Stage fright means that the performers are afraid their self-value is attacked by negative evaluation. Musicians on one hand are judged by their audience and on the other hand by critiques. For example, their performances in examinations are judged by the committee with variety of points, such as interpretation, technique, musicality, pitch, and appearances, like manner and clothing.

Conductor, John Barbirolli and Leonard Bernstein reduced their stage fright by drinking alcohol, such as Champaign, before performing; as for pop or rock and roll singers, they use drug to build up their physical and mental excitement. Why do these happen? What are the underlying messages of these anecdotes?

Study of stage fright is the core of this thesis. Besides of introducing and citing research papers about research methods and studies of stage fright, I will lead to deeper discussion by interviewing erhu performer and teacher and my own experience as a erhu performer and teacher.