Many thanks to all that responded - it's nice to see others who face similar
issues. Ok well, not NICE for any of us, but...you know what I mean.

I think that some herbal combinations may help such as passionflower, gingko
and a combination of
vitamin B complex,I myself am a stutterer and with
thosetools you dont even know or hear it.and training to know you self and be
not afraid to make mistakes,make it a part of your program.

I do not recommend use of drugs, as it may effect you in different ways. Try
to perform for small groups of people (studio etc.). Also, try to develop an
objective attitude, whereby you think about the task at hand (the music, etc)
and divorce your emotions from the whole picture as much as possible. Also
remember that your audience wants you to succeed!

I certainly understand. A friend recommended
gelsimium or gelsemium from the health food store.
Small little tablets that you let melt under your
tongue. It takes the edge of the anxiety. Almost
like zanax, but you're not putting all those extra
meds into your body.
good luck.
cynthia coulson
csharpjmu(a)yahoo.com

dave

Try taking a couple of Citrical (it's an over the counter calcium supplement,
advertised by Paul Harvey on the electric radio). The calcium has the effect
of calming you down, and it's good for you anyway. I use it myself for the
same problem, though my stage fright only occurs on certain jobs. Others, I'm
not the least bit nervous. Go figger.

Steven L. Schaffner

Meegan - some of my singers have found Rescue Remedy useful. It is a
homeopathic "Bach Flower" remedy which seems to take the edge off the
adrenaline. You can get it in most health food or herbal shops. It is
harmless and does not act like a drug or sedative.


Ahh what kindred spirits we are!!! I too share the same dilemma and I do
have an herbal solution! It's called Valerian Root -- you can find it in any
GNC store, Vitamin Shoppe and even CVS (although i would only buy from here
if extremely desperate).

Many people use it to help them sleep, but it can also be used to calm one's
nerves. They recommend two per dose, but you can up to three if necessary.
I should forewarn you about the natural odor of Valerian Root (Honey, i
wouldn't call it odor if it didn't smell horrible)-- but this too has a
solution. Simply pinch both nostrils with your pointer finger and thumb and
gulp down an incredible amount of water.

One hint based on personal experience: avoid ALL caffeine products,
including Coke and chocolate....and breathe!!!!!!

I understand that there are some beta-blockers you can try. Ask your

doctor.

Some musicians swear by eating one banana 30 minutes before the performance.


Pat Maimone

Stage fright or any other fright comes from the body secreting
adrenaline in large amounts. My wife gets very nervous, to the point of
tongue tied, when she speaks in front of large crowds. She now takes a
very small dose of the prescription Inderal. It takes a very small
amount about 20 minutes before you need to perform. It is a beta
blocker and the only thing it does is blocks the adrenaline rush.
Everything else is normal. It shouldn't dry you up or make you sleepy
or anything else. My wife has absolutely no other symptoms whatsoever.

Talk with your doctor about it and the possibility of trying it.


I know someone who takes one of the so-called Beta Blockers (used
normally
for high blood pressure) that can stop some of the heart pounding and
thereby
interrupt the stage fright cycle so that you don't get to the
over-salivating. She would not be able to do solo work without it. You
need a prescription for these.

Do you by any chance use any form of aspartame aka Nutrasweet or Sweet n
Low? Several years ago I began to get terrible panic attacks, esp. when
performing. Then I got other symptoms more consistent with multiple
sclerosis. I went to three doctors: my family doctor, a neurologist and an
infectious disease specialist. They all said they could find nothing wrong
with me. But obviously something was. I analyzed my diet and remembered
something I had read years before about aspartame being a potential
neuro-toxin in some people. I was one of those people. You may be too. If
you are using the stuff try eliminating it from your diet. It might take
as much as two months to completely clear your system, but if you do have
a sensitivity you should feel better after that. And the stage fright,
aka, anxiety attacks should be much diminished. Also, try doing a
websearch typing in "aspartame." There are probably well over a hundred
sites regarding its potential toxicity. Good luck.
Greg

I face the same issue to an extent. A beta-blocker called Inderol (sp?) is
helpful. No loss of focus, or any other effect I've experienced besides
keeping calm. Wish I'd known about it years ago. Best wishes.


Musically Yours,
Meegan Samantha Coleman
Itza Rap Publications
cabaretgrl(a)aol.com