Wednesday, June 22
11.00 AM - CLINIC: Imtraud Tarr, “Controlling Stage Fright”
Grand Hotel Bandphotpiman Room
Woody Allen said: “Any theory that you can put in a nutshell deserves to be in one.” This seminar will discuss how to cope with stage fright – in a nutshell. Irmtraud Tarr’s methods are based on proven studies and have been developed and tested with many people. This clinic will not be a passive experience. Audience members will be asked to interact, to take diagnostic inventories and perform specific exercises, learn to use relaxation techniques to help to reduce tension and anxiety-provoking thoughts, and learn the principles of good goal setting and set goals for controlling stage fright.
Kari Brooks, reporter
 What do YOU need to have a peak performance? This seems to be the million dollar question in every musicians head. After all the preparation is done, and concert night has finally arrived, how do you avoid those nasty butterflies?
In a clinic full of audience participation, Imtraud Tarr speaks of different relaxation exercises that musicians can do before a performance. With everyone standing, she led the group through a routine of yawning, lip buzzing, whistling, humming, and even pounding on their chests while making vowel sounds. Imtraud then proceeded to explain the importance of a performer’s body language. Having a nervous, closed stance can make your audience uncomfortable and create negative energy for everyone. But showing that you are confident and open can create a positive and successful performance environment.
Under Tarr’s direction, the audience turned to their neighbors and introduced themselves to each other. Then people volunteered to stand up and speak to the rest of the crowd about the person they just met. When each person was done speaking, we discussed the positive and negative aspects of how they presented themselves on stage. It was fascinating to see some of the quirks people have on a subconscious level! Everything from fidgeting to stuttering was heard, and one of the most common words was oddly enough, “Umm…”
After an hour of identifying and addressing nervous habits, a more confident and genuine audience was in evidence. It became apparent that by focusing positive energy toward our ultimate goal, and suppressing feelings of doubt that so often sabotages our playing, we are bound to be happier and much less nervous when concert time arrives!
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