STAGE FRIGHT - PERFORMANCE ANXIETY - NERVES

[FilthyRichDrums]

Just out of curiousity I wanted to know what you guys to do handle the pressure of being on stage. I love the feeling of being on stage in front of people and having them enjoy listening to your own music, but I still get nervous...especially when we have an important gig like the one we have this Saturday. We made it to the finals for one of the battle of the bands here, and have alot of people coming out. Just wondering if there is anything in particular you guys do to help with getting nervous?

[FilthyRichDrums]

If anyone is interested in hearing our stuff, go to www.myspace.com/rozyr

[Peter J]

Just out of curiousity I wanted to know what you guys to do handle the pressure of being on stage. I love the feeling of being on stage in front of people and having them enjoy listening to your own music, but I still get nervous...especially when we have an important gig like the one we have this Saturday. We made it to the finals for one of the battle of the bands here, and have alot of people coming out. Just wondering if there is anything in particular you guys do to help with getting nervous?


Be totally prepared and only play what you know - A gig is not the time to experiment.

[AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken]

I've had a lot of stage experience through various pursuits and the best advice I ever received to help me with stage fright is this:

Realize that the audience WANTS you to do well.

They didn't come to hear bad playing or make fun of you. They want to hear good music and have a good time. Sometimes it's easy to forget that and imagine they're just waiting for you to screw up, but it's really not the case (unless you're playing a place like the country bar in the Blues Brothers). Haters generally stay home and insist they can do everything better. People who go to a show are rooting for you all the way. Otherwise why would they buy a ticket?

Don't know if that helps at all, but it's something to keep in mind.

[jiltednut]

I've had a lot of stage experience through various pursuits and the best advice I ever received to help me with stage fright is this:

Realize that the audience WANTS you to do well.

They didn't come to hear bad playing or make fun of you. They want to hear good music and have a good time. Sometimes it's easy to forget that and imagine they're just waiting for you to screw up, but it's really not the case (unless you're playing a place like the country bar in the Blues Brothers). Haters generally stay home and insist they can do everything better. People who go to a show are rooting for you all the way. Otherwise why would they buy a ticket?

Don't know if that helps at all, but it's something to keep in mind.

Thats really good advice, better than the whole imagine eveyone naked thing, cheers.

[somedrummer]

I was a bit nervous on my gig this morning.. playing music I never saw before in front of my entire freshman class in college. Either a good impression or bad impression could be made. Many many possible bands could depend on this situation.

So, I just didn't look at any of them. I looked at the band leader and the rest of the band, and just let it flow. I messed up a few times because I wasn't reading the music most of the time, but I made it work, and it was better than I had anticipated. So I am pleased with myself.

[Jimothy]

Practise hard, know the material and relax, don't drink too much and warm up before you play.

[k3ng]

Play to have fun. Drumming is spose to be fun. Don't concentrate too hard on it. Concentrate yes, but don't overdo it. Well, of course you should know your stuff well. Then just relax and have a good time behind the kit.

[neilpscuz]

Take deep breaths before you have to go on and are just sitting down to play. Relax, smile and enjoy ! You and your band have worked hard to make it this far, now have some fun ! I've heard where Pavorotti(sp) still gets nervous before he walks on stage ! It's part of the experience, go with it !

[Drummer Karl]

Of course I`m nervous before giging but actually I`m very very chilled......I love being on stage and play music...damn, that is a fine feeling :-)

PS.: Good luck on saturday!

Karl

[FilthyRichDrums]

Play to have fun. Drumming is spose to be fun. Don't concentrate too hard on it. Concentrate yes, but don't overdo it. Well, of course you should know your stuff well. Then just relax and have a good time behind the kit.

Very well spoken. Seems sometimes I forget to do what I love instead of tryin to be a perfectionist and just have fun with it! I think I have been concentrating too much and not getting into the groove. I just feel that I need to add more since I'm now playing with a guitar player that actually knows what he's doing and writes very very original material. Tonight, I'll just take it easy and have fun with it........ we'll see what happens!

