I need Help...

[whiteguy]

ok guys, i have a serious problem that i just found out recently. When i'm around my bandmates, i can play great; no sweat. But then when i'm around others, even my dad, i **** up alot. I can only imagine what's going to happen at this upcoming party we are playing at. do you guys have any advice that i could use before the party?

[FINGERPICKINGOOD]

My advice would simply be to play as much as you possibly can around other people. If you play funny around your dad, then play for your dad. Heck, if you feel funny playing infront of your dog, practice infront of your dog. The more you do it the more at ease you will become. Grab an acoustic guitar and take it downtown or to the park, and play infront of complete strangers. Most of all, dont think about the people that are around, think about the music, and most of all just have a good time. If you are displaying that you are having a good time, everyone else will have a good time. If you hit a couple wrong notes, dont make a funny face or anything, just keep playing. Im gonna let you in on a little trick of the trade - I would say about 95% of the time, when you mess up, only you and you bandmates can tell. The people watching can tell if you make it obvious. If you dont make any faces, or stop playing, or look up at everyone when you mess up, i bet you no one will know. Lemme know how it goes. Oh, one more thing, dont drink TOO much before you play. A little alcohol wont hurt you, but make sure its in moderation. Too much will impede your playing, not to mention make you look like a fool when you trip on your instrument cable. http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif Good luck.

[StoneDragon]

I can't add anything to that. Good advice!

[dacster]

I can't play in front of my teacher. I can sit at home and work over a lesson and feel real good about it then I sit down and play it for him and I can never play it as well as I can when no one is looking.
Course he says the same thing. The owner of the shop used to teach and he taught my teacher. He says even after 15 years he still falls apart when he plays for Nick.

[StoneDragon]

That's pretty common. There's something about demonstrating for your teacher. It's like being under the microscope in your mind.... even though the teacher probably isn't looking at it that way.

When I'm teaching a student, there's an automatic filter I use in my mind that takes into account that a student will usually always choke a bit when they are trying to show you something they have been working on.

[The Rod]

Great stuff guys. The simplest advice from me would be just to narrow it down to two thoughts is: be POSITIVE about Everything and always FOCUS.

[Intruder]

Great advice so far, I used to have terrible fear of playing infront of even my closest friends. Last time I performed it was in front of a couple hundred people, and I was not nervous whatsoever. I think you have to find your motivation, emotion, or what drives you to play. For me it's agression and anger, If I listen to some pantera or megadeth and get jacked up, and convince myself that me and my band are the baddest around, I play great. I know many people who are not into metal think those of us that are might just be the stereotypical idot. My IQ is above average, not gifted, but good. Think about why you play, what you feel when you play. Are you pouring your soul out? giving a technical display? giving something to the crowd? sharing it with them? or ramming it down thier throats? I chose the latter two. BTW, we do have some balads.

[whiteguy]

wow...it's been a year since i posted this. ;p

[drumstix128@aol.com]

so how did the party go?

[whiteguy]

well, as i remember it went well. there weren't -that- many people there..about 20 watching us, the rest were in the other room, able to hear us. it was a positive experiance. I'm a loner now, so maybe now that highschool ended for me i can find a band.

[Bardsley]

Is that really the date you posted this question? Gee, doesn't time go fast. It also might suggest that Performance Anxiety might not be the MOST visited part of this forum... Oh well, at least you get considered opinions, even if it takes a year of consideration http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/wink.gif