Competition and Concentration

Hi,

I am always nervous performing at contests, recitals and competitions. I overcame stage fright in high school. This is what I do: a) When I sit down to play, I take a minute to breathe. b) I think about the piece and how fast it will be played. c) Then, I play the piece.

Don't pay attention to who is watching. I get into my bubble. I just think it's just me and the piano on stage. If it's a long piece, I'm not nervous anymore. I get used to the settings and environment. If you mess up, keep going. Don't show it. They won't know what you did wrong.