Preparing for Performance

As it's nearly time for my Summer Concert, I thought that this might be useful:

Preparing for Performance Handout

Before the performance:

·  Choose pieces you enjoy and that are well within your technical ability.

·  Know them inside out and if possible from memory, listen to other performances, practise performing them, analyse them and secure the starts and ends.

·  Rehearse everything- what to wear, walking on, tweaking the stool, and bowing.

 

On the day:

·  Have a countdown plan; think what you are going to do, wear, play or practise, eat.

·  Arrive in time but not so early that you jitter.

·  Keep fingers warm

·  Do the candle breath.

 

In the performance:

·  Do like the top athletes (sprinters especially); walk the walk, pretend you are confident through your body language, smile (it does work), shoulders down, walk tall!

·  Take your time setting up and preparing.

·  Focus and concentrate. Play each piece with character, style and confidence.

 

Generally:

As you practise performing, determine what your typical anxiety levels and symptoms are and sort out physical solutions for physical symptoms and cognitive solutions to cognitive symptoms e.g. if you imagine that all will go wrong, slot in a good thought about a decent performance.

Further lit: Holding Your Nerve- Jones, The Musical Temperament- Kemp,

The Perfect Wrong Note- Westney, Stage Fright- Havas,

Musical Excellence- Williamon, Musical Performance- Rink.

 

Fiona Lau 2014