William Fitzpatrick - violin expert

The Many Stories of Bill Fitzpatrick: Nerves

How stage fright can appear out of the blue.

In this video, prof. Fitzpatrick tells a story about how he experienced bouncing bow during a performance due to stage fright and how that persisted for a few years.

Released on February 16, 2022

Post a Comment   |   Video problems? Contact Us!
DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

Video Transcription

I was about to go out on stage for my first performance at Memphis State University in 1967 when the stage manager asked if I was nervous and I replied, “No, why should I be?” they said, “Good for you! Most are as they are about to play for all the faculty and students.” I walked out and as they had said they were all there. I started playing and immediately my bow bounced uncontrollably like this... I was experiencing nervousness! Afterwards I went to a dance studio and in anger threw my rosin against a wall as I could not accept what had happened, but fact, my bow had bounced throughout the performance. For the next few years this happened whatever the setting.
Automatic video-to-text transcription by DaDaScribe.com
Post a comment, question or special request:
You may: Login  or  
Otherwise, fill out the form below to post your comment:
Add your name below:


Add your email below: (to receive replies, will not be displayed or shared)


For verification purposes, please enter the word MUSIC in the field below



Comments, Questions, Requests:

George Mahida * VSM MEMBER * on February 16, 2022 @2:32 pm PST
Professor Fitzpatrick I like your stories! I was surprised that you had experienced nervousness. So the question is how to overcome this no matter what the setting?
Margaret * VSM MEMBER * on February 16, 2022 @6:40 am PST
So how did he overcome this stage fright nervousness?
reply
William - host, on February 16, 2022 @9:36 am PST
Hi! There are future videos that speak to this but I guess the easiest way to say it is like this ..."The best way to not have nerves is to be prepared" ... When I look beyond the simplicity of the statement I realize that "nerves" are a part of the process. So I guess I just embraced the whole process! But as I said there are more videos to come about this ... Thanks for the question !!!
Questions? Problems? Contact Us.
Norton Shopping Guarantee Seal