Any tips for controlling jitters?
Well, alcohol is a bad idea. You are just inviting trouble by dulling your senses. I’ve never found the old trick of imagining people in their underwear very helpful either. I find it is good to remind yourself that most people are expecting that they will like you. They want to like you, if you just let them. If looking people in the eyes is un-nerving, try looking around at people’s ears — or shoulders. The verisimilitude from the audience’s point of view is just fine. If there are stage lights in a darkened room, get used to opening your eyes wide and staring into the darkness. Being prepared always helps — fresh strings nicely tuned — comfortable shoes — a trip to the “john” before you hit the stage and a glass of water on stage help with fluid control.
