My grandparents were just at my house today and they wanted me to play my new flute for them. My parents told me to play What Child Is This? for them since it is almost Christmas. They loved it and told me to play Holly and The Ivy. So I played for them again. They liked that song too.
Now I have a problem: They want me to play What Child Is This? this Wednesday night at church. I told them no but my parents would like me to. I don't like standing up in front of large groups of people and playing. My teachers tell me all the time about how beautifully I play but that doesn't erase the nervousness that I always have. So my question is should I play at church or not? Please help!
If your only concern is feeling nervous, then this sounds like the perfect opportunity to get more experience playing in front of an audience. Everyone gets nervous when playing for others, and learning to play through it is part of becoming a musician.
Playing at churches is a great way to gain performing experience. A church congregation is far more friendly of an audience than lets say... an audience watching a competition and you are one of the competitors... O.O
The thing I'm most woried about is missing a note or losing where I'm at. I have the song practically memorized but I don't want to look at the people. I don't want to mess up and then feel embarassed in front of a bunch of people I don't know. Maybe I should go ahead and play at church but I'm still not sure what to do............
For what it's worth, I agree with the others here who say go for it. Many of us who have had the pleasure of playing this instrument for sometime got our first performance experiences in church. As Fluteguy said, you really cannot find a more friendly and appreciative audience. It is wonderful experience and you will have a great time doing it; I promise . Besides, if you happen to be Christian (or in any way connected to a religion with beliefs in a Deity who endows His creations with special gifts), there are few better ways to show your appreciation for those gifts and talents you've been given, in my opinion.
I don't want to mess up and then feel embarassed in front of a bunch of people I don't know.
Join the club. Just remember that you're performing for the audience. If you make a mistake the only thing you can do is suck it up, recover as quickly as possible, and keep going without letting your horror and embarrassment show. If you do it well, the audience might not even notice the mistake, which is a blessing.
I don't think you'll let anyone down, we are often our own harshest critics.
People are usually very supportive at Church and music societies etc.
Have a great Holiday!
Playing next year is fine too; sometimes nerves can overtake you!
I play at my church often, and I will tell you that I am nervous, but once I start playing, it goes away. If you concentrate on only your music (don't look around!) you will do fine as long as you have practiced.
A good thing about church, is that the people will respect you for going in front to play for them. Most of them couldn't do it, and you are sharing your talent. If you miss a note, keep going because only you will probably know the difference.
I am going to start playing at church again because it really is such a great experience. My primary instrument is sax and I woke up one morning a few weeks ago and felt the need to become a better flute player. The practice and support that one receives from the church and the other players is nothing but positive and encouraging. Also, the church pieces are not exactly the easiest so I will be getting some good reading lessons too It's ok to not play out in public if you are not ready! Do not be afraid to say no! One day you will be ready to do it and only you will know when that time is! Best of luck to you!
. Besides, if you happen to be Christian (or in any way connected to a religion with beliefs in a Deity who endows His creations with special gifts), there are few better ways to show your appreciation for those gifts and talents you've been given, in my opinion.
It's ok to not play out in public if you are not ready! Do not be afraid to say no! One day you will be ready to do it and only you will know when that time is! Best of luck to you!
