Rehearsal Research

So I have been feeling really nervous about the performances and really needed some help calming my nerves. This website was a huge help and has helped me feel a lot more confident about the upcoming performances of the Wiz.

http://socialanxietydisorder.about.com/od/copingwithsad/a/musicbefore.htm

What was most helpful was the checklist it told you to do to reassure yourself

• Rehearsal: Try to fit in at least three to four rehearsals prior to the actual performance. If possible, rehearse in the location where you will perform; this is especially important for piano players in order to get comfortable with the instrument. In addition to actual rehearsals, visualizing a successful performance is a good way to mentally prepare yourself to succeed

I checked this one off rather quickly because we have had so many rehearsals and I have put the necessary time in.

• Preparation: Being prepared as a musician means more than being ready to perform. Make sure that you have taken care of all loose ends so that you are not scrambling at the last minute and feeling anxious. Do you need a page-turner? Make sure to arrange one ahead of time. Have you chosen your wardrobe? Be sure to have an outfit that you are comfortable in chosen well in advance of the performance.
  
  
• Relaxation: There are a variety of relaxation techniques that you can use to help keep anxiety symptoms under control prior to a performance. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, meditation, yoga, and other eastern disciplines will help to keep you focused and calm.
  
  
• Memorization: Choose several sections of a piece as designated "memory stations" that you can jump to if you are in trouble. Sometimes simply knowing that you have memory stations makes it easier to relax and worry less about making mistakes.
  
  
• Assessment: Assess your abilities as a performer, and be realistic in terms of your choice of music. Do not choose a piece that is beyond your skill level or that you do not have enough time to learn. It is better to perform well within your comfort zone than to fail because you chose a piece that was too difficult.

After going through the rest of these, especially the relaxation point, I felt much more at ease. I think that I may have been over thinking the performance and all the possible things that could go wrong instead of focusing on all the things I can do well. This website was a big help in my realization of this.