How to overcome stage fright before a concert?
Do you know what stage fright is? That lump in your stomach just before going on stage, that mixture of stress and excitement... It's a feeling that all musicians know, whatever their level. But the good news is that there are simple tricks you can use to calm the nerves and turn that pressure into positive energy.
Because when it comes down to it, stage fright is proof that your performance is important to you. So whether you're a singer or an instrumentalist, find out how to tame that stress and make the most of the magic of the stage.
Why do we get stage fright?
Stage fright is that familiar feeling that arises as soon as an important moment approaches. But why exactly does it occur? In reality, stage fright is your brain's natural reaction, a sort of "red alert" mode activated as soon as you're about to do something that means a lot to you.
It all starts with adrenaline. This famous stress hormone is released by your body to prepare you for action: rythm accelerating heart rate, clammy hands, knotted stomach... all this is your body saying to itself "watch out, crucial moment!" Your brain, on the other hand, perceives the scene as a challenge to be met, sometimes even as a threat (thanks to the fear of doing it wrong or of being judged).
And then there's the pressure you put on yourself: the desire for perfection, the fear of disappointing, or simply the stage fright of playing in front of an audience, big or small. But in reality, all this stress has a simple reason: you care about what you do.
7 tips for managing stage fright before a concert
1. Prepare your concert like a rehearsal
It's often said that preparation is 90% of the job. And when it comes to dealing with stage fright, it's no myth. The more prepared you are, the more you reduce the unknown, and therefore stress.
Rehearse in real-life conditions. If you're playing on stage, try to recreate the atmosphere: play standing up if you have to stand, wear your concert outfit, and use your equipment as if it were the big day. This helps make the stage more familiar and, surprise, reduces any minor anxiety.
Familiarize yourself with every detail. Know your pieces inside out, but don't just know them. Imagine yourself in unexpected situations: "What if I lose my words or miss a note?" Spoiler: the audience probably won't notice a thing if you keep playing with confidence.
Finally, take the time to check everything in advance: sheet music, instrument, cables, everything must be ready so that you can concentrate solely on your music. Less logistical stress = more peace of mind.
6 tips for organizing your sheet music (paper or digital) so you never lose track!
♫ With the Newzikapp, say goodbye to loose sheets and forgotten sheet music. Organize all your tracks in personalized playlists and access them, anywhere, in the blink of an eye. On D-day, everything is at your fingertips, ready to follow your rythm. Because being ready means being organized.
2. Breathe to calm the mind
When stage fright sets in, your breathing tends to become rapid and shallow. The result: your body becomes even more excited. But the good news is that you can break this vicious circle with a simple breathing technique.
Try the 4-4-6 method. Inhale gently through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat this a few times, and you'll feel your rythm heart rate slow down. Your brain, for its part, will understand the message: "All's well, let's calm down."
Add a touch of relaxation. As you breathe, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a soothing place. It could be a beach, a forest, or even your living room. The idea is to refocus your attention on the present and not on the stress of the scene.
Practice this breathing regularly, not just before the concert. The more you make it part of your routine, the more effective it will be when stage fright strikes.
3. Visualize your success
It's often said that the mind makes all the difference. And it's true! Before going on stage, your mind can be your best ally... or your worst enemy. So you might as well get it on your side with a simple technique: positive visualization.
Learn to recognize your stage fright. Instead of fighting it, accept that it's there. Say to yourself, "Okay, I'm a little stressed, and that's normal." This recognition alone helps to reduce the negative impact of stress.
Imagine yourself succeeding. Close your eyes and project yourself into the moment of your performance. Visualize yourself at ease, confident and connected to your music. Imagine the applause, the audience's smiles, and the satisfaction of having given your best. This mental image sends a reassuring signal to your brain.
Repeat this exercise regularly. As with music, the more you practice, the more effective your visualization becomes. Take a few minutes each day to practice, especially in the days leading up to the concert.
Follow our tips to play your instrument on stage like an ace!
♫ With Newzik, synchronize your scores with audio recordings to combine visualization with active listening. Play in perfect harmony with the music while following your annotated scores. Share your scores and annotations with stage partners or your teacher.
4. Adopt an anti-stress routine
The stage is a unique moment, but sometimes intimidating. To calm your nerves, there's nothing like a well-honed pre-concert routine. This little ritual becomes a point of reference that helps you stay focused.
Create your own personal ritual. It could be a moment of meditation, a few minutes' warm-up, a cup of tea, or even listening to a motivating playlist. The idea is to choose simple gestures that soothe you and put you in a positive frame of mind.
Try out different rituals to find your own. Need to get moving? Try a brisk walk or some light stretching. Looking for calm? Try deep breathing or visualization. What's important is that your routine is unique to you, and that you associate it with a moment of refocusing.
