Being nervous

[kingy102]

ok so on the 10th of july i have to play dani california by myslef to a backing track for a year 10 GSCE music concert and i'll probably be nervous is there anything that could help me relax and less chance of making a mistake

[That Guy]

Become fluent with the song obviously.. lol. Not too much can be done with pre-gig jitters. Just know the song, and don't beat yourself mentally before the gig.

All the best dude!

[volume_3]

Maybe try playing it infront of a few friends, not for feedback (alothough this would be important) but to get used to an audience (i'm guessing there is one, if not then atleast playing infront of people should help you relax for the actual thing)

[maddrummr]

Well theres no doubt that you are going to be nervous before the gig. But just try and get in the groove when you start playing and feel the music. Then all the nervousness just goes away.

[fijjibo]

Remember to warm up on a pad before the performance, it will help you relax and focus your mind on the coming task.

Best of luck,
fijjibo

[Drummer Karl]

Take your time to set up the drums so that you sit very comfortable, that you can moce freely around the kit. Then sit down somewhere and warm up on your pad or knee, however.

Warm up the hands and feet...and play something.

Try to be relaxed, remember that you`re doing something you really love....I guess.

Karl

[Wavelength]

Everyone's at least a bit nervous before a performance, and incidentally, being a bit nervous (or rather, excited) actually improves your performance: you'll be on the edge, all senses and muscles going at 100% efficiency, you'll be more focused on the task at hand. Embracing this excitement as a positive thing helps tremendously: you won't be afraid of being nervous, but rather expect it and want to be a bit jittery. This positive attitude alone will decrease the ill effects of nervousness (tensing up, shaking hands...) and prepare you for a good show.

[drumbandit]

Just make sure you know the song, and you're warmed up and everything. Try and ignore the audience if they're intimidating.

Tom

[tomtom]

There´s a great article on exactly this issue in the july issue of MD (Jeff Ballard on the cover) with some helpfull tips.

[Gene Smasher]

Just get into the 'mood' of the music... Just rock out... Then you'll fly through the whole gig.

[cjl71178]

I think pretty much everyone has had their share of "nervousness" when it comes to playing. Ozzy Osbourne still has stage fright to this day!

I know when I first started out years ago, I would literally freak out before a show. I think to this day there's still sometimes when I get nervous. But I try to keep focused, make sure I'm well relaxed and remember that I'm getting the chance to do what I love doing the most.

Just breath, relax, and rock out! You'll be fine.

Hey, let us know how it turned out for you.

We'll all be cheering you on (and your performance is one day before I turn 29!). Best wishes.