[druid]

Not that it has affected me so much lately but I thought i'd bring up the topic of fear as an inhibitor to our playing. How many of you have had fear before a 'big gig' or something where you really wanted to shine as a player? What to you caused the fear? Did you feel unprepared? Did you feel over prepared? Was it becuase of someone who was there to see you play? How do you deal with fear if...it occurs for performance. I can remember doing Classical Juries...thos sometimes drove up the fear factor for me because it had to be so 'spot on' with no improvisation...plus you knew you were being judged.

[wy yung]

I think this relates directly to low self esteem, resulting in a lack of confidence. Some people will miss out on opportunities due to self doubt. I've seen this myself and as I've gotten older tend to think a reason why, after taking a day job during a 'quiet period' I stopped working professionally for a while was because I allowed myself to think I no longer belonged in the game. Of course this was not so. But I was coming to believe it.

Luckily the kind souls here at Drummerworld showed me the error of my ways and I am returning to it and will grab any opportunity that presents itself. Just as I did before. For example when I was about 20 I was working at a drum shop when a producer rang asking if we knew of a good drummer to recomend for his latest project. I said: "Yeah yeah, I know one. Me!"

I honestly believe there are times we must bite the bullet and go for it. If not, we may die wondering what might have been. That is no way to grow old.

[druid]

excellent post wy yung...and I agree I think most of that comes from one's own low esteem....and it's something to work on all the time. When I was much younger I could play all kinds of stuff that frankly I was afraid to go out and throw out there publically...now days I don't feel that way so much at all...I feel like I should be going for it...you only have so many days years etc...so whty not always put you best foot forward? I also feel once people get to a certain level ...they "level off' often times going thru the motions which I alsio think can be bad...why not try to make EVERY moment work....ulitmately you feel better about what you did...and who you are as a player. I think many fears are mental/emotional blocks...

I played a gig recently where frankly I almost felt as if I were showing off ( it was a band competition and I wanted the drums/band to be remembered) ....playing stuff I would not have had the guts to try when I was younger...and it was not just a throwing in every lick I know thing....it was an intensity in the moment kind of thing...but guess what I had at least 4 other drummers and other musicians come up and compliment me later on....which made me feel great but almost self conscious....it was weird but great at the same time...and I felt good about putting my best foot forward that night and trying to get the attention on the band I was playing with...

[wy yung]

I think it's great that you did so well. It seems as if you allowed yourself to be "in the moment" and let the music speak through you.

Self confidence is a funny thing. If one has no confidence, how does one go about attaining it? It's very much a catch 22 situation. One thing I did as a boy was to take up martial arts. It helped me greatly when I was a geeky kid listening to jazz.

[fat in the middle]

Great topic,. I too have found, that the aging thing plays a big role,,or experience. I just finished watching Harry Connick Jr on an old video. He was young, and fearless. What i think it was, is his ability to realise that the music is bigger than him. I think when we relax into not having to prove anything, we can let it flow, while maintaining that theres a job to be done. That said, i also feel a good fear killer is preparation, and knowing your limitations. I envisioned myself auditioning for his band [Connick's], and thought no way am i ready to set up those figures in a big band. Now i am inspired to investigate, and work on reading.. Perhaps fear can be inspiring as well, only if i can humble myself to not proving too much.



www.paulclifford.moonfruit.com

[wy yung]

Great topic,. I too have found, that the aging thing plays a big role,,or experience. I just finished watching Harry Connick Jr on an old video. He was young, and fearless. What i think it was, is his ability to realise that the music is bigger than him. I think when we relax into not having to prove anything, we can let it flow, while maintaining that theres a job to be done. That said, i also feel a good fear killer is preparation, and knowing your limitations. I envisioned myself auditioning for his band [Connick's], and thought no way am i ready to set up those figures in a big band. Now i am inspired to investigate, and work on reading.. Perhaps fear can be inspiring as well, only if i can humble myself to not proving too much.



www.paulclifford.moonfruit.com

That's very interesting, you channelled fear into a positive force. Seems like a great habbit for one to take up..

