Embracing Nerves: A Reflection

Energy, adrenaline, fear, relief — then it all starts over again. Performing music isn’t like a regular practice session or workout. It’s a cycle of intense emotions that pushes you far beyond just playing notes correctly.

Recently, I watched an interview with competitors from the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. These are some of the best pianists in the world, yet they openly shared how overwhelming their pre-performance nerves were. One competitor said he couldn’t feel his legs before stepping on stage. Hearing that was strangely reassuring — if nerves hit even the highest-level musicians that hard, it means nerves are a natural part of performing, not a personal flaw or weakness.

A few months ago, I was sitting in the green room before a concert, surrounded by other performers. The air was thick with tension, and everyone was nervous — myself included. I realized in that moment I wasn’t alone in this feeling. It wasn’t some strange, private battle but a shared experience that unites musicians at every level.

That day, I made a conscious decision to change how I think about nerves. Instead of seeing them as an enemy, I started viewing nervousness as a sign that I care deeply — that my body and mind were gearing up to perform at their best. I began to think of every performance, every moment of pressure, as an opportunity to build resilience — to develop thicker skin that helps me push through fear and anxiety.

Most people face this kind of pressure a few times in their lives — maybe a big exam, an important presentation, or a job interview. But musicians experience it repeatedly, sometimes multiple times a week. Every performance is practice not just for playing, but for managing nerves, anxiety, and expectations.

This constant exposure is teaching me something valuable: nerves don’t have to be a barrier. Instead, they can be a powerful reminder that I’m growing, evolving, and getting closer to my goals. No matter what I do in the future, learning to handle pressure and perform under stress is a skill that will serve me well beyond the stage.