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well i have a band test today, judgeing for syphonic band or concert, and i knew the music, and i been practicings 3-4 hours every night for 2 weeks, but yet in every band test where i have to play alone, i screw up. IDK how to deal with it, and my teachers all know i know the music, just have trouble playing under these conditions.

what are some tips on how to deal with this.

just be assured that you are confident with yourself and that you know the music. don't think about the people listening to you, just play like you're practicing at home.

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

how often do you play in front of other people? try busking if you need more practice with an audience

OH TOLEEDY!

i just noticed that its the next day already , how did you go?

OH TOLEEDY!

This may just be advice for the future at this point, but the best advice I can give you from my 15 years or so of experience is to not dwell on a mistake after you've made it. As long as you're human, there's a good chance you're going to make some sort of mistake, just accept it and realize that it usually isn't as bad to the audience as it seems to you. If you acknowledge the fact that you made a mistake by stopping or getting upset, it will not only let everyone know you made a mistake, but it will distract you throughout the rest of the piece.
Just try to remember that if you're thinking about the mistakes you've made, you're more likely to make more mistakes later on since you're not concentrating on what's coming up. Basically, just try to have fun and relax and enjoy the music (and if you do make a mistake, just think of it as your own personal interpretation)

Last edited by skeletaljosh at 29-Sep-2005 07:03

it does happen when i am playing in front of alot of people, as long as there are others playing,

when i am in a group and have to play one by one, thats when i mess up.]:|

You could do a Brady Bunch thing and pretend that your audience is naked?

C O N F I D E N C E in yourself because you know you can do it!

just think to yourself "at least i'm not at tim's job and people's lives rely on me dealing with pressure"

Naw, just do your best man, i'm sure you'll be fine in the future.

diazepam. lol. Failing that just zone out and play, if you do the guitar thing a guitar face is expected, close your eyes and just get into it

do a happy gilmore close your eyes and go to your happy place
/:'

i would, but then i cant see the music.]

ahhh stand corrected alright i use this all the time at church i have to give alot of speeches at our youth rallys i focous on one person in the back and i talk directly too them and forget about everyone elese you can twic this a little its better too use a close friend put them were u want them and play too them it takes a little practice put it will help v good luck and remember too know pressure is no pressure but to conqure pressure is to exxcell

Its all about determination. To make certain you know your music...play it twice, back to back, with no stops for anything. And play it perfect. If you can play it twice back to back with no stops, not even between rounds...then you are ready to show your stuff.

Second....Aggression. Be aggressive. If you know your music, then there is nothing to stop you. You gotta build yourself up. Get Pumped. Tap into that inner place in the back of your mind that just wants to knock someone's lights out. That's a good happy place. Feel the adrenaline start to pump, and then focus on what you gotta do. Play the music For the music...not for anyone around you not even for yourself. Play for it...and if you need someone, remember that Orpheus is watching over you.

The greatest thing I ever learned came from jazz: if you make a mistake man, do it again, no one will ever know the difference