What can I do to calm my nerves before a performance?

Tomorrow I am going to be playing a solo to get judged. This will get me in honor band if I do it well. Every band student must play a solo. Today we had a recital in front of about 50 people. I was super nervous and messed up part of my solo. I have been working on this solo forever. I’m afraid that tomorrow I will do the same thing. Any advice for calming my nerves to help me play very well? I play french horn just for the record help!!

Answer #1

You’ll be fine, this is perfectly normal. Everyone gets nervous. You need to remind yourself WHY your performing and how badly you want this, tell yourself this is your only chance to win the judge’s heart and play like nobody’s watching and like you’ll never play again. Good luck :)

Answer #2

just breathe calm dwn !!! and pretend no1 is thr and the first few mins. ull b nervous and then ull be fine(: answerr my question plzz !!! thanks

Answer #3

breathe and just think about your playing in your bedroom with no one around

Answer #4

Almost all performers have to deal with nerves.

Your best bet is to practice your audition piece to the point where you can nail it even if you are nervous and not at your best. Give technical passages a lot of extra work and practice them at higher tempo than you will perform if possible. If your piece is physically demanding than work on your endurance; playing the piece twice might be a good test.

When playing solos exaggerate dynamics because what seems like a subtle change to will probably be lost on the judge or audience. Crescendos and decrescendos esp.should be emphasized. If your piece has a cadenza that is your opportunity to really show off; go nuts here.

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