Melissa Allen
Describe how you want to experience your next performance. Imagine walking on stage: How do you want to feel physically? What kinds of thoughts do you want to be having? What emotions do you want to experience?
I would love to feel both confident and prepared. I would like to feel excited and eager for the experience ahead with positive thoughts running through my mind. I would like to fell happy and content.
How would you like to come across to your audience? What image do you want to convey through your stage entrances, exits, and bows?
I would like to come across as likeable and sure of myself. I would like to display excitement and confidence in my entrance and gratitude in my bows.
Have you recently videotaped a performance and later watched it with a mentor to discuss your stage presence? If not, when might you be able to do this?
I do this regularly and often think that i could convey more confidence when i perform.
How do you experience performance anxiety? Describe your specific symptoms. Physical,thought patterns (self-talk),feelings
I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, that being said i believe I experience more extreme performance anxiety than some other performers might. I will hyperventilate and shake oftentimes before i have to perform. I experience a lot of doubt and negative self talk.
Of the interventions described for handling anxiety in this chapter, which do you plan to work on?
Changing my self talk patterns before a show.
Have you ever experienced discomfort during or after practice? What have you done as a result of feeling this discomfort?
Not normally, I find my practices to be quite relaxing and stress free.
How often do you take breaks during practice sessions? How long are these breaks? What do you do during these breaks?
I take a five minute break once every twenty minutes. I try to relax and rest my voice.
To help ensure a lifetime of healthy music making, what else (beyond taking breaks) can you do to help safeguard your performance health?
Regular doctor’s appointments and taking special care when using my voice in ways that may damage it.
