How to Overcome Performance Anxiety at the Piano

If you feel nervous before playing in public, you’re not alone.

Virtually every musician experiences performance anxiety at some point.

The key is not to eliminate those nerves, but to learn how to work with them.

Nervousness is often the natural result of doing something that matters to us. It comes from caring about the music, the audience and the experience we are about to share.

When we accept that reality, nerves stop being an obstacle and start becoming a source of energy and focus.

Remember:

• Nobody expects perfection.
• Mistakes are a normal part of performing.
• The audience wants you to succeed.
• Music matters more than individual notes.

Every performance makes the next one a little easier.

Confidence does not usually appear before you perform.

Confidence is built by performing.

Each time you step up to the piano, you gain experience, resilience and trust in your own ability to keep going.

The goal is not to play without nerves.

The goal is to discover that you can make beautiful music even when they are there.