Dissolve stage fright: What's really behind your nervousness
Many musicians know this feeling: you're about to perform, your hands are shaking, your heart is racing - and suddenly you just want to leave. Even though you've been rehearsing for weeks. Even though you love your songs.
I often hear this in my music coaching sessions:
"Why am I so nervous, even though I want to be a professional?"
And then I say: Stage fright is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of importance.
There's a lot of talk about stage presence in the music business. But hardly anyone talks honestly about what happens inside when you're in front of an audience.
Especially as creative self-employed people, as artists, as musicians from Munich, Berlin or Los Angeles - we show ourselves with something very personal. And that makes us vulnerable.
What really helps against stage fright? Here are three strategies that musicians can apply immediately:
1. understand your nervous system
Stage fright is a physical reaction. It shows: Your body is taking this situation seriously.
If you fight it, you increase the tension.
Instead: Deep abdominal breathing to bring you back into the present. Or a little ritual before the performance that grounds you. Personally, I take three deep breaths and imagine my chest expanding. That works wonders.
2. accept that stage presence doesn't mean being "cool"
Stage presence doesn't mean not being afraid.
It means staying visible with your fear.
I've seen musicians who were shaking on stage and the audience was completely spellbound.
Because they were real. Not smooth. But human.
3. strengthen your self-image as a musician
What you think about yourself influences your energy.
If you say: "I'm just insecure", that's how you' ll perform.
If you say: "I'm ready to give my best", your performance will come across differently, even if your heart is pounding.
Do you want to professionalize your career as a musician?
Then dealing with excitement is part of it. Not as something you have to get rid of, but as something that makes you human.
If you would like support with this, take a look at my music coaching. We don't just work on technique, but also on the mindset in the music business that will make you strong in the long term.
Kind regards