Summary, Episode 9:

In this listener Q & A episode, my guitar student Frank asks about how to stay calm and overcome nervousness and panic while performing solo guitar on stage.

I share my 15 best tips for staying calm, focused and relaxed.

1 – 7: “Practical” points. These points address preparation as opposed to dealing with the actual feeling of panic in the moment.

8 – 15: “Mental Game” points. These address how to deal with the moments onstage when the critical, negative voice enters, your heart starts beating and maybe even hands shake.

Plus 2 in the moment additional tips actually make it 17 tips. 🙂

Enjoy!

Adam

Show Notes:

• 0:57 The question about nerves and performance – in Frank’s own words.


• 3:29 : Being happy and at peace with your tone.


• 5:26 : Having your rhythm and groove feel good – before you start playing.


• 7:04 : Learning the Sound of your pickup.


• 8:14 : Be sure you are in “stage 4 learning”…your body knows the piece of music.


• 11:30 : Importance of slow practice. I still practice my concert tunes slowly…


• 11:57 : Learning the difference between practice environment & stage environment.


• 13:37 : When you know what people hear, you can forgive yourself…what do they hear? Flow, groove & melody.


• 18:27 : Nervousness is a displaced reptile brain reaction, as if you are going to die.


• 19:30 : Using meditation to overcome the inner critic & beating yourself up.


• 21:34 : Know and feel that the audience is there to suport you.


• 23:18 : “Meta” things like groove and tone are more important than small mistakes.


• 24:16 : Know your music theory…playing just fingerings will make you nervous.


• 25:43 : Breathe on stage! Does wonders for the physiology.


• 26:16 : Play light, if your touch is getting heavy.


• 20:20 : Get backstage and warm up before you go on.


• 28:40 : Keep smiling do not visibly dissaprove of yourself & a personal story…


• 31:02 : Your opening song on stage should be “bulletproof”, something you can play with zero thinking.

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