Shaky Arm Syndrome: Violinists and Stage Fright

It’s one thing to experience stage fright.  But imagine being up on stage, trying to hold your violin steady and place your bow correctly, when your arm is shaking like a leaf during the fiercest Chicago winds.

The mind is a powerful thing, and the physical effects that nerves can have on the body are sometimes overwhelming. Let one negative thought slip, and you might find your heart racing, your palms sweating, and your shoulders tensing – none of which are good for your playing.

So how can you, as a violinist, cope with stage fright and deal with that pesky shaking arm? For one, bow exercises can be helpful: practice moving the bow and keeping a steady tone at all times. However, the best advice we can give you is to prepare, perform and reflect.  The better you prepare, the more likely you’ll be able to relax, take a deep breath and have confidence in your abilities.  The more often you perform, the easier it will become over time. And when you reflect after each performance, you’ll be able to pinpoint what made you nervous, what helped, and what you need to do more of the next time.

Here are four excellent resources for overcoming stage fright and calming your nerves:

Overcoming Stage Fright: 4 Important Steps
What’s Causing Your Stage Fright?
Stop Stressing: 3 Remedies for Musical  Frustration
Predicting the Future: 3 Simple Visualization Strategies

And what if it’s too late?  The performance has passed, and your nerves got the best of you.  Don’t worry – there’s always next time.  Again, take the time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t.

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