There's a universal truth in the Music Industry that resonates with musicians of all levels:
the flutter of nerves before stepping onto the stage. Whether you're a seasoned performer
or about to debut your musical talents to an audience.
In the realm of wedding music, where every note holds the promise of shaping lifelong
memories, conquering those jitters takes on a new level of importance.
With the right preparation and understanding of how to cope with performance anxiety,
any aspiring wedding musician can master their nerves and develop powerful stage
confidence.
Amidst these nerve-wracking moments as a performance artist, lies an opportunity to
transcend personal doubts and deliver something truly remarkable. Join us on a journey
as we explore the nuances of performance anxiety that weaves through a musical
performer's life, and delve into the profound significance of mastering those nerves to
create polished, captivating performances that resonate in the hearts of wedding guests.
Understanding Performance Anxiety (Stage Fright)
Otherwise known as stage fright, Performance Anxiety is the apprehension and
nervousness that engulf an individual before or during a public musical performance.
Musicians who experience stage fright might experience a range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, such as increased heart rate, trembling hands, self-doubt, and even full-blown panic. Regardless of a musician's skill level, this phenomenon underscores the vulnerability and humanity that connect artists across genres and stages.
Nervousness is often connected to the ‘fight-or-flight response’, an instinctual biological
process that kicks in when we perceive a threat or danger. One either confronts the
threat (fight) or flees from it (flight). In the case of performance anxiety, the perceived
threat is the act of performing in front of an audience.
Stage fright can be linked to negative self-talk and thoughts of inadequacy or fear of
failure. Often times this internal dialogue feeds into our physical sensations of fear and
anxiety, creating an endless cycle of worrying that further intensifies our apprehension
before a performance.
Recognising these physiological and psychological patterns is the first step to break free
from them and develop more positive ways of thinking your performance preparation.
Common Triggers
It is common for professional performers to understand their own triggers when it comes
to performance anxiety and stage fright. These vary from performer to performer, but
common triggers include:
Fear of making mistakes.
Judgement from the audience or fellow performers.
Forgetting lyrics or hitting the wrong notes.
The feeling of not being able to recover/improvise your way out of
trouble.
Past negative experiences.
Feeling like you're under constant competition and comparing yourself
to other performers.
New or unfamiliar settings.
Setting high expectations for yourself, and the fear of falling short.
Perfectionism and the pressure to play flawlessly.
Self doubt - nitpicking at your own performance.
We can all relate to any or all of the above, and it is important to note that we're not alone on this journey.
Mindset Shift: Embracing Nerves as Energy
Stage fright is completely normal. Without it, we would be able to reach our optimal
performance levels. Shifting your mindset by viewing your performance anxiety as a
hinderance, to a source of energy waiting to be harnessed is one best ways you can work with it. Reframing them as a surge of excitement and adrenaline that can elevate your musical presentation. The physiological responses you experience, are your body's way of preparing for something significant. By acknowledging this, you can transform anxiety into a powerful ally that fuels your creativity and performance.
Overcoming your stage fright takes effective practice. There is no single approach that
can solve this, as after all, we're all individuals. Here are some common strategies that
can be incorporated into your practice:
Preparation: The Best Antidote to Stage Fright
The most important thing aspiring wedding musicians can do to reduce stage fright and
performance anxiety is prepare. It may seem obvious, but some musicians often make the mistake, that because this isn't your conventional ticket paying audience (in a theatre, bar or music venue), that they can relax a little more. It is easy to get caught up in the distractions of a wedding: the focus on that really beautiful wedding dress, the emotional moments of the ceremony, the Best Man turned comedian speech that leaves you laughing in stitches or even the talking through your dinner sets.
It is therefore even more vital that your preparation and rehearsal is disciplined and
prepared as precisely as possible. Rehearsal is key for mastering the music; but it’s also
important to develop an understanding of what makes the music special - especially
when it comes to curating songs to suit your wedding couples, specific needs. You might
even hear the same lyrics you've been singing for years, in a whole different light!
