re: [Harp-L] Stage Fright

["shrimpdaddy@xxxxxxxxx"@cogeco.ca]

> I agree.  i usually try to channel the nervs by building my confidence. Here's a few things i do to build it up; be
prepared, have a set list. you don't have to stick to it like clockwork, but it's good to have as a tool. check your
harps before you perform make sure there aren't any stuck notes have a couple of back ups especiallly for the popular
keys, make sure you did a sound check so you are confident in the sound that you will have, and my most important one is
visualize your performance prior to performing see yourself kickin butt getting the crowd going, athletes do it to
improve their performance, why not musicians.  The more confidence you have the the more relaxed you will be. think
about how great you sound when you're practicing by yourself. the more relaxed you are the more you'll remember licks
positions the more ideas you'll get improvising. relax your shoulders and tell yourself "you're the man!" (or woman)
remember there is a diference between confidence and arrogance.  Arrogance is usually a lack of confidence trying to
prove to everyone else that you're confident.  Let the poeple tell you how good you are you don't need to tell them.
Hope this helps also stage fright is part of the adrenaline rush enjoy it and hope you never loose it.  and go out and
see other performers people at or above your level sit back and enjoy the show from the audiences perspective.  Support
other artists we have to stick toghether remember harp players love other harp players cause no one else knows what the
hell we're talking about.

> Stage fright usually dissolves once you're on stage, because you have other stuff to think about - the music the notes
> , the equipment, the sound balance, etc.
>
> If all you're doing is playing harmonica you can "hide behind" your instrument - I know this sounds weird, because the
> harmonica is tiny, but I hope you know what I mean.  Of course, this doesn't work if you're singing or if you're the
> whole show, a la a folksinger, guitarist, harpist.
>
> Concentrate on communicating with the other musicians musically and you'll probably forget about the audience.
>
> Have a drink or two but don't get drunk.
>
> Realize the audience is rooting for you - they will tolerate some mistakes, or maybe not even notice them.  They are
> not hyper-critical, not nearly as critical as you are of yourself.
>
> Know what you're doing.  It's a lot easier to feel confident if you know what you're going to play (if it's a band
> situation have a set list - nobody wants to see a band standing around staring at each other wondering what to play
> next).  If it's a jam, be comfortable with improvising over the music, and don't expect perfection.  Everybody's going
> to screw up a little.
>
> Play from the heart and the audience will be on your side.
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