I met an old friend at Blissfest yesterday. He’s a big music lover and supporter of the arts – volunteers for the festival, runs his own smaller festival, and knows many of the best musicians on tour in Northern Michigan.
My friend told me he plays bass and guitar and has had several bands of his own, but over time he discovered that the joy of playing in rehearsal was obliterated by the stage fright he felt in performance.
I think there must be lots of people like him. Sadly, most just decide music isn’t for them. My friend was self-aware enough to know that he could continue making music at home.
He has discovered a way to keep music in his life without the anxiety of performance. He shares his music and collaborates with family and friends, and makes music that brings him joy.
I wish more people could discover the joy that comes from making music, and to understand that an audience need not be involved. Music is one of the most precious birthrights of humanity, and it is a tragedy that performance anxiety gets in the way of more people participating in music.
Every home should have musical instruments in it, should have voices raised in song. Turn off the stereo and make music. It doesn’t matter if anyone is listening.
What are you doing as a music educator to support the musical pursuits of students who shy away from performance?