[fat in the middle]

Its no fluke we as musicians have fear, as the first biggest fear [survey says!] is public speaking,,then death. I also read an article from a music producer; he stated that the main reason we record music is for the fear of death...Strange concept to wrap your head around. The balance between arrogance and confidence is tricky...Theres a good film i just watched that touches a lot on fear. Its called "What the Bleep do We know Anyway"
It starts out kinda flakey, but settles into some good concepts...i recommend it for any thought prevoking that needs to be done.

[Deathmetalconga]

That's very interesting, you channelled fear into a positive force. Seems like a great habbit for one to take up..

You are on to something. I think it's good every now and then to feel fear, or else you take confidence for granted and lose your perspective on the whole enterprise. There is such a thing as getting too comfortable.

I have played publicly for more than 20 years. In October, I participated in the local Guitar Center drum off - I had never before been in a competition - and for the first time in many years I felt stage fright, because there was no band to hide behind and a highly educated group of listeners was focused on me and my abilities.

In some way I can't explain, the fear inspired me and reminded me of my very first gigs and how special and frightening they were. And I won the Drum Off that night, even against people who were technically better players!

Fear is not something to be "overcome," but rather something to be appreciated, disciplined and harnessed to serve the end of creativity.

www.terrasonus.com

[druid]

Its no fluke we as musicians have fear, as the first biggest fear [survey says!] is public speaking,,then death. I also read an article from a music producer; he stated that the main reason we record music is for the fear of death...Strange concept to wrap your head around. The balance between arrogance and confidence is tricky...Theres a good film i just watched that touches a lot on fear. Its called "What the Bleep do We know Anyway"
It starts out kinda flakey, but settles into some good concepts...i recommend it for any thought prevoking that needs to be done.



My brother is an artist who paints and live in NYC....talking with him about how he views things ( and his art) also has helped motivate me about 'my thing'....I think also it is almost a respect thing with the music....showing respect to the instrument the music and allowing yourself to come thru ( whatever that is) ...and not allowing yourslef the luxury of being afraid maybe? I know anytime when I was younger and I let it creep into my head I always felt bad or at least not good....going in the other way can help....also I've used other thnigs like Bicycling and weight room excersizing as ways to focus and help move in a postive rather than negative direction....

[fat in the middle]

You are on to something. I think it's good every now and then to feel fear, or else you take confidence for granted and lose your perspective on the whole enterprise. There is such a thing as getting too comfortable.

I have played publicly for more than 20 years. In October, I participated in the local Guitar Center drum off - I had never before been in a competition - and for the first time in many years I felt stage fright, because there was no band to hide behind and a highly educated group of listeners was focused on me and my abilities.

In some way I can't explain, the fear inspired me and reminded me of my very first gigs and how special and frightening they were. And I won the Drum Off that night, even against people who were technically better players!

www.terrasonus.com

i too can relate,,over the past couple years i have been performing solo with just my guitar and vocals, open mics etc,, then i got some actual solo gigs, and i found the fear brought me closer to the present. I had nothing to fall back on, no band etc,,people liked it, so confidence was built. I could be a comedian, and goofy, and i know that has helped my drumming.

[Guinness]

I don't really feel fear anymore before a gig. When I first started gigging I believe I experienced a great deal of doubt due to a lack of confidence, but as I became more experienced the "fear" part has faded away. I still feel a bit of excitement before the first tune kicks off, but never fear. I can see where fear could definitely have an effect on your playing...your limbs tighten up and the natural flow of the soul is being restricted. Try to think of the worst possible scenario...what could it really be? You drop a stick...big deal. You come in a beat late on a fill...hey, everybody has done it at some point. Imagine what would be the worst possible scenario and come to accept it in your mind that if it were to happen that you could deal with it and believe it or not, everything will be just fine. Try to do a great job, but don't get to hung up on trying to impress somebody in the audience if that makes any sense. Focus and just have fun.

