Maybe no magic here - perform in front of people as much as possible - church, old folks homes, hospitals, etc. and bananas (the chemical in bananas helps...
Hi, One solution is to use a beta-blocker such as propranolol. A lot of musicians use them, although there is still some stigma attached to their use. Talk to...
Be aware that these don't always come without side effects. I was taking a beta blocker (for migraine prevention, not stage fright) and the resulting heart...
OMG. I cannot believe you could have suggested this Chris. Drugs? To treat stage fright and performance anxiety? Really? What is it with our society that we...
Are you talking about solo viola recitals, or playing chamber music in a performance, or orchestra playing? I will assume you are talking about solo playing. ...
This is to let you know about Jay (doubtless many of you know about him). He has written a viola concerto and a recent 2vnva2vc quintet that 'features' the...
John Howard
johnhoward@...
Nov 5, 2009 4:53 pm
58725
Play for your grandmother! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]...
I have taken beta blockers in the past when I used to get nervous playing solos or auditions. It's not uncommon practice to do so and I'm not sure why...
David, What a great idea! Somebody who loves you unconditionally and will appreciate whatever you do. Even if she can't be there, play for your grandmother. ...
I guess that Christopher's reaction would be representative of the "stigma". I'm a serious ameteur and starting using them several years ago. It doesn't...
Hi Viola List, For anyone who happens to be in Wellington, New Zealand this month... Dear Friends and Colleagues, I would like to invite you all to a recital I...
OK, another go-round about the use of drugs to control stage fright. I have a friend, a bassoonist, who had open-heart surgery to replace a valve. His doctor...
... Don, Nardo et al, I am deeply sorry to sound so incredulous, but I am so astounded by all this talk of drugs to enable you to play in public that I am...
Recently I read in this group about a series of chapters being written for a novel named "Musical Mystery," about a string quartet. Could you provide that link...
Hi, I was about to order a new set of strings, and much to my surprise I now have the option of a normal or aluminium A string with my Evahs!!! Does anyone...
One reason not to take beta blockers is that, for example, they are contraindicated if you have asthma. They also cause lowering of normal blood pressure. I...
For what it is worth and hoping that my experience helps- My father believed that exposure would save his little darling from stage fright so he had me play...
<<One reason not to take beta blockers is that, for example, they are contraindicated if you have asthma. They also cause lowering of normal blood pressure.>>...
Hi all, I'm coming late to this discussion. Here' s a response I tucked away a few years ago when the same question came up on this list: "I have found that...
Charles Small
curmudgeon@...
Nov 6, 2009 10:06 pm
58739
Hi All The solution to "Nerves" is exposure X 3 . After 360 performances you will be immune to it , ( confidence). Until then take a DR. recommended ( Nardo...
I never tried propanolol until I was 30. All it does for me is stop some bow shakes. If I didn't take it, they'd go away after a few minutes on their own. In a...
... That could be true, I would really take the least you need. But to comment on the other point about the rise of propranolol and orchestras not hiring: It's...
Hello Viola List- I just wanted to share with you my performance of the rarely played Stamitz Viola Concerto No. 3 when I was in Brazil this summer, it can be...
... At last I can agree with something. In all the orchestras I have started, and am starting, there have been/will be, no auditions. Ridiculous convention....
... That's a really charming thought, but it doesn't seem to be how most orchestras select musicians. I think Scott's point was valid: candidates will be...
... Of course you are right, Dianne - it is a ridiculously idealistic stance - I realise that. But suspend disbelief for a minute or two, and imagine how...
Hi everyone, (Shameless self-promotion coming) Lynne Ramsey's and my recording of Viola Zombie by Michael Daugherty has been released. It is available at...