What is the best way to overcome performance anxiety in music?

I am a relatively talented violist, who freaks out at auditions and when I have to play in front of people. I have done the beta blocker thing, and want to overcome the anxiety,not just mask it.

You’d be surprised what motion can do! If you jog in place or jump up and down a few minutes before an audition or a performance, it not only relieves tension in the body but it also gets the breath moving (which is just as important for instrumentalists as it is for singers). After you’ve moved, take some slow deep breaths and you should be good to go! Also, the more you audition and perform, the easier they become. The nervousness never fully goes away and it’s not supposed to. But if you feel your nerves are interfering with a good performance, try the exercises above. Good luck!

Don Greene, Ph.D. – Performance Anxiety (dongreene.com)

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