Hey, violin here! I’ve got two big questions on my mind:
For people who perform your instruments in solos (rather it be voice or piano) how do you overcome the fear? I’ve been really struggling with this for a while, and every time I get scared on stage, I end up messing up my piece that I prepared so hard for. I’ve been taking lessons for over 5 years, and yet, the confidence issue has always bugged me since I got into my tweens. Please, any advice is appreciated.
Secondly, (mostly talking to string instruments here) how do YOU, personally, get a good sound out of your instruments. Do you use vibrato more or your bow? Just curious.
I had your moments when just become a newbie church musician back in 1997. My church was a contemporer church, which unfortunately, there was not enough musicians to form a band back in those old days.
So what happened? My church management resort to solo keyboard performance to overcome the challenges. That made me have to be a solo performer in front of 1500 to 2000 congregate (a.k.a audiences) every week. There were 3 sessions in the sunday service, which that means I have to perform 3 times a week, 12 times a month: 08:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 07:00 PM. It took me a full year to overcome the stage fever.
Lesson to learn? Enjoy yourself. Music skill is an achievement, an expression of pride in your love for music. It is NOT to impress people. For me, I don't care what people thought about my performance. I enjoy my performance, I enjoy myself, and I want to share my joy with you.
Think about this: the moments you want to congratulate a friend in their special occasion. You show up at the door and shout: CONGRATULATIONS! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!
Have you ever think about: if your voice is on pitch or not? Raspy or smooth? Too loud or too low? If your voice may disturb the neighbor?
No, right? You just shout out with the emotion of happiness in the words.
Apply the same to your music performance, and there will be no more stage fever.
I started my first contact with a lovely instrument called Violin 5 years later. When I knew the violin, my emotion for audience presence is already dull. It doesn't matter for me whether they are present ot not. When I play, I live in my own realm. Answering to your question about vibrato, yes I use them a lot, the technique was naturally born out of nowhere, just because I think it is cool and I like it.
How do I get a good sound out of my instrument? Honestly, I don't make good sound out of any instrument. I enjoy every sound out of any instrument, from short sqeaking string failure sounds, to smooth 2 bars long continuous full note. Everything can be used for something, every sound has a value, and there is no such term of 'bad' sound for me.
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Tonegym's community has great musicians. Let's share our best practices for becoming better players at our favorite instrument(s). Although guitar and piano might have a lot of traction, all instruments are welcomed.
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Jan 16