Performing nerves

[Ann-Marie Conner]

Good luck! I bet you will do wonderfully. I hope you are looking forward to it. I always play really easy pieces for other people, that I have known for a long time. That helps me … and if there is a particular place that I tend to make a mistake and the event is coming up, I temporarily simplify that place. I know if I mess it up practicing, then I bet I will in front of people. Good for you for playing for other people. And smile or make funny faces while you play … it is AMAZING how much that relaxes me!

[Elizabeth Dexter]

Fortunately people were very understanding and appreciative. They loved the sound and of course, as is everyone, were intrigued by the harp. I had shortened it but still had difficulties maybe due to different background to the strings. There were flowers behind the strings. I wonder if other people have trouble with this

[Ann-Marie Conner]

Yes. I have heard that this is very common! Some people have special cloths or rugs to spread on the floor for a visual background. They even sell them at some of the harp sites. although any cloth will do that you are familiar and an appropriate color. Certain reds and blues are bad because then you can’t see the red or blue strings. And patterns can be bad in a background!!! So people actually carry those rugs or cloths with them. I am lucky in that I’ve only played at my church which has hardwood floors just like my floors where I play my harp!

[Ann-Marie Conner]

I have also been totally confused by not bringing my own stool and sitting in a chair that is not the same height as my stool. I felt totally bewildered a couple of times because the strings were in a different place as I sat lower or higher. Now I almost always carry my own stool or measure to find a chair the same height. I was amazed at how much that threw me off … just like the visual background that you mentioned can do the same thing.

[Elizabeth Dexter]

It is good to know that I am not the only one😊. I also think I didn’t have the harp the correct distance from the stool as it was hard to get my fingers placed.

[nightthunder]

I think it helps if, after you are seated at the harp & all distance correct, take the time to collect yourself. Say a positive phrase to yourself. Do some deep breathing. It may seem like a long time to you but listener’s interests will be heightened. If you are able, watch some harpists @ recital or prior to playing. They take all the time they need. It can help you be a better player-you will appreciate it and so will your audience.

[Elizabeth Dexter]

Thank you for the advice

[Cindy Chaco]

putting yourself out there is the best thing you can do, and the more you do it the better you get, embrace the mistakes, if you make a mistake pass it off as if it were intentional, most people have no idea. you can go full improv mode for a measure and come back lol.

[Elizabeth Dexter]

Working on it!! thankfully mostly playing for friends and family.

[Laurie O'Shea]

Do you look at your strings while playing?

[Jane]

Hello Ladies,

Thank you for posting all these suggestions.

[Elizabeth Dexter]

I was just reviewing all your suggestions. Thank you so much they are most helpful