If you're uptight, its going to be hard to let the music energy flow.
Performing, even when its just to four walls, often brings an anxiety similar to
public speaking. When you're in front of a lot of people the first few times,
you're likely to be at least a little nervous, maybe even totally stressed.
That's natural. And its good news too.
Eventually, all that energy can become a part of each performance. That same
adrenaline rush can be your best friend, if it flows right. It can also kill a
musical effort before it gets off the ground.
If you feel up tight and stressed, its likely to result in you not being able to
play your best. Make sure you read how relaxed you feel from time to time and
manage it. Remind yourself to relax. Then, taking a couple of deep breathes
might be all it takes.
Think of some of the great performances you've seen. Most times when someone is
really good, they can make it look so easy and so relaxed. One of the reasons is
probably they are feeling comfortable and relaxed about what they are doing. Bet
they've done it way more than you, which helps a lot.
As you're playing, see if your hands, arms, and other parts of your body are
clenched tightly at times. If they are, practice relaxing your muscles. Being
tight isn't going to help anything. Music energy flows, tightening up shuts the
flow off like a faucet. Make sure you're breathing comfortably as everything is
going on.
We're not saying don't play with energy or enthusiasm, just try to make sure you
give yourself a chance by not being uptight and stressed out.
And when you feel uptight a little bit, take a deep breath, let it out slow and
let your muscles relax a bit. Then let your mind relax a bit. Then regroup and
try it again. And again, until it becomes habit.
