Teacher Question...?

Question

Will you share your approach to "dealing with" the overly sensitive student. I teach music in the public school system and each semester there is inevitably one student whose anxiety about playing in front of the class causes him or her undue stress.
These are 1st to 8th graders, and it's usually the younger ones who have the anxiety issue.
Separating them by age is not an option. I've resorted to just not calling on that particular student to play in front of the class, but that seems counter-productive. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Introduce the "safety net:" a mat where they can stand that you have described as the safest place in the classroom, where there are not fears, anxieties and they can play their music (or give their report, etc) without fear of embarrassment, ridicule, etc. You can also allow children to POSITIVELY critique each student, a real morale booster. Also, buy a toy or inflatable microphone that you let them hold or hold for them so they feel like they are really on stage performing!

Answer 2

This is very difficult.

What I would do would be - get the child to play in front of a group of two or three. This small audience are instructed to be highly supportive and to cheer and clap at the slightest thing. Build up the audience bit by bit until you have linked positive feelings to performing in front of some people. Then try the whole class. Be patient - this is the best approach but may take time.

Answer 3

I used to have this exact same problem as a child - the strange thing is, now I play the flute and have no quelms about public speaking or playing! What my music teacher did was she offered me some extra lessons in her free class period - she would have me stand up in front of the room and envision the class. Another strategy is to talk to the child after class and tell them they will be playing next class, maybe share a few tips. If they don't seem to improve, just don't call on them but still give them a chance to play (perhaps ask them?). I really hope it helps!

Answer 4

When I was in 12th grade, I had guitar lessons and for the final we had to choose a song, learn it and play it for the class (including singing) I was a wreck.
I wasnt going to do it until my teacher threatened me with an F if i didnt do it.
So i did it but to psych myself up i just kept my eye on the instrument and the music and paid not attention the the audience at all.
I sucked really bad but at least I did it, got a B for trying and never had to do it again.

2 things can help...

Tell your students that they should at least TRY. They may not be the best at what they are doing but at least they didnt give up--

or they can turn their back to the audience so they can not see them. that way they will play what you have assigned and the stress level can be minimal for them.

If there is a recital or show to be put on, just have the secure students participate. Not to say let the others flounder to the side--give them something to do that will allow them to participate but not in front of the audience.

Answer 5

I am a special education teacher who deals with many students with performance anxiety, and had performance anxiety myself as a child.

Start them in small groups instead of individually. Shyer students can stand in the second row in their small group, at least to start. No later than the end of their first year with you, have a performance where everyone has a turn playing a couple of measures of solo during small-ensemble pieces.

Start them the second year with you with another performance with a couple of measures of solo inside the small-group pieces.

Then build them to playing a solo with small-group accompaniment... the small group is still there with them, and they're a part of it... but in front now!

Finally, encourage them to try a capella performances.

Be VERY patient... and pace when you introduce each step by the STUDENT'S readiness, not your own timetable.

Answer 6

I agree that it is counter-productive. The only way that a person gets more comfortable in front of others (speaking or playing) is through practise. Start short and easy, with something they are confident in playing to begin with. If they are unsure about the piece they are playing it will only add to the anxiety.

Answer 7

Why is that we assume everyone should have the chance to be on stage in front of crowd and be comfortable? Some people never will be. This goes for speech's as well as entertainment. I think its the worst kind of torture to expect someone who does not like being the center of attention to get up in front of a crowd for any reason. If they are going to need this skill in life then I suspect they will be fine with it. If they don't like center stage I am sure they will follow a path that leads them away from preforming in front of others.

Answer 8

Is playing in a quartet an option for that student? A small group may just the deal to let him get used to audience.

Answer 9

Try your best to create a family like atmosphere among the students in each of your classes. Try to make it so that the kids don't feel intimidated or frightened to play in front of one another. I think if they get the idea that , "We are all friends here," or "We are all just learning" that might help.

Answer 10

set up private practice sessions with the student(s) in question. have them play for you only, then bring in other staff or faculty one at a time until the student feels comfortable playing in front of an audience. reassure the student that (s)he is no better or worse than any of the other students in the class.