Follow through…

I love it when you ask me questions! They are always good, they make me think, and they give me something to share here! (hint hint – if you have a question, I will do my best to answer you).

One of you recently asked a question and I wanted to share it. I want to highlight it now because it’s the holidays and this seems to be a time when other people have no compunction asking you to play for them – for money, for free, for whatever. It’s just likely to happen around this time. And, frankly, it’s hard to say no – because it’s the holidays and who says no to heartfelt requests at this time of year? I think it’s hard to!

So, what was this problem – let’s hear it from you:

Here’s my latest issue- I’m having problems at the end of pieces during a performance. I almost always bungle the last few notes and end up playing the wrong chord or nothing at all. I think I lose focus because I’m almost done. Should I memorize the ending? Practice it more? Take drugs? Let me know what you think.

Great question! If only because it happens to us all.

You might be tempted to assign blame to your aging brain, or lack of preparation, or nerves, but I don’t think that’s it at all. Will it take drastic measures?! Nope!

Here’s my answer:

You might be suffering from “get-home-itis“. What’s that? Well, that name for it comes from aviation where it is often not just an embarrassment – it can be fatal.

Get-home-itis happens when you can feel the end is coming. It’s pretty exciting – whether you’re flying home after being away or closing out a tune (or program). But get-home-itis causes you to shift your attention away from what you’re doing, and instead think about what will come after that. It can be momentary. You might not even know you’ve done it. But it’s just enough of a shift to make you bungle, and leave you shaken, frazzled, and embarrassed (which one can argue is better than actually being dead – even if it feels like you’d like to die right there on your bench).

So, how do you get over a case of get-home-itis? It’s actually fairly easy and much more comfortable than bracing yourself for impact!

1. Memorizing your piece is a good place to start. That’s more for the reality that if you’re shaky going into the tune, you’re going to come out worse for wear at the end. Doing significant preparation will mean not only memorizing the beginning but also nailing the end. To do this – don’t always start at the beginning when you’re practicing. Break out portions of the tune that are not going smoothly. A strong start will encourage you, but the finish is what your audience will remember.
2. Practice thoroughly. This will, of course, support memorizing the tune (because the more you practice it, the more facile you will be with it – all the way through). And extra preparation never killed anyone. Unless you’re being paid to deliver a specific tune, you should always feel free to shelve something that feels shaky until it’s actually ready.

Here’s the biggie:

3. Think of your tune as having a follow through. Picture focusing on the end of the tune and its follow-through (like a golf swing, bat swing, doing a grand jete, or using an egg whip). The follow through includes not just the last note of the tune, or even the final chord but also your final gesture, the breath you take (and release), and putting your harp down. If you’re having trouble picturing this, think about how a beginner ends their tune – they typically spank their strings and we’re done – no follow through. Train yourself to think “through” the tune, focusing on playing all the way through to the end. Don’t skip a (brain) step between where you are and the end of the tune – picture all the notes, dynamics, gestures, phrasing – all the things. And remember that the end is not when you stop playing! Rather, it is after the final gesture, whether you muffle the strings and/or put the harp back on all four feet. T-h-e-n you’re done.
   
4. All of this is in aid of focusing on what you are doing. Don’t be thinking about how glad you’ll be to get off the stage. Or what flavor ice cream you’re going to have on the way home. Or how many more times you’ll have to play this tune this season. Or even how tired you are and how much you just want to go home. Keep your head in the game! We’re not done here – not until the last ringing of strings is hovering in the air on the bated breath of your delighted listeners. Only then are you finished playing that tune. Don’t pull up short! Commit!
   

Stay present. There is only this moment. Later moments will have their own time – after you follow through on this one. No need to be thinking about what comes after – enjoy this right now.

I’ve sort of avoided the topic of taking meds for this. If you experience crippling performance anxiety, then you should definitely seek professional help, and medicine might be part of that solution. However, if you find you’re only a little anxious, I’d point out that you’re human. If it’s just a frisson in the pit of your stomach, breathe. * In addition, while medicine might take the edge off – equally it might cause you to lose your edge. Then you have a different problem (not playing like your usual self).

Whether you have experienced this or not, give it a try and see if the end of your tune isn’t just a little bit better when you purposefully follow through. As always, you know I want to know what you find! Let me know in the comments.

*I’m not a psychiatrist, nor am I opposed to using medicines if needed. Feeling nervous before performing is normal – in fact, one could argue that not feeling nervous is not a good sign). If you aren’t sure, try this (not very rigorous) self-test – next time you’re feeling anxious before performing, do some breathing (deep inhale for 4 counts, hold for 5 counts, exhale for 8 counts a few cycles). If that helps (your head clears a little, you feel less like throwing up, and you can remember how your first tune starts!) then try to go it unaided. If it doesn’t help, definitely find a physik to help. Don’t ask me how I know this.