I finally plucked up the courage to play a song or two from some friends the other night. Every note i knew blurred and all of a sudden everything I knew I no longer knew. My timings, my notes, my rhythm. It was a mess. Like most things is it just practice when playing in front of others? Any tips on controlling the nerves? Thanks for feedback!
It's called Performance Anxiety. A lot has been written about it. We practice hard in the comfort of our homes and with Devin's and other websites. We think we're doing good in that sterile environment (and we are doing well) by ourselves. Then in front of others. all heck breaks loose we seem to forget everything we learned. I'm part of a group performing music for a memorial service this weekend and yes I will feel nervous as well. Take a deep breath and keep on playing.
Keep plugging away at it. When I’m sitting here all alone I think I sound pretty spectacular. As soon as another human walks in plinker tinker oops takes over
I have the same problem! I've discovered that even when I have practiced and practiced and practiced, I still get nervous and mess up. However, I've also discovered that the more I play in front of others, the easier it gets with fewer mistakes. Good luck with this!
Its all about experience the more you perform the more competent you will become and the nerves will ease after the first song.
i sound bad even when alone so I'm no help. My granddaughter on the other hand sings great but she gets very nervous when singing in public. She still sounds great. She has done the national anthem for rodeos and basketball games at school and sounds good when singing karaoke in public. She hates it that she gets so nervous but I guess that's just part of it for most if not all performers.
I was sitting here last night all alone, playing guitar with Devin as usual. I sounded great! Then the dog barked and I heard someone come in. My grand performance was just ruined.
I think it's normal to be nervous in front of an audience. Don't know how these musicians do it, especially in front of an audience of thousands!
Maybe if you went out and busked in front of a lot of strangers you'd lose your nervousness. Sorry, that's all I got. LOL
Our granddaughter was here for a couple of days. She asked if she could try my guitar. She did take lessons for a while and wow ! Maybe it was the Martin but she couldn't put it down...and a beautiful voice as well ! I think it inspired both of us to work harder !
Maybe there is hope for the next generation ! At 15 she liked songs from the 60's, 70's, 80's ! She even tried "House Of The Rising Sun"...that was a flashback !!! lol
You are not alone. It happens to me too. Just keep performing in front of friends and evetually you will get it right. Persistency is the key here
It happens to me too. It has with all instruments. It is mortifying.
I’m good howling like a branchee
Thanks for reassurance everyone, good to know I’m not the only one! I’m now taking my guitar over to a friends house and just playing without intent, it seems more relaxing without audience focus. My cat remains my number one fan so I may ask everyone to wear a cat mask! Perseverance remains on all fronts!😀
@canuck My GD is !6yo and loves the Beatles. I think she knows them all.
