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Performance Anxiety and Breathing Trouble


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instofbrassdestruction
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 7:58 pm    Post subject: Performance Anxiety and Breathing Trouble Reply with quote

Hello all!

I will be a senior in high school this coming fall, and I am currently working on audition études for All-District (and hopefully All-State) band. I have been working since mid-April and I have made a decent amount of progress since then. Auditions aren’t until October, so I am not extremely concerned about being unprepared technically, but I am worried about getting too nervous and ruining my audition.

I suffer from an anxiety disorder, so as you can imagine my performance anxiety is ridiculous. I tend to see black spots (to the point where my music is barely visible), get extremely hot and sweaty, and I have a huge problem with shortness of breath during solos in front of small audiences. It’s gotten to the point that I’m nervous working on my études with my band director. I can’t seem to get air through my trumpet and my chest begins to feel heavy, and that’s exactly what it sounds like.

My band director suggested eating bananas and taking baby aspirin before performances, and I tried it before a judged solo and didn’t black out, but still experienced the shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. I am just wondering if any of you have dealt with a breathing problem and possibly have any suggestions.

Thank you!
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TrumpetMD
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:25 pm    Post subject: Re: Performance Anxiety and Breathing Trouble Reply with quote

instofbrassdestruction wrote:
I suffer from an anxiety disorder....

Welcome to TrumpetHerald. Sorry to hear about your issue. Here are some thoughts.

An "anxiety disorder" is a very specific medical diagnosis, which requires evaluation by a physician and specific treatments to correct. Has a doctor made this diagnosis in your situation? If not, then I think it would be premature to suggest that you have this condition.

This doesn't mean you're not getting anxious or nervous in certain situations. But this is not the same as an "anxiety disorder".

instofbrassdestruction wrote:
My band director suggested eating bananas and taking baby aspirin before performances....


These anecdotal treatments will do nothing to help with anxiety.

If you think you have an anxiety disorder, you should be evaluated by a physician.

If you get anxious in certain playing situations, you should work with your trumpet teacher on this. Things to work on include preparation, visualization, desensitization, proper diet (no sugar or caffeine highs), proper amount of sleep, and so on.

Best of luck with this.

Mike
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Seymor B Fudd
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 1:56 am    Post subject: Re: Performance Anxiety and Breathing Trouble Reply with quote

instofbrassdestruction wrote:
Hello all!

I will be a senior in high school this coming fall, and I am currently working on audition études for All-District (and hopefully All-State) band. I have been working since mid-April and I have made a decent amount of progress since then. Auditions aren’t until October, so I am not extremely concerned about being unprepared technically, but I am worried about getting too nervous and ruining my audition.

I suffer from an anxiety disorder, so as you can imagine my performance anxiety is ridiculous. I tend to see black spots (to the point where my music is barely visible), get extremely hot and sweaty, and I have a huge problem with shortness of breath during solos in front of small audiences. It’s gotten to the point that I’m nervous working on my études with my band director. I can’t seem to get air through my trumpet and my chest begins to feel heavy, and that’s exactly what it sounds like.

My band director suggested eating bananas and taking baby aspirin before performances, and I tried it before a judged solo and didn’t black out, but still experienced the shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. I am just wondering if any of you have dealt with a breathing problem and possibly have any suggestions.
Thank you!


Though most certainly with good intentions your director went bananas!
And another comment:your performance anxiety is not ridiculous.
Obviously you experience a serious reduction of your real
capacity. Not ridiculous at all but a damned nuisance!
I don't think this is a breathing problem; what you describe points to some kind of a more generalized stress-reaction with the typical symptoms.
Something makes you think you're out of control, that sooner or later you will make a fool out of yourself, perhaps to the point people think you are ridiculous. Like someone/something stands ready to suddenly pull your leg in the middle of the music.
It is normal to experience an on-slaught of adrenalin while performing - but unfortunately this often is interpreted as if an imminent danger is lurking down the line.
I think this condition is hurting you quite un-necessary, should be taken seriously and suggest you go see a qualified therapist! EMDR (eyemovement desensitivization therapy)or maybe some sessions with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy should provide you with tools making your body helping you out instead of getting the "jitters".
And once again: there is nothing ridiculous with you! Don't you ever forget that!
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Cornets:
Getzen Custom Series Schilke 143D3/ DW Ultra 1,5 C
Getzen 300 series
Yamaha YCRD2330II
Yamaha YCR6330II
Getzen Eterna Eb
Trumpets:
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King Super 20 Symphony DB (1970)
Selmer Eb/D trumpet (1974)


