survey of 56 orchestras found that 70% of musicians reported that they experienced anxiety severe enough to interfere with their performance, with 16% experiencing this level of anxiety more than once a week. (Source: James, "Western Orchestral Musicians are Highly Stressed," quoted in Professor Dianna Kenny's collation of papers Advances in Music Research; Experimental Studies in Music Performance). Thanks, Dianna; this adds interesting scientific research to my updated material for the new edition of Confident Music Performance. I'm so excited by the new cover and content that I'll offer a SPECIAL Pre-Publication Price of 30% OFF on class sets OK, I'm normal, but how can I counter nerves? PRACTISE! Hardly rocket science. But wait; many of us don't really know HOW to improve that botchy passage. I didn't, even at tertiary level. My learning curve led to a book... For starters: # Practise what you CAN'T play more than what you CAN. Similarly: # 80-20 Principle (http://www.gassner.co.il/pareto): Put 80% of your time to the 20% that needs it most. (More tips in Practice is a Dirty Word) But the nerves, Ruth, what about them? Tips to calm and focus before a performance (with ingenuity, during!) Breathe! But adrenalin affects breath support as the heart beat speeds. Slow exhale with a "whispered ahh..." Inhale and repeat. Some slow deep breaths with a hand on your forehead (neurovascular balance points for the stomach meridian) calms queasy stomach, diffuses excess flight/flight and allied symptoms, and releases memory blocks. More tips in Confident Music Performance Buy 20 copies and save $100! Yes, I'll extend that 30% discount to class sets of Practice is a Dirty Word. Reply email or fax orders to (61 7) 3300 5786. This reduction is valid for orders received by August 31 (postage extra).