[Deathmetalconga]

i found the fear brought me closer to the present. I had nothing to fall back on, no band etc,,



That's exactly what I was trying to express, thanks. Fear does bring you closer to the present. Fear and pleasure, more than any other emotions.

www.terrasonus.com

[Ruok]

Excellent responses.

Some things that helped me play through the fear was allowing myself to be human and allowing myself the luxury of messing up. We all make mistakes and look like fools from time to time and even the best of the best make mistakes. So I try to remember that before and while I'm playing. I also purposely try not to think or focus on what it is that is scaring me. For instance, is there certain people in the room who intimidate me? I'll choose not to think on that. Am I nervous about a particular song or songs that I feel I don't know very well and believe I'll probably mess up? Then I will force myself not to dwell on those thoughts and start to think about how great it is just to be playing. Once I realized that the world won't end just because I played poorly or made an obvious mistake etc, then I freed myself from letting fear dominate or prevent me from playing in front of a crowd. And like others have said, the more experience you have, both good AND BAD experiences, the easier it will get and your fear will begin to recede.

[guitaristwhoplaysdrums]

i've got a show tommorow....i've had a few shows with my band before but i always get nervous....do any of you experienced giging drummers still get nervous at everyshow?....and what do you do to shake the nerves

[chuzwazza]

if uve practised the songs over and over and you feel confident that you wont forget anything, theres nothing to be nervous about. i like playing too much to get nervous, its more excitement for me. i always warm up before a gig, even if its just some double strokes and singles, do whatever you can to relax.

[bballdrummer34]

yea man just warm up or at least touch some drums before you play. That always helps me.

[Thrash Drummer]

Be glad its your chance to perform! Get stoked, I'm never serious before a gig..well not too serious.. The point is that your up there behind your kit, have fun and show everybody what you can do. Don't think of them judging you, you're your own toughest critic. If you get nervous, you have lower confidence and you are more likely to messep..so if your nervous about messing up, it's not helping.. stay mentally strong and your playing will be much better. Always warm up too..20 minutes before I play I start the paradiddles...

[moe.ron]

i'd just be glad to play in front of people. warm up and just let things flow man

[bigbang]

IT's a funny thing you know, stage fright. I' ve played to crowds from 2 people all the way up to 35,000 people for 25 years and I still get stage fright or nervous.Some guys never get over it and some guys do to a certain degree.

[drflam]

I find that I get pretty nervous too before a performance. But if I've practice heaps and I know everything inside out, pretty much as soon as I sit down on the throne and or start playing the nervousness disappears and turns into energy / excitement.

I think it's fairly normal to be nervous. You have to learn how to harness the nerves for your benefit. (Don't ask me how).

[funkster5TP]

Warm up and make sure you know the show back to front!! If you're well rehearsed and warmed up you should just be able to enjoy it.

D

[Drummer Karl]

Mhhh...firstly I wanna ask you:

- What is your biggest fear on stage? (The worst realistic thing which could happen)
- Do you feel fear?
- If: Of what are you exactly "afraid"? (audience reactions, forgetting about the tunes etc)

Being nervous is a very normal reaction of the brain...it should helps us actually.
I know that it is hard to overplay it (actually it is impossible) but just try that. I guess you`re playing drums because you love it?

then just play what you feel, don`t give that "being nervous" a chance....and keep up practicing and warming up. ;-)

Karl

[drummerchick435]

Don't get too nervous because only about 10% of the audience has a musical ear.

[hawk9290]

I used to get really nervous before the show, but I just spent that time warming up, and the results of that were incredible. When I would warm up with all my nerves on end, I would be able to play so much more when it came time to actually play because it got the adrenaline flowing and the muscles working. Now I have no nervousness, but still get that same adrenaline rush the whole day of the show and really my performance blows away anything I do in regular practices before that day.

Use your nerves to warm you up, and lose them when you play. There is nothing for you to worry about since most people won't be able to know if you screwed up, and even if you do, its not a big deal, it happens to the best and so just keep on trucking through.

[jonescrusher]

Don't get too nervous because only about 10% of the audience has a musical ear.


You must play to some musically astute audiences!

