Tips for not being so nervous?

Question

Tips for not being so nervous?
So I am in a conducting class and we have to conduct in front of the class for like measures and I get sooooo nervous, my whole body shakes, especially my hands and my heart beats so fast! Its like I cant control it and i dont know how to stop it. I memorize the measures and can do them perfectly so its not about doing well at all. Some people say to imagine silly things about the people in front of you but its just not that easy.... please help!

Answer

I must say, I understand completely how you feel! There is nothing more frustrating than having to perform something you know you have worked hard to master in front of an audience, while your body visibly shows signs of nervousness like your uncontrollable shaking. I wish there was an easy answer for you! While it is frustrating and it may feel like it is something that might stifle your talent and abilities when it comes to conducting, the visible signs of nervousness can be overcome and controlled. However, it is going to take a great deal of experimenting, exploring and and keeping an open mind.brbrThere are several methods for you to cope with your performance anxiety and if you Goggle quothow to deal with performance anxietyquot or strategies to deal with nervousness in stage performance andor public speakingquot you will find countless examples. The best way for you to discover which method is most appropriate for you, is simply to experiment with each one of them, starting with the one you feel is something you can do with ease, that will not distract you from your well rehearsed material and conducting.brbrAlso, do you have a mentor in music, perhaps a teacher or fellow student that has experienced anxiety when performing? Please, do not be afraid to mention your anxiety to anyone you trust, in fact, you will probably be surprised at how many people have and still do deal with performance anxiety issues. They can be extremely valuable resources just by sharing some of their own experiences andor methods that have helped them to cope with performance anxiety.brbrNot that this even appears to be an issue for you, but there are some people who suffer from GAD General Anxiety Disorder. GAD is basically an anxiety disorder that causes a person to experience more severe physical and mental reactions to anxiety i.e. trembling, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness, etc. If you find that you are experiencing increased anxiety outside of your performance anxiety, then you may want to talk with your parents about it so that they can provide you with the appropriate resources before it becomes something that interferes with not only your conducting but with other areas of your life.brbrI am hopeful that you will find a way to help you cope with the normal performance anxiety you are experiencing. Again, I know firsthand how difficult it is to work so hard at perfecting your performance and having to worry about how your body is going to act during that performance. Good luck to you!