"I’m a little scared?! How do I get more comfortable playing on stage?"
Overcoming stage fright and preparing for your first time on stage can be challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can build confidence and enjoy the experience.
Before you get close to getting on stage, let’s first realize who your audience is, and if you’re trying to get on your worship team, then your audience is not the congregation. Your audience is God.
That alone should take a load off your shoulders! You don’t have to worry about what someone in the congregation thinks about your playing.
That being said, you want to sound good when you play, and no matter how much you practice, it can still be pretty nerve-racking if you’ve never played on stage before. The good news is, that I have some tips to help you conquer stage fright and get ready for your first worship set:
(Disclaimer: The word "performance" has a negative connotation in the church worship environment. Keep in mind that we are using the word here in its most basic meaning: "staging or presenting in front of other people")
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Tips to Get Over Stage Fright
- Understand Stage Fright
- Recognize it's Normal: Almost everyone experiences some level of stage fright. It’s a natural response to "performing" in front of others.
- Reframe Anxiety: Instead of viewing nervousness as a negative, consider it as excitement and energy that can enhance your stage presence. The energy you bring to worship can help add to the worship service you are playing.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
- Know Your Material: The more familiar you are with the music, the less likely you are to make mistakes. Practice until you can perform without thinking too much about the mechanics. I like to say, practice until you can’t get it wrong.
- Simulate Performance Conditions: Practice playing/singing in front of a mirror, record yourself, or play for a small group of friends to simulate the stage environment.
- Visualization and Positive Thinking
- Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing a successful worship set. Imagine the audience’s positive reaction and how good you’ll feel afterward.
- Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
- Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
- Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly. Meditation apps for your smartphone can also be a great place to start.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax different muscle groups in your body to reduce physical tension before you go on stage.
- Focus on the Music, Not the Audience
- Connect with the Music: Shift your focus from the audience to the music. Immerse yourself in the piece you’re playing and let the music guide you. For worship music, you are "performing" for God. Take the pressure off yourself, because it’s not about you. Use this time to draw closer to God as you get more into the music. The hope is that you also get more people in the congregation to draw closer to God with the worship music that you play.
- Engage with the Emotions: Focus on conveying the emotions of the music rather than worrying about how you’re being perceived.
- Start Small
- Perform in Smaller Settings: Begin by playing/singing in more intimate settings, like family gatherings or small events, to gradually build your confidence.
- Gradual Exposure: Increase the size of your audience over time as you become more comfortable.
- Have a Pre-Performance Routine
- Warm-Up: Have a warm-up routine that includes playing through your pieces, vocal exercises (if singing), and mental preparation.
- Create a Ritual: Develop a ritual that helps you relax and focus before going on stage, whether it’s listening to calming music, stretching, or meditating.
- Accept Imperfection
- Mistakes Happen: Accept that mistakes are a part of live performances. If you make one, keep going. Most of the time, the audience won’t even notice.
- Learn from Experience: Use each performance as a learning experience to improve for the next time.
If you're all practiced up and are feeling confident, then it’s time to start preparing for that first performance.
How to Prepare for Your First Time on Stage
- Choose the Right Repertoire
- Select Comfortable Pieces: Choose songs or pieces you are comfortable with and confident in playing. Stick to the material you’ve mastered. It’s also best to play songs you’ve heard time and time again so you know the music, inside and out.
- Match the Audience: Consider the audience and the setting when choosing your repertoire. Select pieces that will engage and resonate with them.
- Organize Your Practice Schedule
- Consistent Practice: Set up a consistent practice routine leading up to the performance, focusing on both the technical and expressive aspects of the pieces.
- Mock Performances: Practice performing your entire set in one go without stopping, as you would in a real performance.
- Prepare Your Gear
- Check Your Instrument: Ensure your instrument is in good condition—strings, tuning, and other equipment should be checked well before the performance.
- Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case of technical issues. Bring extra strings, picks, or other necessary items.
- Get to Know the Venue
- Visit the Venue: If possible, visit the venue beforehand to familiarize yourself with the space, acoustics, and setup. If you already go to the church you plan to play at, that’s great! Keep in mind that being in the congregation is totally different from being on stage!
- Sound Check: Arrive early on the day of the performance to do a sound check and get comfortable with the stage and equipment.
- Dress Comfortably
- Choose the Right Outfit: Wear something that makes you feel confident but is also comfortable to perform in. Avoid anything that might distract you or restrict your movement.
- Test It Out: Practice in your performance outfit to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your playing.
- Rest and Hydrate
- Get Enough Sleep: Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the performance. Being well-rested will help you stay focused and calm.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your voice and body in optimal condition.
- Plan for Nerves
- Have a Pre-Performance Strategy: Plan how you’ll manage any nerves on the day, whether it’s through breathing exercises, stretching, or listening to calming music.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, set up, and settle in before the performance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Enjoy the Experience
- Embrace the Moment: Remember why you’re performing—because you love God and Music. Focus on sharing that love with the audience.
- Celebrate: After your performance, take time to celebrate your achievement, no matter how it went. Every performance is a step forward in your musical journey.
Final Thoughts
Stage fright is something that nearly every performer experiences, but with preparation and the right mindset, you can overcome it and deliver a great "performance". Remember, the more you perform, the easier it will become. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to conquering stage fright and making your first wosrhip set a success.
