3 Ways to Transform How You Think About Performance Anxiety

Perhaps playing guitar for an audience causes fear. Maybe even nausea.

For many years, this was how I felt.

The person who did the most to transform my thinking about performance anxiety was Pepe Romero.

If you’ve heard him play, you know he’s an amazing guitarist.

But he also has an amazing way of thinking about sharing music with others.

1. Long for the First Note

Pepe says to wait to start playing until you long for the first note. Only then do you begin playing. And you only play the next note when you long for it.

This helps overcome the feeling that you need to play sooner or faster than you’re ready. Enjoy each note when you want to enjoy it.

2. Love the Audience

If you struggle with anxiety, it’s hard to have a positive feeling about the people who are listening.

Pepe says to love the audience.

You’re sharing something beautiful. It’s not about what the listeners may be thinking.

It’s about bringing them with you into the world of sound, the composer’s world.

You show your love by sharing the beautiful music you enjoy.

3. Always Reward Yourself

Maybe you normally criticize yourself after performing.

Instead, Pepe says to reward yourself for having shared music with others.

This doesn’t need to be a big reward.

It can be as simple as a favorite meal or beverage.

The important thing is knowing that, regardless how you play, something enjoyable will be waiting for you.

Save any critiques of your playing until the next day.

This may be difficult but is so helpful for reducing anxiety.

The next day you’ll be more objective. You can celebrate what went well and learn from anything that did not go well.

After you learn from mistakes, let them go and move on.

The more you enjoy sharing music with others, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep making music!