This is a repost from another section, but I thought it would belong here...
Fabio_Christian wrote:
Hi, I'm in Brazil.
First of all, excuse me for my English because this is not my native language.
With a lot of focus I have achieved some independence in the hands satisfactorily, but still far from being master.
I received Arthur's book recently, although I first met him on YouTube, learned some licks, and then bought the book.
I have suffered more with the walking bass, I still transfer a lot of tension to the hands, but I have been working on it.
I'd like an Arthur tip about how to handle the nervousness of playing in public. In my case, even playing piano for people close to me (friends), they all keep their eyes on my hands and I start to tense and soon my hands begin to stiffen and the nervousness takes care of me. How to stay calm and secure when you are the center of attention?
It sounds funny, and it really is. But it is difficult to overcome this. :)
Hi Fabio, I'm sorry I did not see this post earlier! I think that one of the best ways to over come a fear (in general) is by familiarity with the situation. This means, even though you are afraid of performing for people, you force yourself to do it. Start small, with maybe just performing for your pets, or in front of your camera while you record video. Then perform for friends in informal settings. Then try to perform in more public situations. If you have an opportunity to perform, I would say face it head on and force yourself to do it. Don't shy away from performing if that is something you want to be able to do.
I remember they first time I got on stage, I was so nervous that my hands were tingling. But I played what I knew how to play and then got off stage. Next time was not so bad. And then the next time was better, and so on. Also I was fortunate to be surrounded by encouraging people until I built up my confidence level. That also makes a difference. If your friends give you encouragement after you play, then that will help to make you want to play more. Good luck!
...hi, you are not allone with this problem...Bruno from🇨🇭🙇♂️