So much here that I couldn't read it all, and many things about which we seem to agree as far as causes and cures for anxiety.

We are often our worst critics, hearing things no one else would notice, or at least 90% of the listeners don't hear what we hear as a weak spot or mistake. I am thinking right now of the tape on its way to Mudcat Radio where I know I sing a note a little off toward the end of a verse... but what to do - share only 'perfection'? I didn't have the time to keep recording it over. We would all be afraid to perform anything if it had to be perfect. I think that too many times people are comparing themselves to studio honed perfection that isn't even realistic for live person to person performance.

Preparation meeting opportunity is success. If you are always working on your art, consistently doing something as often as possible, when the opportunity to perform comes up, you are ready. Finding a song circle to sing or play with on a regular basis really helps in addition to practicing in private. Having the changing audience of a song circle helps you reach a comfort zone so that it makes it easier to face a different audience when it is time to perform.

I didn't read all the thread but here is one tip. If you get 'rattled' by the audience or a memory lapse, closing your eyes while you sing or play helps to focus until you get back in the groove.

Speaking of time, my Mudcat time is up today. Gotta get back to the 'drawing board'.

alice