[Velimor]

I would say just warm up and get up there to have fun. Try to have confidence that you'll play just like you do in practice. If all else fails, have a beer or 7.

[maddrummr]

Calm down and go with the flow. Dont worry about messing up, just have some back up plans if something goes wrong.

have fun!

[drummerchick435]

You must play to some musically astute audiences!

ah well I don't have a real band of my own...just the church youth band so I'm talking about the teenagers at my church.

[theduke86]

This is going to sound ridiculous, but it worked for me. I had a lesson with a great bass player once, this guy George Mitchell. He said, "You know what your problem is? You're not a bad mother. Every morning, wake up and look in the mirror with one eye closed, and say to yourself, "I am a bad mother*****""
It actually sounds like a musically asinine concept, but it definetly did something for me. Just play everything with an attitude like you're the best, and it'll come out better than you think it will.

[jangus]

It actually sounds like a musically asinine concept, but it definetly did something for me. Just play everything with an attitude like you're the best, and it'll come out better than you think it will.

Look at Thomas Lang for example.

[Spreggy]

I don't get nervous for the gigs I've done a million times, but a new project is always a little tense. I like to psyche myself up with some self-talk about how all the stops are getting pulled out, how some good drums are gonna go down tonight, etc. I like theduke's idea!

[retroville]

I had this problem. and it effected my playing. But I figured it out. I needed to be as comfy on stage as I was in the rehearal space, so I would take something from the space with me, kin dof like a security blanket, it could be anything whether its a carpet, or a lamp, or a small picture.. something that you have where you practice. it made the big stage feel alot smaller. Now when I get up in front of an audience, the drum kit is my comfy place, its become my home. now I feel more comfortable up there than in the audience or out on the street. Enjoy it.. thrive on the adreneline.. and play like no ones watching... create...

[brittc89]

This is going to sound ridiculous, but it worked for me. I had a lesson with a great bass player once, this guy George Mitchell. He said, "You know what your problem is? You're not a bad mother. Every morning, wake up and look in the mirror with one eye closed, and say to yourself, "I am a bad mother*****""
It actually sounds like a musically asinine concept, but it definetly did something for me. Just play everything with an attitude like you're the best, and it'll come out better than you think it will.

Confidence is key. Hes exactly right. And Andrew, you are a bad mother.

[burnthehero]

Whenever I'm nervous before a show, I know that as soon as the first note of the first song kicks in, it'll all be gone. That's usually how it is. When you're actually playing, you don't have the space to think about how nervous you are. Having fun with my buddies and a couple beers is usually all I need to keep my nerves low before showtime.

[Lance69]

Hi,

I'm doing a drum solo TOMORROW in front of 600 people at my school and I'm really nervous and I've performed lots in front of people (I've done a few gigs in front of at least 100 people)... but I haven't played in front of 600 of my fellow students before! AND they also want me to speak about what I'm going to do during my drumsolo, and I have a hard enough time playing in front of a crowd that big let alone talking!

Help! Tell me everything you know that will keep me relaxed and focused.

Thanks, Lance.

[TonKpilS_657]

Don't think about it.

Modern Drummer published an article focused completely on stage fright. One of the major sections talked about how when you practice specific movements and techniques they come naturally and don't require concious analysis. When you start thinking about what you are doing, your brain can't keep up with the speed at which your body is moving and performing.

Just relax and play!

[CraigG]

a couple of things, instead of looking around at the WHOLE audience, pick an area out, maybe that a few friends are sitting in. If you have to look out, look and find them. secondly, focus on your kit, the ground and the immediate area around your kit, and imagine you are playing alone. good luck!!

[drumminjohn]

Just imagine that you are alone, playing in your garage just jammin around. I'm sure you'll do fine

[fixxxer]

I know it's hard to do when people say, "just relax". All I can say is have faith in yourself and HAVE FUN. You would'nt be playing a solo in front of that many people if you didn't know what you were doing. Go in and have a good time! Show 'em what you've got!
Keep us posted on how it goes!
Good Luck.

[Lance69]

Thanks a lot guys. Your inputs make me feel confident.

