This is NOT a Test (or a Recital)

Learning to play in front of your teacher and others

Most students have a hard time playing their songs for their music teacher. When I went back to college I had to take class piano. In addition to classes where we had electronic keyboards with headphones, we were also required to play one on one for our teacher in a little room with a real piano. Not once in the 2 years that I took the class was I able to play as well as I could in the classroom or at home. What was particularly frustrating is that I was playing the guitar in public 5 or 6 nights a week and had no signs of stage fright or anxiety. So, what is it? The first thing a guitar student needs to understand is that you're not being tested. It's your guitar teacher's way of judging your progress and watching for what needs to be corrected. Knowing you're being watched by someone who knows how to play can cause you to be nervous and afraid you'll make a mistake. In addition, it's frustrating to be able to play a song at home and not be able to play it as well at your lesson.

Getting over the stage fright, nervousness and anxiety

The only way to get over all three is by performing in front of other people. The more you practice the guitar, the more confident you become, and confidence is what gets you over the hump. Start out by playing for friends and family, your guitar teacher, and your fellow students. If you have the opportunity to play at a open mic or a jam session, go for it! Our studio offers controlled jam sessions which consist of part instruction, part jamming with others. If you can find a place that offers something like that, by all means get involved. Most cities have coffee houses or other venues that offer open mics or jam sessions and that's another good alternative. Remember, playing guitar or any other instrument is lots of fun when you can share it with others. So practice to build confidence, test your playing out on friends and family, then take the next step and get out in public.