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A reluctant performer's guide to fighting stage fright

Has fear ever stopped you from pursuing your dreams? Pianist Sara Solovitch has some hard-earned advice.
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Sara Solovitch performs in a crowded airport as part of her stage fright therapy. (Sarasolo.com)
Q15:29A reluctant performer's guide to fighting stage fright

Has fear ever stopped you from pursuing your dreams? Musician-turned-journalist Sara Solovitch has some hard-earned advice. 

Four decades ago, she gave up on a promising career as a classical pianist because of stage fright. Now she's working her way back to public performance — an ongoing struggle she's chronicled in her new book, Playing Scared. 

Solovitch joins Shad to discuss life-altering condition, how common it is (even among top performers) and how she found the courage to return to her passion. 

q: Have you ever experienced stage fright? Did the anxiety drive you away from public performance or were you able to push through the panic? We'd love to read your stories. Comment below or email us at q@cbc.ca.

You may be surprised by some of the high profile people who have suffered from stage fright, including businessman Richard Branson, pianist Glenn Gould and singer Carly Simon. (Rick Wilking/CBC/Peter Kramer)

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