Our music podcast is back! In this episode of the ArtistWorks Music Series, jazz saxophonist Eric Marienthal talks performance anxiety: what is it, and how can we deal with it? The show is available now anywhere you listen to podcasts, or you can check it out on our site. 

In the conversation, ArtistWorks CEO Patricia Butler and Marienthal discuss all things stage fright. While it’s common to “get the jitters” before a performance, for some, the fear can be paralyzing. This often results in those players avoiding the spotlight at all costs. So with this in mind, we decided to ask our artist instructors — who have performed for many large audiences — to weigh in on the topic and share their thoughts. What tools do they use to deal with performance anxiety?

If you’ve wanted to learn how to play saxophone, but performance anxiety has gotten in your way, this is the conversation for you. “When you make a mistake, it’s immediately in the past. So move forward…keep in the moment,” Marienthal shares. “The build up in our heads is far worse than the actual experience.”

On the ArtistWorks Music Series, Butler speaks with master musicians across all genres as they dive deep into topics like becoming a musician, playing at the professional level, and the journey of learning music. Over the coming weeks, we'll be spotlighting many artists and discussing all sorts of instruments and topics:

Performance Anxiety: Mike Block – Wed, Feb. 5

Things Lessons Can’t Fix: Dave Stryker & Howard Paul – Wed, Feb. 19

New episodes are released every other Wednesday on all podcasting platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the show. 

Ready for some jazz saxophone lessons? Try free sample lessons with Eric Marienthal today.