Playing the saxophone Stage Fright

[Tenor Viol]

I know a couple of seriously good musicians who will happily perform publicly to a very high standard in an ensemble, but anything soloistic and they fall apart - shaking, trembling, upset stomach etc.

 

[Ivan]

I was listening to Derek Jacobi interviewed on the radio last night and he was explaining the effects of severe stage fright (started in him during his 370-oddth performance of Hamlet and persisted at it's worst for two years and can still creep up on him)

I was interested to learn that stage fright proper can be a deeply disabling, almost pathological condition that seems to afflict actors when they are in mid-life and at the height of their popularity and professional prowess

Is this something described in musicians to the same dramatic extent?

 

[Tenor Viol]

I know several experienced musicians who have given up solo performance because of the stress and distress it caused them. One said he would get palpitations and become physically sick. This is usually referred to as performance anxiety, but it's the same thing I suspect.

 

[TimboSax]

I've had nerves before, but never what I'd call stage fright (which, I would agree with tenorviol above, is a whole other level and seems to present similarly to acute anxiety).

Some pretty big names in music have reported it: Streisland, Carly Simon, Pavarotti, Van Halen, Segovia, Etta James

 

[SopJob]

Hi,

recently, Daniel Hope, celebrated violin player, gave an interview for a German radio station. In the interview, he said that quiet a few artists, especially soloists, took beta blockers to curb anxiety.

This means that the problem also affects musicians independently of their ability or the type of music that they play.

Regards,


Frank.

 

[Targa]

I've had nerves before, but never what I'd call stage fright (which, I would agree with tenorviol above, is a whole other level and seems to present similarly to acute anxiety).

Some pretty big names in music have reported it: Streisland, Carly Simon, Pavarotti, Van Halen, Segovia, Etta James

I assume that by 'Streisland' you are referring to Ms. Barbra Streisand; which reminds me that some years ago no matter how many times I saw her name I always thought it had an 'l' in it.
Which was probably why she never answered my letters, although I did receive a restraining order.

 

[jbtsax]

People, people who stalk people, are the luckiest people. . . . in the world . . . .🙂

 

[TimboSax]

I assume that by 'Streisland' you are referring to Ms. Barbra Streisand; which reminds me that some years ago no matter how many times I saw her name I always thought it had an 'l' in it.
Which was probably why she never answered my letters, although I did receive a restraining order.

Yep, Barbarella Streisland, that's the fella

 

[Tenor Viol]

From a relatively young age (14) I had to stand up in front of an 'audience' and present short papers (the astronomical society I was a member of had a policy of asking someone each week to talk on a subject for 5 minutes). A few years later I was secretary and having to address the monthly meeting of 70 or so people. So, I've been used to 'performing' in front of people.

I didn't start singing until 20 years ago and performing in choir has never caused me any anxiety. More recently, playing cello in orchestra has similarly not been an issue. The only anxious moment was being asked to sing a duet last year, which was nerve-wracking. This year, when asked to sing in a quartet in a concert, I was the strongest voice and I just went for it. It's not my preference, but I can do it if necessary.

 

[jbtsax]

I have never had "performance anxiety" to the point of being a disability. My teacher taught me to "overlearn" the piece I was to perform which means to keep practicing and repeating it long after it is mastered. That way, he explained, when the waves of nervousness start rocking the boat, the reflexes take over and keep it afloat to the end of the piece. Another thing that helps me is to become totally absorbed into the music and shut out everything else including the audience. Playing with that degree on concentration and intensity takes practice, but it really pays off.

 

[Pyrografix]

My teacher taught me to "overlearn" the piece I was to perform which means to keep practicing and repeating it long after it is mastered. That way, he explained, when the waves of nervousness start rocking the boat, the reflexes take over and keep it afloat to the end of the piece.

Similar advice from another tutor - "Don't practice until you get it right..... practice until you can't get it wrong". Works for me most of the time!

I'm fine performing in an orchestra where its possible to hide behind other players, but the exposure of playing alone or with just 'backing track' is almost unbearable!

 

[not a perfect sax player]

Hi everyone, this is my first post so please be gentle with me. I've been playing alto and tenor sax for a few years now, have regular lessons and practice nearly every day, the trouble I have is playing in front of other people, where I just seem to panic and choke.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Cheers Vern.

 

[wakyct]

the trouble I have is playing in front of other people, where I just seem to panic and choke.

