Calming Pre-Concert Nerves

Before our flute choir concerts, I like to do a calming exercise with the group so they can play with more relaxed bodies and clearer mental focus. It is a simple breathing exercise that has had good results so far.

I have them breathe in through their noses for a slow count of 4, then breathe out through their mouths for 4 counts. I count off out loud to get them started, then transition to holding up fingers for the counts.
Breathing in through the nose automatically opens up the throat and chest, making it easier to take a fuller, more relaxed breath. The slow pace of the breathing helps get heart rates down, calming pre-concert nerves. It also makes everyone be quiet for a few minutes so we can get focused on making beautiful music together.

We do this for a couple of minutes at most, then proceed with our regular playing warmup. It is amazing the effect this has! As I lead the group through it, the pitch of my voice drops as my own body relaxes. The slightly worried looks on some faces ease, raised eyebrows return to their normal positions and stiff postures relax. When we are ready to pick up the flutes, everyone looks more confident and eager to play, rather than afraid of how that first note is going to come out.

This exercise is helpful in just about any situation when you want to get your heart rate down a little, or take the edge off jittery nerves. I even used it during a concert I played in last weekend, between pieces. My nerves were threatening to get the better of me, though I knew there was no good reason for them to. My heart was beating double-time so I did the exercise for a few breath cycles. It took enough of the edge off that I was able to launch into my part on the next piece with less fear and more gusto. Simple, but effective!

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