[one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_full][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0″ animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Got an upcoming guitar performance? It’s totally normal to feel a little – or a lot – anxious. Feeling nervous and stressed is something both beginner and seasoned guitarists alike experience.
Here are four useful tips you can try to calm nerves before a big performance, whether that be your Trinity College London exam or a casual showcase of your talent. Let’s get started.
1. Prepare as much as possible
First, practice and practice some more. The more familiar you become with your chosen piece of music, the more confident you’ll be going into the performance.
As well as practicing your composition, prepare other aspects of your performance. For example, decided what you’re going to wear ahead of time, make sure you’ve got reliable transport there and back, and be 100 per cent certain you’ll have your sheet music on-hand.
2. Choose the right song
[/fusion_text][/one_full][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_full][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0″ animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Do not choose a song that’s way beyond your ability as a guitarist. Taking on a challenging song for a performance may seem like a good idea at first – you’ll blow them all away with your incredible skill and enviable technique, right? Maybe not.
The thing is, if you’ve committed to a song that’s simply too hard, you won’t be confident walking on stage. And when you’re playing, extreme nerves may lead to mistakes. Avoid this scenario altogether and select a piece that you’re comfortable with.
3. Rehearse on stage
If you are performing on a stage, try to take part in a rehearsal. Playing on a stage is a whole different ball game to jamming with your friends at home or practicing in your bedroom. The sheer space can feel intimidating at first, but after a rehearsal or two, you should feel more confident.
4. Try relaxation techniques
[/fusion_text][/one_full][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_full][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]You’ve done everything right in the lead-up to your performance – you practiced, prepared, and rehearsed. But you’re still feeling nervous. Now’s when you can give a few relaxation techniques a try.
Take some deep breaths into the base of your belly. Focus on elongating your exhale. This is a quick, discreet, but super effective way to relieve stress. Other techniques include meditation (even five minutes focusing on your breath can help) and progressive muscle relaxation.
Nail your next performance
The Steve Flack Guitar Academy can help guitarists of all skillsets nail their upcoming performance.
For those just starting out, check out our Initial Grade lesson pack. For those looking for a new piece to add to their repertoire, explore our range of guitar arrangements – all of which come with an in-depth video lesson. Finally, if you’d like a little one-on-one support, schedule a private Skype lesson today.[/fusion_text][/one_full]