Do not underestimate the power of equipment checklists! You may think you have
everything under control. But what happens if the microphone clip for your microphone
stand was discovered to be suddenly missing? No matter how many hundreds of
weddings you have performed at, always systemically have an equipment checklist handy before and after every performance. With so many suppliers and staff members at the venue you are performing at, any one time, the chances of you misplacing a piece of equipment dramatically increases.
Common items that regularly go missing:
Instrument Tuners
Music Stands
Guitar Picks
Power Cables/Extension Cords
Costume/Clothing
Battery Packs
Anything plugged into an external AV desk from another supplier
A task checklist is also important - with so many changes that happen throughout a full
wedding day, it is easy to get lost in the moment. Following a schedule strictly also
eliminates you missing out on your set.
By ticking off each item in your checklist and task/schedule, you pave a path that leaves
anxiety no foothold, ensuring you step onto the stage armed not just with your instrument but with the confidence that comes from rigorous, unwavering preparation.
Visualisation and Mental Rehearsal
There are countless techniques out there, but here is a quick guide on how to visualise
and mental rehearse:
1. Set the Scene: Find a quiet space, envision the performance space, and
sense the atmosphere.
2. Play Perfectly: Mentally play your piece, focusing on every note and
smooth transition.
3. Feel the Emotion: Embrace the music's emotion, interpreting each
phrase with expressiveness.
4. Overcome Challenges: Conquer tricky passages by envisioning yourself
navigating them effortlessly.
5. Connect with Audience: Visualize connecting with the audience, sensing
their appreciation.
6. Confident Finish: See yourself ending strong, feeling accomplished, and
receiving applause.
By consistently practicing visualisation, you're creating a mental blueprint for success.
This builds confidence and familiarity, enhancing your actual performance. Integrate
visualisation into your preparation to transform your performances into captivating
displays of musical artistry.
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Breathing, one of the simplest and most important thing that you can do for yourself -
after all it is our natural way of surviving! Being conscious of your breath, keeps you
present and reduces stress hormones like cortisol while increasing oxygen levels in your
body which helps keep you alert and focused during performances – allowing you to stay present and enjoy each moment fully!
Here is a simple breathing exercise that you can incorporate into your pre-performance
routine and also during your performance:
1. Find a Quiet Space: Before your performance, find a peaceful corner
where you won't be disturbed.
2. Inhale Slowly: Breathe in deeply through your nose, counting to four as
you fill your lungs.
3. Hold: Pause for a count of four, feeling your chest and abdomen expand.
4. Exhale Slowly: Exhale through your mouth for another count of four,
letting go of tension.
5. Repeat: Continue this cycle for a few minutes, focusing solely on your
breath.
During your performance, when you find yourself distracted, start the above again from
steps 2 to 5.
In addition to a breathing exercise, you might find this Progressive Muscle Relaxation
technique useful.
1. Sit or Stand Comfortably: Find a comfortable position, either sitting or
standing.
2. Focus on One Muscle Group: Begin with your toes. Tense the muscles in
your toes for a few seconds, then release.
3. Move Upward: Gradually work your way up through your body—calves,
thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, and so on.
4. Tense and Release: For each muscle group, tense the muscles for a few
seconds, then release and let go of any tension.
5. Deep Breaths: As you release each muscle group, take a deep breath in,
and exhale as you release.
6. Relax Your Face: End by relaxing the muscles in your face, including your
jaw and forehead.
As you harness the power of your breath and release physical stress, you're not just
preparing for a performance—you're creating a sanctuary of calmness that accompanies you onto the stage.
Confidence-Building Rituals
We mentioned above, briefly, pre-performance rituals and the importance of a positive
sense of identity.
Here are some common pre-performance rituals that can anchor you as a musician and provide a sense of control:
Physical Warm-Ups: warming up parts of the bodies such as fingers, vocal cords, stretching your entire body.
Vocal Exercises: Singing has a huge healing effect on your body.
Whether you're a singer or not, singing to yourself or warming up your
voice will benefit you greatly - especially in your breath control. Hum
your instrumental passages, and notice how your breath control
enhances your musicianship!
Instrument Tuning: Meticulously tuning instruments not only ensures
accurate pitch and harmonious sound, but it can provide musicians with
a greater sense of confidence.
