From Stage Fright to Spotlight

Overcoming Performance Anxiety by Viviana Guzmán

From Stage Fright to Spotlight: A Journey of Transformation

It’s an all-too-familiar feeling for many performers: the trembling hands, racing heartbeat, and the relentless voice of doubt whispering, “What if you fail?” Stage fright—that insidious mix of fear and adrenaline—can make even the most skilled artists question their abilities. Yet, it is also one of the most transformative challenges, capable of turning hesitant players into confident stars.

In this post, I’ll share my journey from debilitating stage fright to embracing the spotlight, offering insights that may inspire fellow performers to confront and conquer their fears.

My relationship with stage fright began early. As a young musician, the thrill of performing was often overshadowed by an overwhelming dread. Recitals, auditions, and competitions felt less like opportunities and more like battles against my own nerves. My hands would sweat so much that holding the flute became a struggle. Mistakes that rarely happened in practice seemed inevitable under the pressure of an audience.

The worst part wasn’t even the physical symptoms; it was the self-doubt that accompanied them. I worried incessantly about what others thought, convinced that every missed note confirmed my inadequacy. Stage fright wasn’t just an obstacle; it was a wall that kept me from enjoying the music I loved.

Strategies That Made a Difference

Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless techniques to combat stage fright. Some were more effective than others, but here are the strategies that truly helped me step out of the shadows:

1. Preparation Meets Purpose
   • Thorough preparation became my anchor. Knowing my pieces inside and out gave me a sense of security. But preparation wasn’t just about technical mastery; it was about connecting with the music’s purpose. When I focused on sharing the story behind the notes, my fear took a backseat to the joy of communication.
2. Mindfulness and Visualization
   • Incorporating mindfulness into my routine was a game-changer. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation helped calm my body and mind before performances. Visualization—imagining myself performing confidently and vividly—retrained my brain to associate the stage with success rather than fear.
3. Reframing Nervous Energy
   • Instead of labeling my symptoms as “stage fright,” I started to see them as excitement. After all, the physical sensations of fear and excitement are nearly identical. This simple reframing allowed me to channel my energy into the performance rather than fighting it.
4. Building a Support System
   • Connecting with mentors, fellow musicians, and supportive friends was invaluable. Sharing experiences and hearing that others faced similar struggles normalized my fear. Their encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t alone on this journey.
5. Small Steps, Big Gains
   • Tackling smaller performances before major ones helped me build confidence incrementally. Whether it was playing for a small group of friends or participating in informal studio classes, these experiences taught me to manage nerves in low-pressure environments.

From Fear and into Power

The transformation wasn’t linear. There were setbacks along the way, moments when the fear felt insurmountable. But over time, each performance became less about proving myself and more about connecting with the audience. I found that the more I performed, the more I was able to transform the fear into my power.  It evolved into a kind of fuel—a reminder of the stakes and the passion that brought me to the stage in the first place.

One of my most memorable moments came during a recent concert on my Silk Road Tour in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Having nearly canceled the tour due to personal grief, I was unsure how I’d handle the emotional weight of performing. Yet, as I stepped onto the stage, something remarkable happened: the audience’s energy lifted me. Instead of succumbing to fear, I let the music guide me, and the connection with the audience became my anchor. That night, I rediscovered the power of vulnerability and authenticity in performance.

Lessons for Fellow Performers

If you’re grappling with stage fright, know that you’re not alone. Here are some parting lessons from my journey:

1. Acknowledge Your Fear
   • Pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it go away. Instead, recognize it as a natural part of performing and commit to working through it.
2. Shift the Focus
   • Instead of obsessing over perfection, focus on connection. The audience isn’t there to judge; they’re there to share in your art.
3. Celebrate Progress
   • Every step, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrate your growth and use it as motivation to keep going.
4. Seek Help if Needed
   • If stage fright feels unmanageable, consider working with a coach, therapist, or counselor. Professional guidance can provide invaluable tools and perspectives.
5. Remember Your Why
   • When fear threatens to overshadow your performance, return to the reasons you started. For me, it was the love of music and the desire to share its beauty with others.

The Spotlight Beckons

From stage fright to spotlight, my journey has been one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Today, the stage feels less like a place of judgment and more like a space of freedom and power as it is where I feel I shine best. The fear that once paralyzed me now fuels my passion, reminding me of the courage it takes to step into the spotlight.

For those still battling their own fears, take heart: the journey is worth it. Each step you take brings you closer to the joy and fulfillment that come from sharing your art. So take a deep breath, step onto the stage, and let your light shine.

 

---

Described by the New York Times as “an imaginative artist,” Chilean-born flutist, TEDxSpeaker, Viviana Guzmán (http://www.Viviana.org) has been featured on programs for CNN, PBS, NPR, BBC, and NBC, seen on the cover of Latina Style Magazine, and in COSMOPOLITAN en Español. Viviana has performed in 138 countries and has has released 13 albums and her latest CD “Traveling Sonata” received a GRAMMY Nomination.  Her music videos have been aired on UNIVISION in 30 countries and her YouTube Channel boasts over 3 Million views.  She gave a very successful TEDxBerkely Talk where she presented just before Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc. A graduate of the Juilliard School, she has performed in Carnegie Hall five times and has played as soloist with orchestras in Russia, Chile, Vermont, New York, Wisconsin, California, Texas, Montana, Vietnam, Philippines, Argentina, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, among many others. Viviana is the Founder of the San Francisco Flute Society, Flutes by the Sea Masterclasses and Co-Founder of The Flute View Magazine.  Viviana teaches Flute at University of California Santa Cruz.