How much of your potential will you release?Written by The Musicians' Coach Kavit Haria
Do you ever feel there is an inner voice speaking to you, telling you that you’re not very good, or you can’t do it, or there’s just not enough confidence and repertoire with you? This is voice that calls itself “I” right? Let’s refer to this as Self 1, and Self 2 as normal you, real you that has masses of potential.Self 1 is our interference and concepts such as our judgements, associations, how things should be and uses words such as “should” and “shouldn’t”. Have you ever noticed that? For example, “you shouldn’t play there tonight because audience are just going to laugh at you.” Self 2 is large reservoir of potential within each one of us. It’s our natural abilities and talents and unlimited resource we can tap into and develop. If it’s on it’s own, it can perform with gracefulness and ease. The equation is simple. The more you minimise Self 1, better Self 2 performs. Therefore, more you work on things like your confidence, practice, and performance, conquering that silly inner voice, better you will play and enjoy it. It’s good to be aware of how Self 1 came into act so that you can notice it and conquer it when necessary. At a young age, children are great natural learners. The first eight years of their lives are crucial as this is when they are in an open space and receptive to different things that come in front of them. What we’re taught by our first teachers – our parents – is Self 2 but gradually is changed as we are open to a wider audience. We begin to collect ideas, attitudes, concepts and other beliefs and draw our own conclusions which get Self 1 in act as it tells Self 2 that it’s wrong. As a life coach for musicians, my purpose is to help musicians regain that natural talent and ability they hold within them.
| | Top 5 Ways To Demolishing Performance AnxietyWritten by The Musicians' Coach Kavit Haria
Have you ever found yourself performing on stage and person in front row is tapping his feat and you wonder whether you're maintaining beat? As you are looking around, do you see a few people whispering and chatting away to each other? Do you get worried what they are discussing? Perhaps your image isn't right - your hair has moved out of place, or if you're singing, your voice is a little croaky. If you're wearing a trouser, do they see your zip undone? Maybe they are discussing how strangely your talent is showing through? Or are they commenting on what you've missed out?Perhaps you make several mistakes and your students, teachers, parents, partners are watching. What are they going to say later? Are they going to be very disappointed? Do you think about rest of crowd - will they demand their money back? Your hands are sweaty, shaking, and cold - it's all visible from afar! Are you sure this is really what you are meant to be doing? Stop there! Are you feeling like this? Have you ever felt similar to this? First of all, let me make it clear that you're not alone. Performance anxiety exists with so many people from various professions to various levels. It all begins when our mind wanders and loses concentration that you need. As a musician, I used to experience a lot of this at times when I found it hard to play at various places however I've come up with top 5 ways for me to get over any anxiety I have and play with unstoppable confidence! Here are my top 5 ways to demolishing performance anxiety: Number 1: You have practiced to best of your ability This is key. Ensure you remind, or constantly tell yourself that you have practiced well enough before your performance. For this particular performance, you are ready and going to give audience show of their life! Perhaps your playing can be better than what you think but for this situation, you are ready to go. Number 2: Don't Guess! If you see people tapping their feet, talking to each other, or anything else, don't second guess. You will probably be wrong anyhow as it's your perception (remember no 1 at this point)! Your guesses normally prove to be inaccurate and if you let it be with you it will remove you from continuing to portray your feelings.
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