If you’re a musician who breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of performing—even in front of a small, familiar group—you’re not alone. For many of us, the fear of playing in front of others has little to do with the size of the audience. It has everything to do with the pressure we put on ourselves.
Recently, I had the chance to speak with Nathalie Simper, a performer and coach who understands this fear all too well. Her story, shared in an interview for A Confidence Unleashed Series offers a powerful shift in perspective—one that could completely transform how you approach performing.
“I Thought I Had to Be Perfect…”
In our conversation, Nathalie opened up about the early stages of her musical journey. What held her back wasn’t lack of talent or preparation—it was the intense pressure to “present her best” at all times.
“Anything unexpected felt unacceptable,” she told me. “I had this idea that I always had to be in control, to make no mistakes.”
That mindset, though well-intentioned, created anxiety and robbed her of joy on stage. Over time, she realized something crucial: it’s not the mistake itself that matters most, but how you handle it.
Performing Isn’t About Perfection
Nathalie shared that one of the most liberating moments came when she stopped trying to hide her mistakes and started learning how to integrate them into her performance. “Often your body language tells the audience more about a mistake than the mistake itself,” she said. “If you flinch, freeze, or panic, they’ll notice. But if you carry on—maybe even smile—you’re still in control of the performance.”
Her advice? Instead of pretending it didn’t happen, ask yourself:
- How can I include this mistake in the music?
- How can I stay connected to the moment, even when things go off script?
It’s a radical idea for perfectionists—and a necessary one. Mistakes, as Nathalie says, are part of being human.
“Even After a Lifetime of Practice, You’ll Still Make Mistakes”
In one of the most honest parts of our interview, Nathalie said:
“I’m not perfect as a human being, and therefore the music I produce will have flaws. Even if I spend my entire life in a practice room, I’m going to make mistakes now and then.”
That’s not a reason to fear performing. It’s a reason to embrace it. Live music isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about authentic connection. And that connection is strongest when the performer allows space for vulnerability, spontaneity, and yes, imperfection.
Let Yourself Be Seen
So, if you’re a musician who’s been avoiding the stage—whether that stage is a concert hall, a classroom, or your own living room—take Nathalie’s insight to heart:
- You don’t need to be perfect to perform.
- Mistakes don’t ruin the music—they make it real.
- Every time you play for someone else, you create a one-of-a-kind experience.
The next time you’re about to step into the spotlight, remind yourself: You’re not here to prove you’re perfect. You’re here to share something human, beautiful, and alive.
And that, in itself, is enough.
Ready to play your instrument with more confidence?
The Confident Musician Method is now enrolling! If you’re ready to overcome performance anxiety, embrace your unique voice, and share your music with joy—this is for you.
Let’s chat about how it can support your journey:
[Interview source: Excerpt from Nathalie Simper’s interview, AConfidenceUnleashed.com hosted by Patricia Daly]
