The problem of stage fright or performance anxiety keeps coming up, but that does not surprise me.  Many surveys of working musicians show that about 30% are plagued with this issue. I believe that stage fright can be a rather complex problem, so I want to suggest some more ways in which you can take a look at the performance fears that are undermining your playing.

It is critical to remember that your fear/anxiety is an indication that you care a great deal about making good music for your listeners. And since you care enough to give the very best, some uneasiness is actually a strength, because if you didn't care you probably would not be making quality music and wouldn't be a good entertainer any way.

Perhaps it will help if you think of your fear/anxiety as energy. A good performance requires a good supply of energy, so in dealing with your uneasiness the goal is not to eliminate all of it, but to remove only that part which interferes with your playing.  If we don't have enough energy, we rust out; too much energy and we burn out.

Always keep at the front of your mind/consciousness that you are playing music in order to entertain yourself and your audience.  Additionally, be aware of the fact that your audience is there to hear what you have to say with your music; they are at your show because they want to have a good time. They are listening because they want a positive experience.  Remember that only a very small proportion are there to "judge."  So in your mind's eye, play to the vast majority who are their because they want to have a great time, and find ways to "catch fire from the front row."

Our internal self-judging tendencies -- the desire and search for perfection -- can also be part of stage fright. Recognize that complete satisfaction with your musical development is probably never going to be attained, because the search for satisfaction is like walking on a path that has no end. Musically, we keep developing and evolving until we die.  However, at any point on the satisfaction pathway we can stop and see how much we have progressed, and be honestly pleased with what we are doing. Fright is often caused by always looking ahead and never stopping to enjoy how far we have actually come.   Each and every time you make music -- be it performing, rehearsing, or practicing -- it is critical to mentally record what you are pleased with. This habit of remembering successes will help reduce your sense of fright.

Another tactic to put into place right before you step on stage centers on having a clear memory of your last really enjoyable and pleasing performance. As you stand in the wings, in your mind's eye recall that last special time in every possible detail. With that on your mind it is much easier to walk on stage with a sense of competence instead of fear and foreboding.

And of course always be as well rested and fed prior to a performance. When in doubt, always take care of the basics: good food, enough water, and enough rest.  It is much harder for the mind to be anxious when the body is strong.

I wanted to give you some new ways to think about your fright/anxiety, so I did not go into detail with some of the other "tricks" to help you keep fear and anxiety under control.  Keep searching for that "just right" combination of tactics so you can make music that is fun and enjoyable for all concerned