Nervous in Guitar Lessons? Overcome the Anxiety!
Playing guitar can be a therapeutic and even calming experience—but it’s not always that way. Any time you step outside of your private practice space you’ll face plenty of opportunities for performance anxiety to kick in. Even the most modest performance situations can be daunting. Jamming with someone for the first time can rattle your nerves and taking a guitar lesson can easily trigger a rapid heartbeat and fumbling fingers.
What’s That Feeling?
You may be caught off guard the first time you feel nervous at a guitar lesson. From your logical mind, it seems that the only person listening is friendly and there to be helpful. You’re not on stage, so why should you experience stage fright? But some deep part of you reacts as if you were playing in front of people who will judge you for your mistakes.
In some ways, playing for your teacher can trigger worse performance anxiety than you might experience playing in front of others. It’s a given that at least for a while you won’t be as comfortable playing in a different environment than your usual practice space. And, because your learning hinges on demonstrating problems as well as successes, you’re sure to play a wrong note or make rhythmic errors.
I address this common type of performance anxiety in this short clip from a recent podcast. Watch it—it will help!
From the Teacher’s Perspective
In addition to the points in the video, know that as a teacher, I’m listening differently than someone who is expecting to be impressed or entertained. Instead, I’m focused on identifying ways I can help you to bring your playing to a higher level. Once we get to work, nervousness takes a hike!
Keep challenging yourself but be gentle. If you take lessons with me, you’ll see how that works. You’ll find that things that might seem scary at first are ultimately painless, satisfying, and fun!
Talk About it—But Not Much
It may seem that talking about your nervousness would provide relief but be aware that too much talk can sabotage your goal. Sure, acknowledging the feeling can be helpful, but dwelling on it is not. The more you talk about something, the more you invest in it and deepen your beliefs around it.
It’s a good idea to remind yourself that your experience is largely physiological, and it will pass. Just take a deep breath and keep going until it does.
When you feel anxiety creeping in, don’t compound the problem by fighting it or giving in to frustration. Just stay emotionally neutral, stay close to the music, and wait it out.
In a Group
Participating in a guitar class or workshop presents another opportunity for discomfort at first, but the fun soon overtakes the awkwardness. I provide support for Check out this article for help with minimizing the discomfort and maximizing the enjoyment.
Whether you’re playing with one person or a group, remember that your playing partners are just as much at risk for anxiety as you are. If you put some energy into alleviating their discomfort, you’ll find that yours will diminish, too!
Keep playing and keep breathing!