Happens a lot, the question is what types of situations are you in? Playing for family and friends? Open jams? I think there's different ways to approach it depending on what you're doing.

 

[Tenor Viol]

I'd suggest trying something like a wind band/orchestra. Much larger group so less 'exposed'. The wind band I used to play in typically has about 80 at a rehearsal. Used ot be about 3 baris, 5 tenors and 8+ altos. An environment like that would help with confidence.

I find with playing or singing that I'm fine in larger groups, but stick me in a chamber/solo type environment and it's a much bigger challenge.

 

[Ghr9204]

the trouble I have is playing in front of other people, where I just seem to panic and choke.

There are no hidden dark secrets. Everyone experiences the same reaction as you until they get accustomed to audiences. The only way to overcome is do things that put you in front of people.

I thought I may have chosen the wrong career field when I selected engineering and went to college versus being a hands on technician. Facility Engineers end up managing projects, giving presentations before managers and clients, meeting with strangers, and etc. At first it was difficult, but as I gained experience, it became more comfortable.

Hang in there. If nothing else where you are at, look for welcoming venues to practice being in front of people, such as playing sax in nursing and old folks homes. I have a portable sound system, a 15 inch powered speaker system and use my netbook with backing tracks. Doing it on a hobbyist basis, did it a couple years prior to Covid, about once a week, a different home each week. Plus since the mid 1980's, have led singing in various churches I attended.

Now I have no fear of getting in front of people. Hang in there, look for venues that put you in front of people to read / present / sing / play / etc. Over time you will overcome your shyness in front of people.

Good luck! -- George

 

[ESJohn]

I agree with TenorViol. You'll get used to playing before others and alongside folks that enjoy playing as much as you.
You may be presented with opportunities within tunes that offer solis or solos that may last only a few measures. Experiences such as those will increase your confidence.
I played at church a few years ago. The song lasted over four minutes, but it honestly felt like less than a minute. I practiced a few times in the weeks leading up to it that also helped me get used to the view.

 

[Colin the Bear]

What are you scared of? Nobody will get hurt and nobody will die.

Live music is an art form where the evidence is gone forever. Everybody moves on to the next gig.

The buzz after the gig is worth having.

Audiences are quite forgiving. They're on your side. Half of them are wishing they could be up there playing, if only they had the talent, the time to practice, the funds to buy a saxophone or the courage.

Remember also that there are no wrong notes, only interesting harmonies.

At my first public performance I was shaking so much I had a magnificent vibrato.

The nerves will eventually calm down to butterflies if you keep going,

Preparation is essential, so practice as much as you can so that your performance will be as perfect as you can make it, then keep a straight face when you perform and try to use the adrenalin in a positive way. No live performance is ever perfect.

 

[skeller047]

Repetition is mastery. This is as true for performance as it is for scales and arpeggios.

There are a couple things you can do. Take deep breaths, think of performing as a job you do in service of the music, and not an exposure of your soul. Or other parts LOL. And remember this is not a life critical activity, no one”s life or safety depends on what you do on stage. Have fun and make beauty.

Welcome to the Cafe!!!

 

[not a perfect sax player]

I'd suggest trying something like a wind band/orchestra. Much larger group so less 'exposed'. The wind band I used to play in typically has about 80 at a rehearsal. Used ot be about 3 baris, 5 tenors and 8+ altos. An environment like that would help with confidence.

I find with playing or singing that I'm fine in larger groups, but stick me in a chamber/solo type environment and it's a much bigger challenge.

Thanks for that, I'll have a look for some groups in my area and give it a go.
Cheers Vern.

 

[not a perfect sax player]

What are you scared of? Nobody will get hurt and nobody will die.

Live music is an art form where the evidence is gone forever. Everybody moves on to the next gig.

The buzz after the gig is worth having.

Audiences are quite forgiving. They're on your side. Half of them are wishing they could be up there playing, if only they had the talent, the time to practice, the funds to buy a saxophone or the courage.

Remember also that there are no wrong notes, only interesting harmonies.

At my first public performance I was shaking so much I had a magnificent vibrato.

The nerves will eventually calm down to butterflies if you keep going,

Preparation is essential, so practice as much as you can so that your performance will be as perfect as you can make it, then keep a straight face when you perform and try to use the adrenalin in a positive way. No live performance is ever perfect.

Yes that's very good advice, I'll keep trying to overcome my nerves.
Cheers Vern.