How To overcome stage Fright and getting more experience in playing drums

[Sainty13]

Hi people i just started drumming for like 1 or 2 years ago so never ever perform before in my life.. yea so just wan to ask u people how do i get to be more experience in drumming like performing outside or some stuff and most important thing IS THAT I HAVE STAGE FRIGHT and i think is quite difficult for me overcome as i never ever perform before as i said LOL so what do u people think i should do?

well another thing is that i try to get friends that i know from church to jam with and maybe wanna start out a band with them but it seems like they always have no time or some other excuses to it and i find it like really hard to further my drumming skills as i'm always drumming alone at home.

I REALLY NEED SOME TIPS FROM YOU GUYS PLS!! THANK YOU!

 

[mel80]

First of all, welcome to the drumming family Sainty13

One way to get more experience is of course, to form a band and actively perform in gigs with the band once your band is ready. This is where the Musicians Wanted and Musicians Available sections on SOFT comes in. Look for like minded musicians to jam with and see where it takes you. The above will solve the problems you face with your church mates as well. Join/form a band that functions outside of church and members who have more committment.

As for stage fright, you'll definitely overcome it gradually as you gain more performing experience along the way. Even the most experienced musicians do get nervous at certain gigs for various reasons! One way to overcome it is to be well prepared. Personally, I wake up early on the day of a gig to do equipment checks. Then I will do some warm ups (practising rudiments etc) and practise the songs for the gig. When I feel comfortable and confident, there will be less nervousness and stage fright. Spending a few quiet minutes alone, taking deep breathes and doing some stretches before going on stage helps too. Different performers and musicians have different pre-gig rituals. The above is just what works for me.

Other drummers here will probably have other interesting ways to prepare themselves before a gig. Doing yoga, meditate, doing backflips and stuff. Who knows? Maybe some can share some ideas here too.

That's just my 2 cents worth. Hope this helps!

 

[synschecter]

hey dude!


i have never perform at gigs befor and im not a drummer haha
but ive perform at skool alot of time and i think playing at skool feels more preasurre as ur frens and teachers are watching u for me i always calm myself before performing always have the thought that u are gona have fun and once on stage,dunt bother about the crowds give it your best,try to look cool at the same time,and rock down the house.And remember,u are in band so ur bandmates are always there with u

i hope my advice helps haha

 

[lester_music]

Just Do it..

DOn't think too much...the more you think, the more you afraid, just treat it as another jamming session...

The more the do it, the less you are afraid....it is just human nature..

 

[fgl]

a little (thats LITTLE) alcohol kinda helps

 

[Sainty13]

Thanks for the tips guys!! really appreciate it alot man!! thank you GUYS!

 

[joey1344]

Fgl-2 stouts...maybe a can of red bull..works for me.LOL

 

[flipthescript]

i 2nd that fgl, a little alcohol really does help

also, maybe its just me, but the nervousness only lasts while you are preparing to go on stage. once you are on the stage itself its alot easier to stay calm and play in a relaxed manner..

 

[CrisisMoment]

I'm not a drummer either, i'm a double bassist/ guitar bassist for my sch's symphony band. I was having stage frights either. I've done quite a number of performances/ competitions, though i'm quite young...
One of the worst case, was that 2008 around mid year, there was an international Singapore competition. I left my scores with my section mates (bass section, not doublebass only), and they're far away from me, on the stage.
I did panick for 2mins, but i decided to forget it, its too late to regret, the practice days and efforts i've put in for that competition. Eventually i played both of the pieces smoothly! Woah!

Out of the topic, conclusion, in my method to counter stage frights, is to get into the music, recall the times when the passionate and efforts you've put in for that moment to perform, with your band mates, and how you're looking forward for that day you're going to perform, get hold of the feel, forget everything that you're not putting in your eyes, what's only in your eyes is your band mates, music, hardwork you've put in, just for that moment (performance)!
Can panic a little, but dont show on your expressions la!
Don't forget to communicate with your band mates as well, you should be enjoying the show, not panicking, rushing to finish it :mrgreen:
Do your best with no regrets, may you find a band and perform on stage! Hope my experiences helps you :mrgreen:
Sorry i don't know how to express myself in a better English :mrgreen:

 

[underaged]

For me, i see it as 2 extremes - relaxed and nervous.

If you're too relaxed, you cant bring enough energy to keep your band lively and give your supporters a good time.

If you're too nervous, u cant concentrate well enough too enjoy playing and thus, it'll be inevitable for more mistakes to occur.

If you're in between, you're more alert due to the adrenaline and at the same time keeping your cool will allow you to bring out the best of your drumming.

 

[maven]

i just played my first ever live gig on drums about 2 weeks ago ..

the only contructive suggestion i have is...

" GET LOST IN THE GROOVE BABY !"

 

[mel80]

a little (thats LITTLE) alcohol kinda helps

That doesn't work for me though. I can't keep a steady tempo after drinking any alcohol! hahahaa

 

[Girlpants]

AH!! Stage fright. I get that VERY VERY VERY VERY easily.
And I will never perform again. Hahaha. Only jam for fun!

 

[sharker_93]

haha for me, i've only performed on stage once. and im a very very noob drummer.

in terms of stage fright, just relax dude. dont really think about the crowd and just play with your heart. that's how i did it, though it's only my 3 minutes of fame. =)

so, yeah. rock on bro!

 

[JustADrummer]

Hey man. I'm a noob drummer like you. Only performed twice. So i'm gonna share my experiences with you.

1)Always check your gear. Both times i performed, my gear had problems. Must must must check your gear precisely. Having a cymbal drop loose or a bass drum moving away from you on stage is not very cool. Trust me on this one.
2)You won't feel so stressed when you're up on stage as you thought you will be. You'll have bandmates, and drummers usually hang at the back, you don't get much attention. For the attention, you'll have to prove it by being really outstanding and have good chops. Otherwise, you're safe if you're just doing your thing up there.
3)Warm ups are very important. You cant risk missing that signature fill of a certain song, especially if its mainstream and everyone is expecting it. You can't afford to screw it up. Just do single strokes on your thighs before the performance should be enough. Warm up your muscles.
4)Just be yourself. Don't tense yourself up. That'll in turn spoil your posture and backfire on you. Do what you do in jamming sessions.

Last thing. On stage, the pa system will be totally different from in jamming studios. In jamming studios, its very small and there's echo and all; You can hear clearly. In performances, its normally open air right, so the sound from the mics and amps won't be so loud. You must make sure that a good sound check is done and you can hear ALL the instruments clearly. Don't end up in the situation when you can't hear the singer or guitarist, and play off beat. My recent performance ended up like that. :???:

Well, i hope you'll enjoy your first performance. Its unforgettable.

 

[damdrummer]

Just pretend you are jamming with your band mates

 

[metalhead1993]

Play the drums as if its the last time you are ever gonna play it. Works with me when i play my guitar on stage.

 

[teokiatuan]

saint no need scared la you steady one la,

go into it like playing scrim >.>

 

[caijunlong]

Fear didn't come from the crowd! It's in you! So only you can overcome it.

Feeling fear and stressful on the stage is natural. But some people play better with that.

Try looking at your bandmates. They are the ones on stage with you. Have some eye contacts and you'll feel more assured. Keep a smile! This will make them feel a stronger sense of security and they will in return give you some too.

Don't ever quarrel on stage when setting up! If anything screws up, HELP each other. Afterall all of you are on the same boat. Make everyone feels comfortable. When the band feels good, the audience feels good. Not all the time though haha. If all you guys are drunk you feel good but the audience will miss your good show! Drink with limits. Unless you won't get drunk!

 

[USADRUMMER]

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