I am going to audition for my marching band and I have really bad nerves. I play the flute and have talent but when it comes to playing in front of my directors i freeze up! Could i have some tips on how to calm my nerves beforehand?
Arien S
Favorite Answer
do a bit of deep breathing, it would ease your nerves and make u calm.
secondly, stand in front of the mirror and talk to urself, ask why u have fear? is it bcoz of failure? but then everyone fails once or twice, if they don't they never make big. tell urself that u can do it bcoz u r capable of it.
repeat "I Can Do It" 10 times before begining.
and remember, don't play for the judges, play for urself. imagine u r alone and u r playing to feel good abt urself, to entertain ur own mind. if u do something for ur own self, u won't do it wrong
Anonymous
First of all realize that this nervousness is a good thing! When you're nervous like this your mind races, your blood is pumping, are at your best. So long as you can control it and make it work for you. When I was in school we were told not to call it 'stage fright' but 'stage POWER'. 8^)
It's just a matter of confidence. Know that you are way good enough to be in the band. Practice your audition piece until you could play it in your sleep. (Well I could play it in my sleep, but I play the recorder, a cross-blown flute is a little harder to play in your sleep 'cos snoring distorts your embouchure).
And be at your best. Get a good night's sleep before. Have something substantial for breakfast. You know, that kind of thing, so you don't have anything to apologize for.
There's an exercise we used to do. Relax all the muscles in your neck until your head hangs down. Then without using your neck muscles at all, roll your head around on your shoulders. It sounds gross but it really works! It relaxes and stretches all the muscles in your neck.
The more you do this kind of thing, the better you get at it.
Good luck!
Jiffy P
I get really nervous before concerts, my hands shake and it's not helpful if you're playing the piano! So my teacher has given me some tips:
1)On the day, do whatever you want to do. It's your day, and just relax.
2)Don't play your pieces before the concert/audition on the day. You might 'waste' your best performance.
3) Some musicians choose to take beta-blockers which calms them. I don't because some people say it may take the passion out of the performance.
I hope these help. Good luck!!
Kiera H
Ooh, I heard this one from a teacher of mine. He said get some of your favorite perfume or lotion and run it on your hands. Make your hands nice and warm, cup them over your mouth and nose and breathe in through your nose. It's a warm, comforting feeling because it's your favorite smell, and you have to breathe deep, so it's a two in one.
Don't wear the one that your crush wears or something, though, because that's an opposite effect.
Jennifer L
if you practice, you should be ok.
the more you are comfortable with your piece, the better off youll be.
BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!