Stick to your routine. Repeat it before each performance to create a reassuring habit. The more you follow it, the more it will become an anchor for your mind, helping you to prepare stress-free, almost automatically.
How about a tune before you go on stage? Discover how music can de-stress you!
5. Get your body moving
Stage fright doesn't just stay in your head, it also manifests itself in your body: tension in your shoulders, trembling legs, a racing heart... So to relieve this pressure, there's nothing better than moving around a bit.
Stretch to release tension. Before going on stage, take a few minutes to stretch your arms, shoulders, neck and wrists. This will release muscular tension and restore a feeling of fluidity. If you play an instrument, particularly target the areas that are most stressed, such as the fingers or the back.
Try a little physical warm-up. A few light jumps, a brisk walk or even a dance on the spot can work wonders. These movements activate your blood circulation and release the energy built up by stress. A lighter, more relaxed body and mind!
Adopt simple gestures on stage. Once you're performing, regularly relax your shoulders and breathe deeply between songs. These small adjustments can make all the difference to staying comfortable throughout the concert.
❌ To avoid: excitants like coffee or energy drinks just before playing. They risk reinforcing your nervousness rather than calming you down. Prefer good hydration with water or an infusion. Of course, the same goes for your diet: avoid sweets. Treat yourself to a healthy diet. A good night's sleep the night before the concert and you're ready to take to the stage without pressure.
6. Change your view of the public
Audiences are often the main source of stage fright. You're afraid of being judged, of disappointing, or simply of not measuring up. But how about a change of perspective?
Think of your audience as allies. People don't come to judge you, but to share a moment with you. The majority are benevolent, curious and sometimes even admire your courage.
Seek out human contact. A smile or a glance exchanged with someone in the audience can be enough to break the barrier and relax you. The idea isn't to stare at someone intensely (that would be weird 😅 ), but simply to find a welcoming face that helps you connect to the present moment.
Let the mistake go. Audiences are often much less critical than you are of yourself. A false note, a lapse of memory? It doesn't matter. What counts is the emotion you share.
A quick reminder: You're on stage to offer something beautiful, not to be perfect. When you play from the heart, the audience feels it and remembers it far more than any technical error.
♫ With Newzik, prepare your tracks in detail and use annotations to spot the key passages where you can interact with the audience (smiles, gestures, pauses). By mastering your music, you'll gain the confidence to share your energy more freely on stage.
7. Smile and accept imperfection
Stage fright makes us believe that we have to be perfect on stage. But perfection isn't what audiences want. What they want is a sincere, emotional performance. And the best way to disarm stage fright? Accept that imperfection is part of music.
Smile, even if you're nervous. A simple smile can work wonders. Not only does it relax your facial muscles, it also sends a positive signal to your brain: "It's all right, I've got it." And bonus: a smile also engages the audience and creates an instant bond.
Turn mistakes into unique moments. A false note or an oversight? Don't panic. Just carry on playing as if nothing had happened. These little imperfections make your performance human and authentic. Sometimes they even go completely unnoticed.
Remember why you're here. You're on stage to share your passion, not to impress with perfect mastery. Music is all about conveying emotion. As long as you play from the heart, you've already won.
♫ With Newzik, digitize your scores and organize your pieces to avoid the unexpected. Mark passages that need further work with the annotation service to keep clear, useful reference points in your scores: fingerings, nuances, key moments... Let the technical tools handle the details, and concentrate on the emotion of your performance.
During the performance: what to do if stage fright returns?
Even with good preparation, stage fright can still creep in during your performance. Don't panic, it's normal! Here are a few simple tips to help you regain control on stage:
1. Breathe deeply. If you feel your rythm heart racing, take a deep, discreet breath, release it slowly, and repeat. These few seconds are often enough to calm the tension.
2. Concentrate on the music. Go back to what's essential: the notes, the rythm, the emotion you want to convey. Let the music refocus you.
3. Relax your shoulders. Stress can lead to tension in the upper body. Take a second to relax your shoulders and adjust your posture. You'll feel more at ease immediately.
4. Fix a neutral point. If the audience intimidates you, choose a neutral point in the room (a wall, a spotlight, or even the tip of your instrument). This allows you to stay connected without being overwhelmed by stares.
5. Smile, even if you're stressed. A smile has the power to relax your face and transmit positive energy to the audience. And sometimes, all it takes is a smile to make you feel better.
♫ Changing pages at the wrong time can be a source of additional stress. With Newzik, transform your tablet or smartphone into a stage partner so you never lose track. Thanks to the automatic scrolling mode, your scores adjust to rythm your playing and help you gain fluidity. No need to look up or lose focus. Everything you need to stay focused on what's essential: your music.