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In the next few months, multiple holiday recitals and concerts will take place in the United States. Whether you are an amateur or experienced saxophone player, playing well should be a priority. Playing in front of a crowd can be extremely nerve-wracking, especially if you deal with stage fright. 

Studies show that nearly 75% of the population has a fear of performing in front of crowds. If you want to have a career as a saxophonist, then you have to figure out how to conquer your fear of performing. Here are some things you can do to overcome stage fright and give your audience a great performance. 

If you have a big performance coming up, you need to make sure you are ready. Your stage fright will only get worse if you go into a recital or band performance completely unprepared. This is why you need to print out sheet music of the song or songs you will play during the performance. Going over every note and getting familiar with the various nuances in the music is important. 

Feeling like you know the music in question like the back of your hand is a great way to calm your nerves. Learning how to immerse yourself in the piece of music you are playing on stage can help you forget about the people watching you perform. 

Focusing on things you can’t control before a performance is a horrible idea. Factors like how the audience will react and how the other musicians on stage will play are all factors you can’t control. You need to focus on things you can control, like how well you play and how comfortable you are on stage. Before your performance, you need to focus on making your instrument more comfortable to hold and play. 

Testing out a few different saxophone neck straps is a wise move. The right neck strap will make playing the saxophone more comfortable. You also need to make sure your existing mouthpiece is ready for the gig. If you feel like your mouthpiece is damaged or uncomfortable, investing in a new one is necessary. 

Spending some time assessing the condition of your instrument is a great way to see where changes need to be made. If you go over your saxophone before playing it in public, you will have more confidence. With this confidence, you will feel less anxiety about performing. 

In the hours leading up to your performance, you should be mindful of the foods and drinks you consume. If you struggle with anxiety, then you probably need to cut out caffeinated drinks until after your performance. Consuming large amounts of caffeine will increase your anxiety, which is why avoiding it is your best course of action. Once you get on the stage and play your first few notes, you will have all of the energy and adrenaline you need. 

By using these tips, you can overcome your stage fright.