Last edited by Seymor B Fudd on Thu Jan 05, 2017 3:52 am; edited 1 time in total
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NYC-player
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 2:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ittl0-NoFrQ
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GeorgeB
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 2:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry to hear of your anxiety problems. It is normal for most of us to experience a little anxiety before a solo performance, but the description of what you are experiencing is far from normal. I agree with those who suggested you see a specialist to help you overcome this condition.
Good luck and best wishes.
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NYC-player
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 2:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You know...nowadays, we are so quick to say " go see a doctor, or psychologist "...and they are super fast at writing a prescription for some drug.

It is INSANE how many kids are on mood altering drugs ( not for funzies) prescribed by doctors.

The OP gets nervous and hyperventilates a bit. Normal anxiety stuff that zillions of people deal with in situations everyday.

Before jumping on the mental health band wagon, try some exercises ranging from positive mental visualization and deep breathing exercises to calm the unquiet mind. Lots of options before becoming another over medicated zombie.

Frank Greene ( one of the best top call lead trumpet players in NYC) has a fantastic book relating to your exact situations related to anxiety and trumpet playing. I'd check that out before following the advice of posters here and running to a shrink, or getting medicated.
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NYC-player
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 2:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

NYC-player wrote:
You know...nowadays, we are so quick to say " go see a doctor, or psychologist "...and they are super fast at writing a prescription for some drug.

It is INSANE how many kids are on mood altering drugs ( not for funzies) prescribed by doctors.

The OP gets nervous and hyperventilates a bit. Normal anxiety stuff that zillions of people deal with in situations everyday.

Before jumping on the mental health band wagon, try some exercises ranging from positive mental visualization and deep breathing exercises to calm the unquiet mind. Lots of options before becoming another over medicated zombie.

Frank Greene ( one of the best top call lead trumpet players in NYC) has a fantastic book relating to your exact situations related to anxiety and trumpet playing. I'd check that out before following the advice of posters here and running to a shrink, or getting medicated.


http://www.gerrylopezmusic.com/Brass-Concepts-by-Frank-Greene-Brass-Concepts-by-Frank-Greene.htm

Here's a link for the book
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NYC-player
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 2:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.gerrylopezmusic.com/The-Quiet-Mind-by-Frank-Greene-The-Quiet-Mind.htm

I meant this one " Quiet Mind"

The other book is great as well, so I kept it in the thread.
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Seymor B Fudd
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 3:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="NYC-player"]
NYC-player wrote:
You know...nowadays, we are so quick to say " go see a doctor, or psychologist "...and they are super fast at writing a prescription for some drug.

It is INSANE how many kids are on mood altering drugs ( not for funzies) prescribed by doctors.

The OP gets nervous and hyperventilates a bit. Normal anxiety stuff that zillions of people deal with in situations everyday.

Before jumping on the mental health band wagon, try some exercises ranging from positive mental visualization and deep breathing exercises to calm the unquiet mind. Lots of options before becoming another over medicated zombie.
Frank Greene ( one of the best top call lead trumpet players in NYC) has a fantastic book relating to your exact situations related to anxiety and trumpet playing. I'd check that out before following the advice of posters here and running to a shrink, or getting medicated.


http://www.gerrylopezmusic.com/Brass-Concepts-by-Frank-Greene-Brass-Concepts-by-Frank-Greene.htm

Here's a link for the book[/

Good heavens I am not in for drugs; beware! The mind is a powerful tool and your advice is right along with my ideas. Also Noe Kagayama has a site worth visiting - dealing with precicely these matters
http//:www.thebulletproofmusician.com
However I think that the condition should be taken seriously; not at all meaning our dear OP should go see a psychoanalyst, psychiatrist. The OP is not sick, he suffers.
Most of the time somewhere in ones mind there is a "snag" pointing to terrible outcomes, would a not that adequate tone quickly pass by. Happens to us all - if you think you must play absolutely impeccably, you won't.
One has to be forgiving to oneself. But seeing a qualified person a couple of times could provide you with valuable tools. That is if nothing else seems to help.
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Cornets:
Getzen Custom Series Schilke 143D3/ DW Ultra 1,5 C
Getzen 300 series
Yamaha YCRD2330II
Yamaha YCR6330II
Getzen Eterna Eb
Trumpets:
Yamaha 6335 RC Schilke 14B
King Super 20 Symphony DB (1970)
Selmer Eb/D trumpet (1974)


