Essential tremor

[Johanna]

Are there any other concertinists out there who are afflicted by essential tremor?  Do you have any tips or tricks you use to minimize its affect on your playing?

 

I've had a tremor that's been noticeable enough for people to comment on for 15+ years now.  As tremors do, it comes and goes, and it's gotten progressively worse over the years - and I (hopefully) have a lot of decades of life left for it to get even worse.  It's still "not that bad" under most normal circumstances, but it really kicks in whenever I'm even a little bit nervous, which unfortunately happens whenever I'm the center of attention. 

 

I've recently gotten back into concertina-ing after a long hiatus, and I'm trying to dip my toe back into performing.  But no matter how much I practice a piece to perfection alone in my living room, as soon as I get up in front of people, I start shaking.  It (mercifully) doesn't seem to have much of an effect on my ability to find the right buttons, but it can be detrimental to my bellows control, and I know people can see it, which makes me self-conscious.

 

Here's a video of me that was taken yesterday.  Just at a local session, not even on stage with a microphone or anything.  In the moment, it didn't feel that bad, but you can tell that I'm really shaking.

 

Some thoughts on things I have/haven't tried:

 - The concertina I'm playing in that video, my brass-reeded Wheatstone, seems to be less sensitive to bellows pressure than my others (an Aeola and a Morse).  So it may be my best option for managing the tremor - and I like it for song accompaniment in simple settings like this - but it does get drowned out quickly in louder envrionments.

 - As you can see in the video, I have a weird playing posture, with the left end of the concertina resting on my right knee, and the right end moving freely.  I've thought that maybe it would help if I trained myself to play with the instrument balanced evenly across my knee, and opening the ends in more of a V shape.  But I haven't tried that yet.

 - I'm not currently on any medical treatment for the tremor.  In the past I've tried propranolol and the Cala Trio electrical stimulation device.  The latter helped more than the former - but unfortunately it's not covered by my insurance.

 - In my previous performing life (10+ years ago), I seem to recall that nerves were less of a problem when I was performing with a group rather than solo.  So the solution may be as simple as getting back into a duo or band (which is something I'd like to do anyway).  But that would involve convincing people to play my weird music with me.

 - Speaking of weird music, that language I'm singing in is Cornish.  Because it seemed like the thing to do.

 

Anyway, I'm curious to hear about anyone with similar experiences, and what has or hasn't worked for you.

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

It is often said that the performers often worry far too much over their performance.. and the audience does not notice perceived imperfections quite so much ( and can be more forgiving)..🌝

I could not see on the video anything to criticise, in fact it added to the performance. As a viewers viewpoint even to me, having just watched your session here only briefly.

Don't worry ...enjoy🌝

 

[Johanna]

Thanks so much.   You're right, of course, that we always notice our own imperfections much more than anybody else does.  So to the extent that the problem is self-consciousness, all I need to do is just...not be self-conscious (although that's easier said than done).

 

But the larger point is that this is going to get worse (and sometimes it already is worse than that), so it's something I'm going to need to manage over time, one way or another.

[Tiposx]

This doesn't actually answer your question, but the performance was just fine. The tremor actually looked like a technique.

If you were playing single note melodies then it might not be noticeable at all?

Honestly don't worry about it. I couldn't achieve what you are doing.

Cheers

Tiposx

[gcoover]

Perhaps the twist in your posture might be an aggravating condition? Try putting the left side on the left leg as that will change the angle of your arms (and help prevent any future back problems as well).

 

Propanolol (Inderal) can be a very safe and effective beta blocker, but it's better to get to the point where you only get into the flow of getting the notes out, regardless of any audience or not. Playing in a band definitely helps diffuse the spotlight, but the key is to get past the worry. Your singing is confident and fine, so let your playing be equally at ease!

 

Gary

[wunks]

My band member friend who plays banjo has essential tremor that is quite severe.  He drinks a beer ( just one ) before playing.  His doctor says go for it.  A little mild whole body strength training might help.  I use a water rower.

Edited Monday at 10:05 PM by wunks
more info

[Don Taylor]

You say that the tremor is much worse when you are under stress so take a look at "Cognitive Behaviour Therapy", CBT, see:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy