DR Danise - I meant to comment on something you mentioned yesterday... I, too, tend to get nervous
after an event, especially back in my "classical" days. Whenever I would do recital work - either as a soloist or an accompanist - I would be a wreck after the recital. My brain, and consequently my social skills, would just shut down. People would always ask me if I was feeling well right after they congratulated me. I was feeling well, I just wasn't
welll.
My theory was that I had done such a good job of controlling my nerves and neuroses before and during the recital, that once the recital was done all that "stuff" was suddenly released in my system. And I've met other performers with the same peculiar problem, and they believe that's the source of their post-performance-apoplexy.
In turn, one of my studio mates had tremendous problems with pre-performance nerves. She would literally get sick to her stomach some times. Once she was on stage, at the piano and played the first note, she was fine, but beforehand... watch out! She started getting control of her nerves after talking with the great Spanish pianist, Alicia de Larrocha. Ms. De Larrocha mentioned that she had had similar issues early in her career. A doctor prescribed a diet with extra amounts of Vitamin B in it, and Vitamin B supplements if needed, and that seemed to do the trick. My friend then made some adjustments to her pre-recital ritual/diet, and it helped her out too. She actually got a little "worried" when she didn't feel as nervous as she normally did - she was just so used to that ill feeling beforehand.