Last edited by Seymor B Fudd on Tue Jul 19, 2016 6:50 am; edited 1 time in total
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Andy Del
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 4:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I will treat the OP as if what he wrote is actually true. That he has a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and also suffers from performance anxiety and is looking for some help. I'll also take it that he is under treatment for his disorder.

In order to work on your performance anxiety, I would suggest trying to find positive things to focus on while playing. For me, when I was learning to cope with performance nerves, I was to focus on two things above all else - counting and breathing.

For the counting side of things, this should be rather easy, but if this is the focus while playing, then you also tend to play better. As far as breathing goes, try spending time with the breathing gym, doing the various exercises. Wind pattern your pieces, write in your breathing. Practice it. And then perform it, counting all the time.

It sounds easy, but if one genuinely focuses on an issue or two, then the world may tend to fade away while one is playing. Does it solve performance anxiety? Maybe, but at the very least, you'll be playing your pieces better!

Cheers

Andy
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instofbrassdestruction
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 4:32 am    Post subject: Re: Performance Anxiety and Breathing Trouble Reply with quote

TrumpetMD wrote:
An "anxiety disorder" is a very specific medical diagnosis, which requires evaluation by a physician and specific treatments to correct. Has a doctor made this diagnosis in your situation? If not, then I think it would be premature to suggest that you have this condition.

Yes, a doctor did diagnose me around seven or eight months ago.

Thank you for the well wishes.
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instofbrassdestruction
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 4:36 am    Post subject: Re: Performance Anxiety and Breathing Trouble Reply with quote

Quote:
EMDR (eyemovement desensitivization therapy)or maybe some sessions with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy should provide you with tools making your body helping you out instead of getting the "jitters".
And once again: there is nothing ridiculous with you! Don't you ever forget that!

Thank you for the suggestion. I kinda figured the banana thing was a placebo effect
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instofbrassdestruction
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 4:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

GeorgeB wrote:
Sorry to hear of your anxiety problems. It is normal for most of us to experience a little anxiety before a solo performance, but the description of what you are experiencing is far from normal. I agree with those who suggested you see a specialist to help you overcome this condition.
Good luck and best wishes.
Thank you!
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Samuel Hazo
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instofbrassdestruction
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 4:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

NYC-player wrote:
You know...nowadays, we are so quick to say " go see a doctor, or psychologist "...and they are super fast at writing a prescription for some drug.

It is INSANE how many kids are on mood altering drugs ( not for funzies) prescribed by doctors.
Yes, I totally agree. My doctor has suggested medication on several events, and I've always been reluctant towards it in fear of making it worse or becoming dependent on it.

NYC player wrote:
Frank Greene ( one of the best top call lead trumpet players in NYC) has a fantastic book relating to your exact situations related to anxiety and trumpet playing. I'd check that out before following the advice of posters here and running to a shrink, or getting medicated.

I'll definitely look into this! Thank you.
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Samuel Hazo
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instofbrassdestruction
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 4:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andy Del wrote:
I will treat the OP as if what he wrote is actually true. That he has a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and also suffers from performance anxiety and is looking for some help. I'll also take it that he is under treatment for his disorder.

In order to work on your performance anxiety, I would suggest trying to find positive things to focus on while playing. For me, when I was learning to cope with performance nerves, I was to focus on two things above all else - counting and breathing.

For the counting side of things, this should be rather easy, but if this is the focus while playing, then you also tend to play better. As far as breathing goes, try spending time with the breathing gym, doing the various exercises. Wind pattern your pieces, write in your breathing. Practice it. And then perform it, counting all the time.

It sounds easy, but if one genuinely focuses on an issue or two, then the world may tend to fade away while one is playing. Does it solve performance anxiety? Maybe, but at the very least, you'll be playing your pieces better!

