I always get nervous when it's time for a lesson, and I'm not sure why. I know my music well, but when I go to my lesson, I usually screw it up in some way. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments?

I don't usually perform in front of people. I plug my headphones into the keyboard. Once, I had to audition for a class at school and my hands were shaking so much I almost couldn't play! I made it fine, though, and now I'll be doing regular performances.
The only thing I can say is just ignore everyone else. It's ridiculously hard, but try to imagine it's just you and the piano. If you can't, then try to get used to having people sit and listen when you play, even is it's not a real performance.

Do you mean like, you get nervous when you go to have your piano lesson? Because if that's what you mean, then I am exactly the same....I get soo nervous coz I always mess up when I play in front of people....

Sorry I have no tips as I share the same problem as you...

Love Laura
XxX

It's not getting nervous in front of people (I do get nervous, but I am also excited to perform for people) just getting nervous at my lessons. I think I try too hard to perfect everything right before and during the lesson that the whole thing flops. Also, (wow, can't believe I missed this part) our piano at home sounds way different than almost every other piano I've played on. It apparently has a broken soundboard, and cannot be tuned.

The best way to get rid of nervousness is to practice in front of someone, not alone. I mean, they dont have to be right behind you listening, but as long as there's someone around. If you practice alone, you get used to playing alone, and then get nervous when someone does watch. Try to ask someone to at least occasionally listen, while in view, to your playing while you practice. Soon you'll see that if you stay nervous, you'll never play good, so basically you just cut them out of your attention after a while. Also remember, though teachers might, ordinary people usually dont notice mistakes, so do quit on yourself when you make one, just keep going... Hope that helps...