Personal checklist for keeping performance anxiety free - Part 4

Today's first tip is my favorite one because it reveals the intensely stubborn side of myself.  And yes, for this tip to really work, you must be a persistently stubborn soul, at least with yourself, so if you're not, you might want to consider getting some help to get yourself there.

Tip #5 - Counteract the negative mental tape with a more positive one
Once a mistake occurs and I've applied Tip #4, a negative mental tape usually starts rolling.  You probably know what I'm talking about.  I hear something in my head like, "You should have practiced that measure more...I can't stand this piece...I should have played the harp...what am I going to cook for dinner?"  Once this starts, I quickly say to myself, "Damn it, stop!  You are going to enjoy this recital and have a good time regardless of how many mistakes you make!!  You are going to knock their socks off!!!"  I apologize for the mild profanity, but I do feel I need to be that strong with my self and I like I mentioned before, stubborn.

Tip #6 - Sing the music in my head

Every once in a while, if I'm having a really off-performance and I can't focus, I start singing the music in my head.  Especially if I'm accompanying someone else, this is a fantastic way for me to release my intense focus on my own problems and reconnect with the other musician, especially if I start singing their line in my head.  Usually this works wonders instantly.  It also reminds me of why I am performing in the first place - because I want to share great music with the audience.  Note that I didn't say, "I want to share great note-perfect music."

Stop by tomorrow for the final installment of this mini-series...thanks for reading!