It is possible for some to never experience the pre-gig jitters, but for most of us stage fright can be a nightmare! Let's take a look the problem and ways to fix or avoid it all together.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

To begin with, stage fright is the result of one or serveral factors combined:

• Limited or no experience performing live
• Being in the spotlight in front of a lot of people
• Not knowing the songs frontwards and backwards
• Playing in a band with people you're not used to performing with

The result?

• It's almost impossible to 'feel' the groove, or get in the pocket
• careless mistakes are made
• you forget how the song goes (i.e. stops, fills, etc.)
• the tempo is played too fast, too slow, or just not consistent

If you have ever performed on stage you may be able to relate to these experiences. So what do we do about it? Plan ahead . . .

THE BATTLE PLAN

If at all possible, stick with friends. By this I mean build your confidence in a garage-band setting with friends who are at your same level of development.

Forgive them for their short-comings and expect the same from them. Playing with seasoned musicians can be very intimidating, which only makes you more nervous. Just play for fun without an audience until your show is fine-tuned to perfection.

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SIDE NOTE: Keep in mind that I'm not saying to NEVER play along side skilled verterans. They are great to help you stretch yourself! The point is, you will be much more relaxed when your regular (and live) bandmates are at your level.

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Hopefully, when your garage-band scores that first gig . . . you'll be ready as a team.

There is just something about working with a well-oiled killing machine that expels fear altogether. There'll be nothing to fear, and you'll know it in your heart! Stage fright may never have a chance to fester in a situation like that. All symptoms of stage fright may then be pleasantly replaced by those more positive feelings of eager anticipation.

Don'ts

Until stage-fright is no longer an issue, be cautious about sitting-in 'cold', with people you don't know. Musicians can sometimes be calloused and insensitive, especially if their own egos and jealousies get involved.

It isn't uncommon at all to get blamed for mistakes you didn't cause . . . or make. There are a lot of unprofessional people in the business who will try to lay their own inadequacies off on someone new in the group.

The sit-in or new drummer will often become a target for everyone's criticism. It's rough being compared to the last drummer, who may have devoted a year or two building a band around his own ideas. Then, you walk in with new or different ideas . . . and often . . . you may get slaughtered, even if you're a better drummer than the last guy. This situation can be tough on a seasoned pro . . . and totally devastating to a beginner just starting out.

• Play a portion of the song with your eyes closed.
  
  Huh? Yes.... that's what I said. I stand firm that playing the drums is all about feel. By the time your skill level and experience with a band grants you the occasion to perform live, you 'should' be able to close your eyes and not miss a lick.
  
  One of symptoms of stage fright is losing your 'feel'. If your eyes are closed, you focus is strictly on feeling the music and feeling your kit. Give it a try when practicing!
  

• Finally, simple breathing exercises can work wonders at slowing your pulse, calming your nerves, and helping you to gain focus. Here's the basic exercise:
  
  1. Exhale deeply, contracting the belly.
  2. Inhale slowly as you expand the abdomen.
  3. Continue inhaling as you expand the chest.
  4. Continue inhaling as you raise the shoulders up towards your ears.
  5. Hold for a few comfortable seconds
  6. Exhale in reverse pattern, slowly. Release shoulders, relax chest,
  contract the belly.
  7. Repeat.
  
  From: The Wellness Workbook. Travis, MD & Ryan; Ten Speed Press, 1988