Cheers

Andy
Thank you! I'll definitely try this one out.
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Samuel Hazo
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drboogenbroom
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 5:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

More than being amazed at the number of doctors who perscribe meds to help people with various forms of mental illnesses, I'm amazed at the number of perople who stigmatize the use of perscribed medication.

I get the positive visualization, positive preperation, acceptance of things as they are, breathing techniques (to help manage anxiety, not necessarily to play).

I've used all of tthem and read most of the books, and they stsrted working once I was on anti-anxiety medication. Before then, they were like telling someone with pneumonia to eat chicken soup and take it easy, antibiotics are the cheaters way to get healthy.

We probably would never tell someone that, but we sure don't hesitate to share the equivalent advice when it comes to mental health.

Kevin
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John Mohan
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 6:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Slow deep breaths will probably help and definitely won't hurt.

When you feel the anxiety rising just before a performance, close your eyes or focus on one particular thing (a spot on a wall, etc.), and breathing in and out, fully, slowly. Do ten repetitions, pause, and repeat.

Even if you have an anxiety disorder, I think it still holds true that the more prepared you are, the more confidence you will have, and it follows that the more confidence you have, the less anxiety you will feel. If you were to just have to go out on stage and play one middle G and that was it, I don't think you'd feel all that anxious as one middle G would be very easy for you to accomplish. Practice your performance material until it is very easy for you to perform.

And if you have a formally diagnosed anxiety disorder there is absolutely nothing wrong with going on a medication recommended by your doctor.

Best wishes,

John Mohan
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NYC-player
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 6:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

drboogenbroom wrote:
More than being amazed at the number of doctors who perscribe meds to help people with various forms of mental illnesses, I'm amazed at the number of perople who stigmatize the use of perscribed medication.

I get the positive visualization, positive preperation, acceptance of things as they are, breathing techniques (to help manage anxiety, not necessarily to play).

I've used all of tthem and read most of the books, and they stsrted working once I was on anti-anxiety medication. Before then, they were like telling someone with pneumonia to eat chicken soup and take it easy, antibiotics are the cheaters way to get healthy.

We probably would never tell someone that, but we sure don't hesitate to share the equivalent advice when it comes to mental health.

Kevin


Take a look at the rate of prescribing drugs to kids in America vs the rest of the civilized world. The US beats all the other nations combined 100s of x over.

We are over medicated in America. We are too quick to prescribe mind altering drugs, which is nothing but a long guessing game on what works and what doesn't and the kids are lab rats.

I say...calm down, take a few deep breaths, think of options before becoming part of the Prozac nation.
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drboogenbroom
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 7:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love when the web site eats something I just spent an hour working on.

Here's the bottom line I'm going to share with the OP:

We just had a thread on here suggesting that people giving advice about trumpet playing should share their "credentials" so people could make informed decisions about "quality" of the source. You just got a fair amount of good trumpet advice that had a fair amount of amateur medical advice rolled into it, and I don't see anyone listing their training as health professionals. (Disclosure, I have 0 medical training.)

If you have a medical condition, including a mental one, trust your doctor.

Kevin
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NYC-player
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 8:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

drboogenbroom wrote:
I love when the web site eats something I just spent an hour working on.

Here's the bottom line I'm going to share with the OP:

We just had a thread on here suggesting that people giving advice about trumpet playing should share their "credentials" so people could make informed decisions about "quality" of the source. You just got a fair amount of good trumpet advice that had a fair amount of amateur medical advice rolled into it, and I don't see anyone listing their training as health professionals. (Disclosure, I have 0 medical training.)

If you have a medical condition, including a mental one, trust your doctor.

Kevin


I'm not giving advice as a Doctor, nor any trumpet advice. Just some life experiences as an American with open eyes.

The statistics about US and prescribing / overprescribing are not my opinions either. But statistical facts. You can check those numbers.

Common sense would lead one to believe the US is drug happy. The numbers are staggering, and the masses are growing numb. Compared to the rest of the world it's utterly insane. I've done a good amount of teaching, as have many of us here. You can peg a kid loaded on meds a mile away. And it seems to be a higher number every season.

Everybody here says, go see a doctor, get a prescription. I'm the one guy with a different opinion. Give the kid a shot before messing with his synapses and such. Brain chemistry is fragile...especially in a developing brain.
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