One thing though, I'm more worried about TALKING than actually playing! What is your input on that?

Thanks.

[NUTHA JASON]

i never get anxiety anymore but back in the day when i did my one enduring solution was to go take a dump before the gig...relaxing and quiet...try it.

also use the method actors and speakers use... breathe in slowly for 4 counts, hold for four counts, breathe out slowly for four counts, repeat a few times.

make sure you know the material and have drilled the difficult bits.

that's my advice
j

[Ruok]

Speaking in public is one of my biggest fears. I think one thing to remember is to just be yourself. When people try to appear as something their not, it usually shows. So just be yourself and speak as though you're talking to your closest friends and that should take some pressure off. If some people don't like the real you, then that's their problem. Nobody speaks "perfectly" all the time, so give yourself the luxury of making some mistakes and don't take yourself so seriously and have fun.

The breathing tips already mentioned are very important. When we get nervous, we tend to hold our breath and we stop breathing normally. That could make you feel weird if the oxygen isn't flowing normally, so relax and take some deep breaths and you'll be fine.

[dizkneelande]

drinkin lots of alcohol works for me =)

[ledzepjb]

For me its confidence, but mainly the fact that im able to show everyone listening that i have a great passion for music.

[jim314]

Your conscious mind tries to figure out why you play differently in different situation, but your unconsicous mind knows that you set your drumset up exactly the same each time.

Just stay there behind your drums - you can hind behind them every once in a while if you need to - like a big wall or fortress. Then forge an attack and kill all the enemies dead to the last one!!

Forget about "everyone else" they really don't matter anyway. Stay inside yourself. . . .

[Cypriss]

Thank you for this thread my band are playing there first gig tonight(played parties and things) but first at a pub with a big crowd. and my nerves were shot to death it was'nt that i was scared i'm really excited but its that mixture of excitment anxiety that makes my guts hurt and bad thoughts start to flow in. When in reality people who have heard us really dig it and we are tight band. You guys at drummerworld always seem to have the right info that i need just when i need it. thanks, Alex.

[Cypriss]

drinkin lots of alcohol works for me =)

it really does help to have a few beers. ahh inabitions.who needs em .lol

[jjmason777]

it really does help to have a few beers. ahh inabitions.who needs em .lol

That's what John Bonham said...

[Class A Drummer]

Truthfully, i just eventually stopped getting nervous. I just performed so much that i dont get nervous anymore. Trust me, the more you do it the easier it gets (unless for some reason you perform in front of 10's of thousands of people, or open for Led Zeppelin or somthing.

[Cypriss]

That's what John Bonham said...

awesome i just got compared to john bonham :)

[LinearDrummer]

This is going to sound ridiculous, but it worked for me. I had a lesson with a great bass player once, this guy George Mitchell. He said, "You know what your problem is? You're not a bad mother. Every morning, wake up and look in the mirror with one eye closed, and say to yourself, "I am a bad mother*****""

Lol....
I'm trying to picture myself doing this and there is no way I could keep a straight face....

I think I need a couple more years of woodsheddin - then every morning its on...

[drummerchick435]

1. Relax (take about 10 mins before a gig and just chill)
2. Don't think about it too much. Just sort of go into zombie mode.
3. Don't drink alcohol or energy drinks or drugs if you're already nervous. After the show is fine but I still don't recommend alcohol consumption or drugs.
4. Maybe if your bandmates are willing start off with an easy song.
5. Never ever in your entire band life experiment (improvisation is ok though if it's a jam night)

[foursticks]

5. Never ever in your entire band life experiment (improvisation is ok though if it's a jam night)

I was always under the impression that improvisation involved experimenting? I won't get pedantic or picky, but I wonder what you mean by 'experimentation'? Sometimes the music asks for experiementing and responding spotanouesly to other musicians, regardless of genre. That's where the whole element of risk in your playing comes in and makes music more exciting.
If your experimentation detracts from the music rather than adding to it, then okay, don't experiment like that.
Bottom line: Remember that experimentation can also be a good thing when the music calls for it.

