"... nervousness can be overcome if the student is tremendously sure of himself ... or if he can gain more experience. The more one plays in public, the more the fear of performing should evanesce."

Concert artist William Primrose, in Playing the Viola

Performing

Some kids seem born to perform, others get stage fright. Children enjoy playing for others and enjoy watching others play. Group class is ideally suited for stimulating the desire to play and for helping the reluctant performer feel comfortable playing in front of others.

At home, try these approaches to put your stage-shy soloist at ease.

• Give home concerts
  Family and close friends, especially playmates and family pets can be counted on to be an appreciative audience. Ask your musician student to play one or two review pieces. Start with a little warm-up off stage. Begin and end the performance with audience applause and acknowledging bows by your performer.
• Record home lessons
  Watching yourself play can help you feel more comfortable.
• Make performing part of each lesson
  Review pieces are perfect for a mini concert in the midst of a lesson. Chose a piece to be played straight through, without stopping to fix errors. Postpone working on any problem spots that are evident until the next practice time.
• Arrange Play Dates
  Invite another student over and let the kids play their instrument together and for one another. They teach each other, recognize their own abilities, and learn to show appreciation for others musical abilities.

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