Today I was performing musical pieces playing a beautiful instrument. The thing is that I did not want to go to stage because people. I also tensed up and did not want to walk in front of everybody.

How does everyone cope with this?

The vast majority of people have some degree of stage fright. So, number one, you're not the only one. And, most people don't really cope with it. So, again, you're not the only one.

IMO (not a professional), a good way to overcome fear is through gradual, repeated exposure to what you fear. Start small and work your way up. Perhaps have a small recital for your parents or some close friends, or a trusted teacher. Practice your instrument outdoors and/or in a public space (if possible). Instead of using music, you could also gain experience by doing other kinds of performances, such as giving a reading or a speech, joining a drama club or taking a drama class. Basically, like most things in life, the more you do it, the more you get used to it, and the better you get at it.

For speeches or presentations what I do is pick 3 points in the room. Instead of staring at your peers faces or your teacher or what not, you go back and forth to those 3 points. It makes you look like your talking to everyone and also helps not looking directly at someone.

picture them all twerking

Personally, I use contempt. If you decide that the people you're speaking to are beneath you, their opinions, judgements, etc don't much matter and you can perform about the same as if you're addressing a bunch of plants. Might not be the healthiest method, but it reliably works while you get accustomed to the experience of exposure and performing.

some people are more naturally shy then others, it's normal to feel stage fright

some tips:

exposing yourself more often helps getting used to it

just do it like your practiced

sometimes not taking it too seriously helps, just imagine you're addressing your friends

recall you're always being judged by others regardless of what you do, might aswell just have fun doing what you like doing, and whatever reaction happens will happen

watch rocky movies

film yourself practising and learn from the mistakes

Edited 12/10/2015 14:45:00

Take beta-blockers. Honestly, that shit did wonders for my anxiety. I had been pretty much living in fear for the last 10 years of my life, I wish I had known about this stuff earlier...

I take "Propranolol" I mostly like it because it contains "lol" in the name I think...

I used to have a fear of heights too (verging on vertigo), and that completely vanished as well, really weird not to have these feelings but I love it :)

Edited 12/11/2015 03:56:26

Yeah I don't like taking medication

Good. Don't use meds unless its absolutely vital to your daily well being. Honestly, stage anxiety is simply a fear of being judged (in this case on your musical ability). Constantly remember that (at least hopefully) your practiced and thus internally imagining that it will go perfectly can have a calming effect. If you feel nauseous have some ginger (tea or even ginger ale works well)...its a more natural alternative. I used to be absolutely horrible at public speaking and would need note cards every time. Its really about getting more exposure. Best of luck to you.

Oh yeah try yoga (breathing exercises will do you the most good) daily to increase mental sharpness and calmness.

I usually get a little jittery or wobbly at the legs, but i consider that a sign that i have proper posture and my body is simply reacting to the new environment of an audience.

because youre not use to being around people?

Beta-blockers are just adrenelin inhibitors, that's all they do. Honestly, I hate drugs too, but this stuff is good, you're not supposed to produce that much adrenaline, I lived like shit for 10 years, there's no need to suffer for it... I'm a chemist, so I know what I'm talking about, sometimes these "anti-druggers" do more harm than good, are you against vaccines too?

Edited 12/11/2015 04:28:29

I'm not against vaccines.

It's just that I would rather make my body toughen up than take medicine. If I have a migraine I will not take medicine, if something hurts I will not take medicine, if I'm getting sick I will not take medicine.

I just feel that taking medicine makes you weaker than toughening up. And the only time I remember taking medicine was when I visited the hospital and had to take pain relievers earlier this year when I slipped and fell on my back(I'm in swim team and got out and slipped).

I usually play with an audience of 1-20. 200+ and in a large space simply makes me nervous.

you play with yourself in front of ~20 people?

Are you mentally challenged?

Public performance on a regular basis will help, but I find being extremely prepared is the best confidence booster.

If you've ever watched Spongebob, you'd probably recall an episode where he tried (with the help of Sandy) to imagine his classmates in underpants while he was doing his speech.

So try imagining your audience is in underpants. But personally I use the 3 points technique

Thing is I don't want to get a public erection

oh sorry, i didnt know about your condition, ghengis. guess i cant relate.
im sure that doesnt help you either