Preparing for Recitals - and Any Presentation!
We are having our first in-person recital since January 2020! Students of ukulele, piano and voice (18 years and under) will demonstrate their recent work. This is a great cause for celebration! It’s also a time of nervous anticipation, especially for those who are still new to performing.
Yes, there are valid reasons for participating and reassurances that we can offer: These are opportunities for growth; the more we do it, the easier it gets; you are performing in front of a friendly and supportive audience of other students and their parents.
Perhaps more helpful, there practical techniques that I utilize as I prepare for my own performances. Here are some I’ve been encouraging my students to adopt:
Preparation. We are more relaxed if we know our material well. So keep practicing! Isolate those challenging spots, go slowly if needed, and then reincorporate them into the piece.
Keep reviewing your pieces once mastered: music skills have an uncanny way of melting away when we stop playing them.
Do cold run-throughs. Closer to the performance, we need to play the piece straight through, as we will in performance. So simply sit down and play (or sing) the piece.Then ask yourself: what went well? Did you remember the dynamics as well as the notes? Are the lyrics correct? Is there something that needs more work? If yes, review. Then leave it for a time, and come back for another run-through.
Do a run-through with the clothes and shoes you will wear! Your favorite shirt, pants or dress might have buttons that make noise, or be too long, short, tight, or floppy for comfort. Discover this in time to make changes.
Perform in front of family or close friends. Or videotape yourself, which also gives the “pressure” of performing.
Use affirmations. An adult student of mine recently sang a solo. She prepared thoroughly, and still have some qualms. I told her to write an affirmation, stating how she wanted to be, what she would remember, using “I am….” language. She created some powerful affirmations which helped her stay calm and centered.
Remember it’s about the music (not about you). What story are you telling? What image to you want to convey to your audience? Focusing on the music will redirect your mind toward your goals.
Reality Check: What’s the worst that can happen? You make a mistake (we all do), and move on. You will be in good company: I’ve seen Adele and Paul Simon make mistakes on stage! And many students know about my fourth-grade solo in “Puff, The Magic Dragon.” I had a brain freeze and sang the wrong verse. The story made no sense. I was convinced I would never sing in public again……. well, I’m happy to say that didn’t last!
Future posts will talk more about affirmations, how to memorize your pieces, energy work that can help you prepare and focus on the day of the performance, and more.
In the meantime, let me know if you have certain strategies that work for you, or particular questions you would like addressed!