Tell us something.: I am interested in the uilleann pipes and their typical -and broader- use. I have been composing and arranging for the instrument lately. I enjoy unusual harmonic combinations on the pipes. I use the pipes to play music of other cultures.
Location: Minnesota, Birthplace of the pop-up toaster
The Sporting Pitchfork wrote:
Alcohol doesn't help, contrary to popular opinion...Well, maybe one drink or two, but much more than that in a short time period and I think for most people the deficiency in their skill will outweigh any relief of social anxiety.
Actually alcohol is a big help to me: as long as the audience is drinking and I'm not .
The more you do it, the easier it gets. However, I still get a bit freaked out occasionally, so I tune out the audience. I suppose I come across as maybe a bit aloof, but I pretend they are not there, and just play for myself.
The Sporting Pitchfork wrote:
A friend who studied for years with a cranky Russian piano teacher had the following anecdote from said cranky Russian which I think is highly applicable to most any musician: when playing for your friends, you only need to know the music that you're playing about 50%. When recording in a studio, you need to know it 110%. When you play before a large live audience, however, you need to know it 400%. That is, you can be freaked out beyond belief and on the verge of a heart attack, but the music will still burst forth from your hands by muscle memory alone.
I agree completely. There's nothing better for my confidence than knowing the tune/song inside out, every which way from Sunday.
However, I'm seriously considering a pre-concert banana/Rescue Remedy cocktail for the next gig!
Every time I turn around, I wonder where I've been.
Time to stop turning round, I guess.
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