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

Yoda cello illustration

Opinion: The Wisdom of Yoda

4 May 2023

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

Jedi wisdom

Opinion: Jedi Wisdom for string playing

4 May 2023

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

Davina Smiling Still

8 tips for good muscular health as a performer

2 December 2022

Looking after your body is the key to meeting the physical demands of a busy performance lifestyle, writes violinist Davina Clarke

ViolinStageFright

Conquering performance nerves: how do I banish sweaty hands and nausea?

8 September 2022

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

Anxiety

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Learning about your performance anxiety: Adam Hockman

14 February 2023

Understanding what influences your performance anxiety is the key to overcoming stage fright, writes practice and performance consultant Adam Hockman

Mindfulness

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The importance of body awareness in violin playing: Rachael Ridge

11 April 2023

Developing good body awareness is key to preventing injury, playing with little to no pain, and producing a good tone on the violin

breathing

Brofsky online 2

Blue Sky Teaching: Using creative approaches to refine students’ technique

24 November 2022

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

ViolinStageFright

Conquering performance nerves: how do I banish sweaty hands and nausea?

8 September 2022

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