SOPP312: I'm playing for a wedding and have some issues with performance anxiety

Published: Oct. 23, 2018, 6:06 p.m.

Let\u2019s start episode 312 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. Today I\u2019d like to share with you the discussion that was going on our communication channel on BaseCamp between Total Organist students. Annabelle wrote the answer to the question \u201cWhat is she currently working on?\u201d and \u201cWhat is she struggling with?\u201d So she is playing Wedding March by Wagner and she writes:\n \nAnnabel: I'm playing for a wedding in October and have some issues with performance anxiety. So I thought it would help to learn it by heart.\n\nDavid: Great idea I have the anxiety issues, too. 2 bananas 30 minutes before performance has been helping me keep my hands and ankles from shaking so badly and slows down my racing heart.\n\nRecently my doctor suggested trying a medication called Propranolol, so this Sunday will be the first run with it. I don't always need that kind of help, but when my performance anxiety gets out of control, I need just a little help.\n\nAnnabel: I\u2019ll try bananas, that's very interesting. Is it the potassium? I'm fine accompanying hymns, I just don't like being a soloist!\n\nDavid: Potassium for the heart rate, but allegedly they have a natural beta blocker in them to help with shaking hands and ankles. It's folk lore, but there seem to be a while lot of even professional musicians who swear by it. I opted for Propranolol because I can't have too much potassium.\n\nAnnabel: Fascinating, thanks David. I've started reading quite an old book called "Tensions in the Performance of Music" edited by Carola Grindea. It was recommended to me by a professional harpist.\n\nDavid: Thank you! I will look for that\n\nVidas: I once ate bananas and drank mineral water entire concert day. When my turn came up to play, I felt as light as an angel.