What’s in Your BACKPACK?

I’ve been invited to play my hammered dulcimer for the neighborhood ladies’ Christmas party in December. And so, to begin to prepare, I got out my backpack and reached in to pull out all the repertoire lists I have designed for different occasions.

But, imagine my surprise when the first thing I pulled out was that old fear of performing. Aaaarrrrgh!  I thought I had gotten rid of that a long time ago. But there it was again, back in my backpack. 

I compare my issue to the fear of public speaking (glossophobia), a very common phobia and one that is believed to affect up to 75% of the population. Some folks just feel a slight bit of nervousness, while others experience full-blown panic. Such folks try to avoid public speaking at all costs. If they are trapped into a situation where they must speak, they can’t project beyond a weak, quavery voice.

Glossophobia can cripple performers of all types, including musicians. The phobia begins to build weeks, maybe even months, before the scheduled performance. As the date of the performance draws closer, the symptoms worsen. A few hours before showtime, such a person may experience digestive problems, irritability, mood swings, shaking, or a racing heart. For example, John Lennon was famous for throwing up before he went on stage.

Well, I’m not going to let this annoying phobia stop me for sharing my Christmas tunes with the ladies. Here’s what I plan to do about it.

• Set a time limit for feeling nervous. The longer I let myself frrrrrreak out, the worse it’s going to get. I need to get over it already!
• Visualize my best performance. I’m going to close my eyes and imagine myself playing … a kind of mind over matter (my shaky hands) technique.
• Slow my breathing down. I breathe faster when I’m in the fight or flight mode, so I’m going to consciously set up a slower rhythm.
• Project confidence. I’m not going to run around, telling all the ladies how nervous I am, trying to gather up sympathy and support.
• Focus on the music. The songs I’m going to play evoke strong emotions and memories in my heart. I am going to focus on the meaning of the words in the Christmas carols and drum any “glossophobia” thoughts right outa my head.

If you’re like me and have been asked to play for a special Christmas occasion … inwardly acknowledge your trepidation but tell yourself it’s ok to feel those butterflies in your stomach, and then practice, practice, practice. When you are performing and focused on playing with expression, muscle memory will go a long way toward bringing you through a great performance.

Happy dulcimering,
Linda