Comments on: 6 Tools for Managing Audition Anxiety

By: Michael Jacobs

Michael Jacobs — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:00:52 +0000

These are some very interesting suggestions! I just completed my doctoral dissertation based on evaluating a treatment for audition and performance anxiety. I think what may be more helpful than just making sure one prepares, is to make sure that your actions are guided by logic and reason rather than trying to escape emotions. For instance, it can be just as problematic to over-prepare in order to reduce anxiety as it would be to avoid adequate preparation due to anxiety. It’s great to remind performers that anxiety is totally normal and acceptable. A great strategy for dealing with anxiety based on proven behavioral and cognitive methodology would be to practice your piece after intentionally bringing the sensations of anxiety. I have created a website devoted to research and treatment for audition anxiety, auditionanxiety.com. Thank you so much for bringing attention to this important topic!

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 17:12:13 +0000

In reply to Elberama. Beta blockers are known to dampen some of the physiological symptoms of performance anxiety. Since there are different kinds and strengths of beta blockers, they should not be taken without the guidance of a physician experienced in prescribing them for this purpose. While they do work for some people, there can be side effects (such as fatigue) that will get in the way of performing. Performers with heart conditions or asthma should be especially careful.

By: Elberama

Elberama — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 09:43:57 +0000

Chris – I tried Inderal for the first time after 20 years of auditioning for classical vocal auditions. Every time I auditioned, I would start to feel my heart pounding and that cold, queasy feeling in my stomach would develop. It wouldn’t happen during performances, only auditions. Sometimes it happened the entire day of the audition. I found it impossible to control my breath support, lower my larynx, and relax into a vibrato during auditions, even though I can do it fine at other times. Today the Inderal blocked the heart racing and cold queasy feeling. It also made me feel a little light headed, as if my blood sugar was low. But strangely, I still felt the adrenaline, but just with those two aspects removed. I still had to remind myself of all the technique because the adrenaline still made me excited and forgetting to do everything. So I would say that it keeps the mental anxiety, but removes the body anxiety.

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:27:14 +0000

In reply to Mckenzie. We hope your audition was successful!

By: Mckenzie

Mckenzie — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 22:34:50 +0000

Thank you so much! I have an audition in less than a week. This is the first audition I have done… other than the one I came unprepared for.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 11:32:00 +0000

What if you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia? Anxiety is a regular part of my life as well as going days with just little or no sleep…..I’m auditioning at Berklee next week and I’ve heard that many musicians are using Inderal before major auditions (I read an article about a flute player and the NY Phil)….what do you think?

By: Mara

Mara — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 19:55:35 +0000

Wonderful advice Joanna, Thank you!

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 22:23:06 +0000

In reply to Victor. You’re so welcome! Glad we can be helpful!

By: Victor

Victor — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 03:02:19 +0000

Thank you so much for posting this type of document. It is helping tremendously to prepare for auditions.