Quiet Time: Find a quiet space to collect your thoughts, away from the
noise! In a busy wedding, this could be walking away from the wedding
venue completely (time permitting), if there isn't a quiet garden space or
separate room (for example).
Power Poses: Pick a pose that makes you feel powerful. Experiment
with this in your own time. Examples of power poses include standing
with your feet shoulder width apart, hands on hips, legs slightly bent and
chest up. Taking a few breaths while in the pose will help you feel more
grounded and relaxed.
Solo Time: Not all musicians want to socialise all the time. Sometimes
separating yourself from the group for a few moments can be hugely
beneficial.
Group Encouragement: Gather together as in a group huddle/talk
moments before your set/performance. Develop a routine of "team high-
fives" or "group chants" for example.
Personal Rituals: Some musicians have personal rituals, like wearing a
lucky item of clothing or listening to a specific song, to boost their
confidence.
Expressive Release: A musical improvisation by yourself or quick Jam
session with your band is a great way to get "in the zone"! This
uninhibited playing releases any pent-up nervous energy.
Interaction with Audience: The benefit of performing at weddings, is that
you can interact with wedding guests, before a set and help you "break
the ice".
Sipping Water: The simple act of drinking water is a habitual pattern. But
if you make it a present action - it could help you stay in the moment.
Last-Minute Touch-Ups: Quick adjustments to your attire, make-up or
hair, and looking in the mirror can boost your confidence levels just as
you're about to perform.
Connecting to Personal Items: Family photos, crystals, good luck
charms, your favourite
Meditation: There are many meditation techniques out there, too many
to name. Feel free to explore what works for you. If you're a beginner,
just start by being aware of your breath on a daily basis. The power of
meditation, no matter what form has huge health benefits for your entire
life!
All or some of the above may or may not work for you, but once you know what does,
incorporate it into your pre-performance ritual and enjoy the over-whelming benefits that it gives you!
Realising Imperfection: Coping with Mistakes
In the dynamic landscape of live music performances, the occasional misstep is a natural part of the journey. It's essential to understand that a solitary mistake doesn't cast a shadow over the entirety of your performance. Rather than fixating on these fleeting errors, focus on your ability to recover gracefully.
Quick Recovery Techniques
There are some very quick and simple ways that you can recover quickly
musically:
Breath Reset: Get into a habit of taking deliberate and calm breaths
when you make a mistake. This simple pause (that feels like forever to
you, but only will be a split second for everyone else), can help you
regain composure and re-establish your rhythm
Rhythmic Adaption: Adapt your mistake by incorporating it into the
rhythm of the phrase, turning it into a deliberate variation - adding an
unexpected twist into your performance.
Audience Engagement: If your mistake is blatantly obvious, don't try to
hide it - you can simply direct your attention to the audience, make a like
hearted moment of it and continue swiftly with a renewed focus.
The Art of Improvisation
Improvising your way through any mishap is the perfect way to recover. Here are some
key points to keep in mind when improvising:
Seize the Opportunity: Intergrate the mistake into your performance,
using it as a foundation to explore new musical directions.
Theme Development: Use your mistake as a starting point to develop a
new theme or motif (in a solo situation).
Collaborative Interplay: If your mistake lies within the band or ensemble,
make sure you communicate with your fellow musicians with quick and
interactive dialogue. Guide them and weave them into a musical
interaction to follow you.
Musical Adaptation: Alter your arrangement slightly to accommodate the
mistake, showcasing your adaptability and demonstrating the fluidity of
music.
Expressive Depth: Use your mistakes as a tool to invoke a deeper
emotional impact to your performance.
The Role of Experience: Navigating Stage Time
There is no greater teacher than experience itself. By exposing yourself to more
performance opportunities, the grips of nerves will loosen over time. The more you perform, the more you learn to find ways to cope with your own stage fright. You will
develop the necessary tools that work for you, such as the ones we have so far
mentioned.
If you're completely new to performing, then finding opportunities to put yourself out
there should be a priority. Open mic nights, smaller events and practice gigs provide the
perfect platforms for you to explore what works for you and an always changing
audience. Starting with these lower-pressure environments allow you to build your
experience and make mistakes in a supportive environment, where constructive feedback can be found. You will find this exposure will help you ease your nerves and anxiety.
