11:09:00+00:00

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?

2022-09-08T07:31:00+01:00

Brian Hodges and Diana Allan answer student questions on coping with stage fright