[drummerchick435]

I was always under the impression that improvisation involved experimenting? I won't get pedantic or picky, but I wonder what you mean by 'experimentation'? Sometimes the music asks for experiementing and responding spotanouesly to other musicians, regardless of genre. That's where the whole element of risk in your playing comes in and makes music more exciting.
If your experimentation detracts from the music rather than adding to it, then okay, don't experiment like that.
Bottom line: Remember that experimentation can also be a good thing when the music calls for it.

Experimentation: Let's say you recently heard a cool fill but you never practiced it, but, when you get on stage, you throw it in there to see how it sounds with the band. Chances are you will totally mess up and screw the whole song and your band-mates will get mad at you.

Improvisation: You play only what you know, and you don't throw in any unpracticed material. The song still sounds good and you're on good terms with your band.

I hope I was clear on this.

[foursticks]

Experimentation: Let's say you recently heard a cool fill but you never practiced it, but, when you get on stage, you throw it in there to see how it sounds with the band. Chances are you will totally mess up and screw the whole song and your band-mates will get mad at you.

Improvisation: You play only what you know, and you don't throw in any unpracticed material. The song still sounds good and you're on good terms with your band.

I hope I was clear on this.

Yes, you are, but I shall now question your statement (I'm not having a go, but just for the purpose of debate :] ). In musical styles such as rock, country, pop, any straight ahead style - what you said sounds good and fair. However, in jazz or any improvisational style that matter of fact, that definition of 'improvisation' sounds like playing licks, that you've learnt beforehand, when the whole point of improvisation is sometimes try to take that risk and try something new - but fits the music - and see how it turns out.

Yes, there's a chance you'll fail or make a mistake, but it's better and more musical to try and play something that you know will/would fit the music, but haven't tried before, than play the same lick that you've practised beforehand which doesn't do anything for the music. However, the idea is to be skilled enough to pull that off and not happen to fail.

Just a few thoughts for you on how experimentation/improvisation in context can be a great thing if all goes well.

However, yes, if you're going to try to play a fill/groove/whatever that you know is way above your technical ability - don't do it.

Also, back on topic - I found that for anxiety ignoring the fact there's an audience and purely concentrating on the music (which you should be doing anyway) is one of the best things to both enable one to play well and lose their anxiety.

[Saponi Boy]

drink chamomile tea, if youre not allergic. that'll calm you down....if the anxiety is that badd, try it.

[cnw60]

... However, in jazz or any improvisational style that matter of fact, that definition of 'improvisation' sounds like playing licks, that you've learnt beforehand, when the whole point of improvisation is sometimes try to take that risk and try something new - but fits the music - and see how it turns out.

Yes, there's a chance you'll fail or make a mistake, but it's better and more musical to try and play something that you know will/would fit the music, but haven't tried before, than play the same lick that you've practised beforehand which doesn't do anything for the music. However, the idea is to be skilled enough to pull that off and not happen to fail....

yes - you're kind of describing what the old time jazz guys call the 'happy accident', which is when you screw up whatever it was you were trying to do, but then you take it and creatively transform it into something else that's even better.

[jonescrusher]

Cigarettes drugs and alcohol tend to work well for rock stars, maybe give those a go.

[foursticks]

Cigarettes drugs and alcohol tend to work well for rock stars, maybe give those a go.

lol, nice one.

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[tomk]

Be totally prepared and only play what you know - A gig is not the time to experiment.

I disagree with this statement. I'm a very instinctive drummer and play by memory and feel most of the time. I never count bars, granted I don't play music thats written out, but I also do not play predictable pop. I find that a gig can be a great time for experimentation. If you have a fill coming up, you try something new and you nail it, it feels awesome!! If you don't nail it, then o well, you'll get it next time. I find that the spontaneous nature and unpredictability of shows are what make them the most exciting to play. You practice the songs exactly as they are countless times, and to play them live the same way, it feels like a job. Gigs should be fun and exciting and should spark an equal amount of creativity as a practice. That my opinion from my expeiriences.