Big audition coming up, any advice for taming nerves?

[jmaster]

I have an audition to get on to a degree course in guitar at ICMP on saturday.

There's a theory paper and technical exercises like scales, arpeggios in the caged system etc. which I'm confident with and I have to play a piece of my choice which is the Martin Taylor arrangement of georgia on my mind which should be fine.

However there's one bit which is 'play rhythm guitar and solo to a backing track in a variety of common styles' where I just don't know what to expect! Also, when I'm nervous and someone is watching me closely (I'm fine with playing to an audience) I tend to forget everything I know and play like a bit of a spaz.

Any tips on how to prepare for something like this or just general dealing with nerves?

Thanks

[BCB]

My random thoughts:

1. Everyone else will be nervous too.
2. The examiners expect you to be nervous and will allow for it, so don't freak out when you make a mistake.
3. Don't overcomplicate it.
4. Breathe deeper! Really!

All easier said than done, yes?

[jmaster]

thanks BCB, number 3 I think is something I should watch out for, playing less notes and concentrating on phrasing maybe

[BlindLemonAde]

Remember the five P's: Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performance.

Get a backing track, and practice rhythm and lead playing in blues, rock, funk and jazz styles, using as many cliches as you can throw in... Then get someone (preferably another player) to sit in front of you while you run through them, and mark you on them.

If I was examining, I'd be looking for solid timekeeping on the rhythm side, and "musicality" on the lead side.

And like he said above, before you start, breathe in deeply through your nose, while thinking "I am breathing in a long breath" then breath out slowly, thinking "I am breathing out a long breath". Repeat.

[jmaster]

Thanks for the advice, I've been practising to backing tracks like you said and I think that's helping, I'm concentrating on keeping it simple but playing musically rather than showing off!

The breathing thing actually works, thanks for that one

[Viz]

Cooking sherry can help

[jmaster]

Both a shot and a j came to mind but perhaps that'd be unwise..

[fretmeister]

Booze and a stress relieving wank

[RocknRollDave]

The other thing to remember is that they are looking for potential, not the finished article. It doesn't have to be a note-perfect performance so long as you show them what you are capable of and what raw material they will have to work with

[jmaster]

Booze and a stress relieving wank

I am already red raw, believe me