I Need Flute Advice From high level flutist!!!?

Question:Tommorow I am performing the first two movments ofthe Prokofiev Sonata. I usually dont get nervous but for this particular venue, I am freaking out because I am going to play for 500-600 people. Any advice on how to cope with my nerves because if I get nervous, I know that second movment of the Prokofiev is going to rush like hell. This is not a general question about nerves. How can I control my nerves so that it does not effect the second movement of the peice?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Tommorow I am performing the first two movments ofthe Prokofiev Sonata. I usually dont get nervous but for this particular venue, I am freaking out because I am going to play for 500-600 people. Any advice on how to cope with my nerves because if I get nervous, I know that second movment of the Prokofiev is going to rush like hell. This is not a general question about nerves. How can I control my nerves so that it does not effect the second movement of the peice?

To play the Prokofiev Sonata (or any thing else) well, you must be as relaxed as possible. Listen to the piano. If your piano player knows the piece, he/she will be able to give you great cues.

In the second movement, really listen to the piano. For the most part it has the quarter note pulse for you (I even grabbed my copy just to double check). Just feel the eighth note and keep that pulse.

Lead. Be sure you stay on top of the beat. My biggest issue with this piece is that I don't lead and I feel I need to "rush" to stay on top of the piano part. If I lead, then I am where I need to be.

Keep subdividing. I find it impossible to rush if I am subdividing.

Watch how short you are playing each note. If we play too short, our ear hears a space where there is no rest and we want to play the next note even if it is too early.

Good Luck

Focus, focus, focus. Make sure you pay attention to that music and NOT the crowd. Practice that piece until you can play it from memory. Wear earplugs. Do not look directly at the audience. Whatever you do, do not let anything take your focus off your music. Good luck.

Flute isn't my instrument, but I have had similar problems performing concerti in front of large audiences. Are you having problems with rushing in rehearsal which you are thinking the stress will exacerbate? In that case your best option is likely to make a very firm decision on exactly the tempo you want to play the movement at, and maybe choose something on the slower end. Again, I'm not a flautist but I know that there's some controversy about how quickly that movement ought to go. After you decide, try to think in terms of that tempo consistently for the next couple of days. Internalizing tempos works best if you think about them for an hour or so right before you go to sleep.

If you can execute the movement perfectly in rehearsal and are just afraid of what anxiety might do to you, taking a drink or two an hour before might help -- but not if you're not used to drinking, as it could then have unanticipated effects on your embrochure.

The key is to relax and I know that's hard. It has to come with experience because it only gets easier. But to help you in the mean time, just pay attention to the notes. Trust me it took me forever to be able to play normally in front of an audience.

The best way to keep your tone good when you're nervous is to puff out one cheek. I know it sounds wierd, but it works to keep you from pinching the air flow.

The best way to not rush is to subdivide and hear the recording you've probably been listening to in your mind.

The best way to stay calm during it is think of the music as your anchor. Get lost in the music. Forget the crowd. You're not playing for them, you're playing for yourself. If you mess up, they will feel bad for you. If you do well, they'll rejoice with you. They're an extension of you

Ouch yes he does have some tricky music for Flute! You are going to naturally rush! Thats just the adreneline! There are the tricks of the trade. any performance I use Bach resure remedy this is natural spray used to calm down! Lavender is also a good idea. Do a proper warm up! Try and not play any before the performance. Just relax and do nothing! Some musicians use Beta blockers! But dont even try!! Good luck! You could also search http://www.jennifercluff.com/ She has great artivcles for Flute players!