Research Assessment #4

Name: Brianna Brown - 3B

Date: November 18, 2016
Subject: Musical Performance Anxiety
MLA Citation:
"How to Make Performance Anxiety an Asset Instead of a ..." N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov.
2016.
Analysis:

For my fourth Research Assessment, I decided to tackle a big problem that many
musicians have faced since the beginning: Musical Performance Anxiety. No matter how much a
person may practice or the preparation they go through, most professionals will experience
different forms of nerves. From mild shakiness to even fainting on stage, this phenomenon has
plagued musicians lives for too long. This is why I turned to this article, which goes against the
conventional idea that one must practice the nerves away, and instead suggests that they should
use this easy adrenaline rush as a way to enhance their performance.
The article starts off by addressing this misconception, stating that it is most common to
lean towards just relax as a way to cope with nerves. This idea resonated heavily with me, as I
have heard that phrase countless times in my musical career, yet it has not proven to be beneficial
in anyway. It then went on to give a brief explanation of why this does not necessarily work. The
article both explains and establishes its credibility when it takes on a logical approach and cites
scientific sources. A main point that was presented was the right brain and left brain argument.
Although heavily debated today, this has been something that explains the difference between the
creative and rational portions of the human brain. Whether these attributes are truly from the
right or left side, it has been proven that different sectors of the brain hold different ways of
thinking. Nerves are associated with the left or logical sectors of the brain because it is a
human response to fear (logically a person will get scared, then rationally think of way to address
their issues.) This is becomes the basis of the articles argument in the following paragraphs.
Centering is a technique in which a person finds a focal point to channel all of their
energy and thought onto, and this is the solution that the article presents. Instead of letting fear
run how one performs, they suggest that musicians should channel their fears and use them to

focus on the music itself. Take the shakiness and instead of fearing about intonation, use it as a
way to strengthen vibrato. Use the warmth from clammy hands and let it allow the fingers to
flow over the fingerboard. The list continues to grow as the author states both personal
experiences and that of their colleagues, only to then turn the obstacle into a strength.
The article then concludes by suggesting ways to implement centering and this is the
section that I took into deep consideration. I decided that the best option for my personal practice
is to perform in front of friends and family who are aware of this added technique, that way they
are able to correct me if necessary. If they began to see me falter, they would be able to point it
out, which would then allow me to regain my focus. Overall, the article was insightful and has
motivated me to start opening my own horizons and experiences through these seemingly
simplistic methods and incorporating them into my daily routine of both practice and
performance. As the saying goes, You cant stop the waves, but you can learn to surf..