Hi there! i'm new to this place so i thought i'd say hello to you all and ask for some advice. I have been learning the violin for 4 years now, i am decidedly average but do have some magical moments. Problem is, i'm ok playing on my own but go to pieces EVERY TIME i play in front of anyone. Shakey right hand, slippy right, nightmare. Have no confidence at all, but think i can play well enough when nobody,s listening. Any tips guys??

I had that problem for a long time too. I tried to get on stage for community performances, etc., and it seemed that every time i tried to have confidence, it would end up in disaster! I think that the one important thing to do is to keep trying. After a while of performing for others, it seems to become more natural.

Practice in front of your friends. i don't mean try to play the songs perfect, i mean just do a normal practice in front of them like you usually would. you will still be nervous because you don't want to screw up in front of them but then you will get used to them being there and it won't matter. hopefully you can then transfer that to the stage
i get nervous and shake too, just play on and remember to keep that bow stuck to the strings (unless of course its not meant to be)
i know how you feel i do that sometimes too, screwed up a perfect mozart! i was angry
but you will be ok, joining a group is a good way to go, if you get your confidence up with them on stage that might work too

just play in front of others whenever you can! The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be

Just keep practising in front of others, make sure you know the pieces really well and if you make a mistake just don't make a big deal out of it.. if you carry on as if nothing has happened people tend to notice it less.

First time I performed in public you could hear my bow shaking and I briefly forgot where I was, but I carried on and at the end all the other students told me I'd done very well... I just hope I can get rid of my nerves for my exam!!

Thanks so much for the replys everyone!! i'm reading "The inner game of music" at the moment and it has given me plenty to think about. I guess it's "all in your head " after all. It's really the desire to do something you have fallen in love with so well, that you put so much counterproductive pressure upon yourself. Perhaps it's better to simply enjoy the act of making music rather than overanalysing everything. Cheers guy's xoxo

I try to keep focused on my music and sound. Everyone else fades into the background. It takes time to get used to playing for others. It can be frustrating though, I know. When I am "just practicing" at home, I still ask everyone else how I sounded!
Jill

Hi. Nerves are something everyone has. It seems to supply us with the adrenaline to perform at peak. But you need to put more concentration on the music and less on yourself. That way put the energy into the music. If necessary close your eyes. . You don't need to see the audience or the instrument? You could also try some form of meditation to get more control over your nearves

Like, I play all the time.
When I'm alone, I pretend I'm playing for people.
Then I play for a few of my friends.
Then I play for just my church.
And just keep building up.
~or~
maybe a goofy trick.
i mean, you can imagine the audiance in their underwear (if you really want to) or maybe invite a friend and have them sit in the front row and keep your eyes on them.
Try working with an ensamble so you're not preforming alone.
relax.
have fun.
tell me how it goes.

This may sound weird, but I had the same problem, and still do when I audition. Small room + 3 people = nervousness for me. So I started playing in front of the mirror, and looked at myself while I play, and it has helped! I also have my siblings (there are many!) sit in the room while I practice, and I'm getting more used to people being around while I play. It works. The more you play in front of people, the easier it will get. Good luck!

I had the same thing, my hands were even shaking in front of my violin teacher. But I started to play (no matter what it sounds like) whenever there was some family member or friend, and when we started to play together with group of friends it has really helped. We just simply play, without sheet music or anything, trying to get along and nobody cares if it´s not always in tune. Also there´s no time to worry mistakes as you got to keep up with others.

Maybe not the best way to practise only, but this has made playing so much fun and also made me to forget to be scared of playing in front of others.

I also practise at home from notes and try to make a right sound, but I think playing along with other instruments (quitars, accordion, other violins, flute, sometimes also piano) has really improved my skills to get the tune from "air".