Notice that this post is entitled, "How to control nervousness", not "How to get rid of nerves". You can't get rid of nerves. However you can be familiar with nerves so that you know how to control them and when you get nervous as you play, you recognize what is happening to you. Some of you might start physically shaking, others start playing faster or more quietly and inwardly. You need first of all, to remember what happens to you and then deal specifically with that.
Then you need to identify why this is happening. It all comes back to the "fright and flight response" which is a biochemical reaction that both humans and animals experience during intense stress or fear. The nervous system releases hormones that cause changes to occur throughout the body. This however can work to your advantage. Increased adrenaline in your body can help you concentrate better. You do need however, to be able to control these changes in your body so that they do not overcome you.
Key to controlling nerves is "self belief". You need to have confidence in yourself and this comes from being prepared. You know that you can play this piece, you have done all those hours of practice, so there is no logical reason why someone listening to you should make you play worse.
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