How to Prepare for a Performance

Prepping for a performance is definitely not something I am an expert at, but I do have experience and it is something I continue to practice and refine. As students prepare for the March 6th Solo Recital, here are a few ideas to try ahead of time and shortly before the recital to prepare. Have some more ideas? Leave them in the comments below!

Practice enough to feel prepared. Feeling prepared brings confidence. Not sure how to prepare enough for your recital piece? Ask your teacher!

Practice your piece beyond the difficulty you need it to be. Ask your teacher how you might be able to do this.

Practice performing in different rooms and in front of different people.

Get feedback and continue polishing. By having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset, we believe that our potential is limitless. If we believe this, then we can walk into a performance doing the best we can in the moment and know that we can learn from this experience and continue to grow.

Rest and be good to yourself physically before the recital. Eat a good meal and take some time to relax.

Practice playing in what you are going to wear for the performance.

Plan on arriving ahead of time to the recital to unpack, warm-up and get comfortable.

Visualize your best performance.

Listen to your recital piece.

Practice your bow at the end.

Redirect negative thoughts and question their validity.

Redirect your nerves into excitement.

Meditate.

Breathe work.

Try not to plan too many things on your recital day that will make you feel rushed.

Plan something fun to do after the performance to celebrate your effort working towards the recital. The effort is what matters.

Video/audio record yourself and self reflect. What are you happy with? What can you improve?

Some things to set up for a ZOOM Recital:

Do a sound check with your teacher.

Make sure you are not too close or too far away from your device.

Try different positions to find the best angle for your device.

Check your audio settings on ZOOM and make sure to unclick the box the says Automatically adjust microphone volume.

LASTLY...

Focus on the fun and the joy you have in playing your instrument. This is your chance to share your efforts and your music with others. Take the mistakes and keep on playing. Mistakes don't define who you are but how you respond to a mistake does. Recognize all the amazing things you have accomplished and learn where you still have room to grow.

Enjoy the journey.