Wildacres Retreat
This class was a miracle. Made up of people of all ages from college age to the fifties, and from beginner flutists to extremely advanced teachers, performers, and amateurs, we came together to explore our personal struggle with stage fright Our stories were each different, yet we found common threads of human compassion binding us together, and we became an intimate group, allowing each other to share deep feelings, experiences, and tears, and opening to the enormous power of asking for support, and receiving love and comfort.
We learned how we can change our thoughts regarding our performances before, during, and after, and learned how to do affirmations and visualization (mental imagery) in the specific way that benefits us as individuals. Participants learned the factors that go into creating an optimal performance, and took home many skills to be able to make that happen.
On the last day of class, we had the opportunity for some in-class performances. Some students had already noticed immediate improvements during their performances at concerts and masterclasses during that week at Wildacres. Without going beyond the bounds of confidentiality, all I can say is, two people who could not – *could not* – bring themselves to play their flutes in front of others, (one not since childhood}, played in front of our class. The magic that happened – when the music in those musicians’ souls was finally released – was so profound that we were all speechless and in tears, every single one of us. A third student in the class had a breakthrough a few weeks later after she got home.
Our group bonded so well that someone asked if we could keep in touch after Wildacres to continue our support and learning, and we are doing so.
To my knowledge, another course for flute players that focuses specifically on performance anxiety doesn’t exist. If you’re fearful to get on stage, or if you do get on stage but have unproductive thoughts, or if your fear prevents you from playing as well as you know you can, consider going to Wildacres next June and taking this class. I passionately believe that fearful, nervous flute players can become confident, joyful flute players, and that includes *you.*
To get more information about Wildacres Flute Retreat, you may email Anna Thibeault or visit the Wildacres website.