A while ago, I wrote an article about performance confidence, sharing insights from the perspective of someone who struggled with nerves on stage. But lately, I’ve been thinking about the other side of the coin: over-confidence. This mindset can be just as tricky—and sometimes leads to pitfalls that undermine the music itself.
I once heard a well-known classical guitarist — also a seasoned actor — recount a story about performers who walk on stage radiating confidence. With elegant gestures and knowing smiles, they accept the applause, sit with poise, pick up their instrument like a master about to cast a spell… and then, as soon as they begin to play, the tension sets in. Fingers stiffen, nerves kick in, and the music falters. The point, made with dry humour, was clear: over-confidence only carries you so far.
The truth is, real confidence isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about staying calm, connected to the music, and grounded in your preparation — not swept up in a performance persona that masks insecurity or unpreparedness.
Why Over-confidence Happens
It’s fair to say that most musicians — especially when starting out — want to make an impression. We want to be admired, respected, even applauded. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself, but when the desire to impress overtakes the desire to communicate through music, things can unravel.
Some performers, often with early success or natural flair, begin to believe they have little more to learn. They might imagine that confidence alone will carry them through, that a charismatic entrance and a few impressive gestures will win over any crowd. But music has a way of revealing what’s underneath — and when preparation, focus, or sincerity are lacking, it shows.
When Flashiness Replaces Substance
The trouble with over-confidence is that it can shut down the very qualities that make music meaningful — openness, sensitivity, and the willingness to be changed by what you’re playing. Instead, the performance becomes about proving something. Often, that takes the form of speed, technical bravado, or exaggerated gestures designed to impress.
But musical maturity doesn’t lie in flashiness. True depth comes from restraint, nuance, and the courage to express feeling with honesty — not just dexterity. While it’s tempting to think dazzling technique will win over an audience, most listeners, whether musically trained or not, instinctively pick up on intent. If the music feels hollow, they know.
Staying Grounded: What Real Confidence Looks Like
Real confidence is quieter. It’s not about showboating — it’s about showing up. It’s knowing you’ve prepared well, accepting that some imperfections might occur, and trusting that your love for the music will carry the performance. It doesn’t need a dramatic entrance or an air of superiority.
One of the best ways to stay grounded is to keep asking: What am I trying to communicate? When your focus is on the music — and not yourself — you’ll be more in tune with your audience, and far less prone to stumble when something doesn’t go to plan.
Final Thought: Let the Music Speak
Ultimately, confidence should be a bridge between the player and the music — not a spotlight shining solely on the player. The most powerful performances often come from those who quietly step aside and let the music do the talking.