Each performance, regardless of its size, contributes to your growth.
Remember that experience is the bridge between uncertainty and mastery - with each
performance edging you closer to an truly confident and professional musician.
Connecting with Your Audience
The power of connecting with your audience cannot be overstated. Establishing a
genuine interaction with your audience with them can be transformative. Having an
external source to direct your attention you, it can divert your mind from internal worries.
It allows you to engage with your listeners to create a shared experience. Here are some
quick tips to help you conect to your audience:
Eye Contact: This creates a sense of intimacy and involvement, making
your performance feel personal and sincere.
Engaging Smiles: Radiating positivity through your expressions invites
the audience to connect with the joy you experience from your music.
Conversation through Music: Use your music as a way to communicate
with your audience. Express the emotions embedded into the songs you
are performing, rather than just performing the lyrics.
Interactive Moments: Invite the audience to participate through clapping,
singing along and even engage in brief interactions (such as through
instrumentals).
Support Network: Seeking Guidance and Encouragement
Having a solid support network is the most valuable aspect of your career as a musician.
Surrounding yourself with mentors, experienced musicians and your role models can be a profound source of solace and empowerment. Do not forget the power of therapists
also, especially when it comes to anxiety.
Engaging your support network and sharing your struggles with them not only lightens
the burden, but also gives you valuable insights and strategies for managing your own
performance anxiety or stage fright.
Through your network you will benefit from constructive feedback. Knowing that others
have faced similar challenges, validates your experience, reminding you that you're not
alone in your journey. The benefit of your support network is that your mentors and fellow
musicians have a lived-experience of what you might encounter throughout your career - you do not have to figure it out yourself. They can offer practical coping strategies and
shed light on techniques that have worked for them.
As you forge connections within your musical community, you're fostering an
environment of growth, empathy, and shared learning. Each interaction becomes a
stepping stone on your journey towards mastering performance anxiety, enriching your
musical experiences in ways that extend far beyond the stage.
Case Studies: Musicians Who Triumphed Over Anxiety
Here are three examples of well-known musicians or performers who have openly
addressed their performance anxiety and worked to conquer it:
Adele, has been candid about her struggles with stage fright and performance anxiety.
She revealed in interviews that she often experiences anxiety before going on stage, and
there were times she considered quitting performing altogether. However, she found ways to manage her anxiety, including deep breathing techniques and seeking therapy.
Despite her challenges, Adele has delivered numerous remarkable performances and remains a beloved artist. Source: The Telegraph - "Adele: 'I have anxiety attacks on stage'
John Mayer
John Mayer has discussed his battles with anxiety and the pressure to perform at his
best. He shared insights about his experiences with performance anxiety and how he
copes with it in interviews and social media posts. Mayer often emphasizes the
importance of practice and preparation as well as developing a strong connection with
the audience to ease his nerves. His openness about his struggles has resonated with
many aspiring musicians. Source: Independent - "John Mayer talks about performance
anxiety"
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has revealed her struggles with anxiety and mental health issues. She openly
discussed experiencing performance anxiety, particularly during the early stages of her
career. Gaga credits mindfulness and grounding techniques for helping her manage
anxiety. She has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has shared her journey to inspire others facing similar challenges. Source: Billboard - "Lady Gaga: 'I have mental health issues'
Stepping into the Spotlight with Confidence
Our exploration into the depths of performance anxiety for musicians has revealed a
landscape rich with challenges and strategies for triumph. Embrace anxiety as a sign of
significance—a reminder that you're about to share a piece of your soul through your
music.
From understanding the fight-or-flight response to crafting compelling connections with
your audience, you've delved into a realm where nerves can be harnessed into energy,
where mistakes are stepping stones to creativity, and where each performance builds a path towards confidence. As you stand on the precipice of the stage, know that you're not alone in this journey.
Embrace the transformative journey, view anxiety as a challenge to overcome, and let
preparation, mindset shifts, and experience guide you towards the radiant stage
confidence that defines a remarkable musician.
Your journey as a wedding musician awaits—take the spotlight and shine, for the world is
eager to witness your musical brilliance.
