The Piano Place - Performances

Performances

If you've been playing the piano for a while, chances are you've been there -- the regular recitals that your teacher make you do, even when you don't want to. Well, it's a fact of life, and it's good for you. But if you're anything like me (a few years ago), you probably dread these things. Here's some tips to help you become better at them.

The number 1 rule here is Practice!! Not only will you play better, you will also become more confident. And confidence is a very important factor in successful performances/exams.

If you're required to memorize your pieces for a performance (which is very likely), make sure that you know it inside out, upside down and backwards. Also make sure that not only your fingers know it, your brain and your ears also know it well. The reason for this is that the better you know your pieces, the less likely you'll be overcome by stage fright and suddenly forget everything. And then even if you do make a mistake, your brain knows what to do.

Remember that the more you perform in front of people, the less nervous you will be. Here's some general tips for your next performance:

Make sure you eat something before a performance so that you're not hungry in the middle of it.

Cut your fingernails two days before the big day.

Don't wear any jewelry on your wrists because it will distract you. This includes watches too. No rings either. Necklaces are ok.

Don't do all your practice a few day before. Just like a test, you can't cram for a performance. Instead you might panic and mess things up.

Wear something formal, comfortable and not too elaborate. It will give positive influence to your audience and to you (it puts you in the right mood).

SMILE!!! It shows that you're confident about what you're doing and assures the audience that it will be a pleasant experience for them.

Take a bow. Then turn to your left towards the piano. Just make sure that you never have your back to the audience when you turn.

When you're playing, pay attention to yourself and not to the noises around you. Listen to yourself. Keep focused.

When you finish playing, don't be in a rush to get off the stage. Let the music ring. Then take a bow and SMILE even if you made a mistake. Chances are your audience don't know the music and won't notice it.

Most importantly: Enjoy yourself and smile! You may not get to perform very often, so treasure the experience. You have shared with others the wonderful gift of music.

More Performance Tips contributed by Barbara Salmons.