uncomfortable practice space.

by Jason
(minotloa, n.j. U.S.A)

I have two practice spaces. One at home and one where the band practices. Why is it that when I'm home I can play virtuously flawless and more fluid. But yet when I go to band practice I feel like Ive lost a few years of playing. Im slower, not as fluid and cant "feel" my kit like my space at home. Ive even swapped kits and i still feel the same. The only thing i can think of is that the floor of the band practice space seen a little unstable. Will this drastically change my playing or is it me.

ANSWER

Hi, Jason--

This is not uncommon. When you are at home you are relaxed and in a "safe" environment. When you are at band practice, you are in a kind of performing environment where you feel psychologically less safe.

This happens to almost everyone. My students often voice the same concerns when they come to their lessons. Professional dancers know that that they have to be able to leap much higher in practice than they will need to in performance.

In other words, you are experiencing a type of performance anxiety. The unstable floor is a distraction which probably does not help.

There are some things that you can try:

1. Be OVER prepared. Know the songs so well that you could play them "in your sleep". Be able to do all fills and difficult parts faster than you need to. Be sure to always go back to the metronome and practice at the correct tempo after fast practicing so that you don't develop the habit of playing too fast at rehearsal.

2. Concentrate on the music--become part of it. If your attention is on the music and not on your self and your playing, the anxiety will likely lessen. Also, talk to yourself posotively before
rehearsals. Try not to develop an expectation of
difficulty before you rehearse.

3. Check out the possibility of finding a new rehearsal room. The unstable floor is an understandable distraction, especially for a drummer. If your drums are moving around while you play, it can very well affect your playing.
Maybe you can find a garage with a nice concrete floor.

By the way, have you checked out our Almost Free Drum Tabs?

These are quality drum tab presented in traditional notation. They are guaranteed accurate and easy to read.

Once you experience these tabs, you will never want to go back to the inaccurate and difficult to read tabs that you find free on the internet. You can even order custom made drum tabs for ANY song!

Best Wishes,
Lynne

(Let me know how things go...)