The day's drawing near. It's your big chance to play live and show off your talents. But how do you keep everything under control? Here are nine top tips that will keep you composed and help you make the best of any performance you give.
Preparing for a recital is a bit like studying for an exam. You want to be ready, but you don't want to have to cram everything in the night before. The safest bet is to practice in small amounts and often. That way you won't feel stressed because you're not on top of things.
2. Play Something You Like
If it's your first live performance or your fifty-first, you still want to give it your best shot. Music is a form of communication, and to get your enthusiasm across you need to play something that makes you excited. Sometimes your teacher will choose pieces for you to perform at a recital, and sometimes you can negotiate. You'll be practicing this piece for a long time, so make sure it's one you won't get bored with or sick of hearing.
3. Perform for an Audience
Playing at home in your front room when you think nobody's listening is one thing. But rattling off a piece in front of a couple of hundred people takes nerve and self-control. Try to get used to the atmosphere by playing for family, friends, the paper boy, the milkman, or anyone who'll listen. Practice when there's noise in the house or while the TV is on. Do anything you can think of to deliberately distract yourself. If you can play through that, the recital will be a breeze.
Imagine the scene. You're at the piano, ripping through Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude". The audience goes wild, jumping to their feet and screaming "Bravo!"
You've played well, and you get up to take a bow. What a tremendous feeling of success! See it all in your head so you'll know what to expect.
5. Rehearse Everything!
Leave nothing to chance. Practice walking up to the piano, sitting down, adjusting the stool if necessary. Practice sitting and waiting for the applause to die down and for people to stop coughing (someone always does!). Then practice bowing and walking off the stage. The more prepared you are, the more you'll enjoy yourself.
6. Eat Well, Sleep Well
If you practice little and often, you should be raring to go. Try to avoid staying up late for the few nights before the concert. Eat little and often, too, even if you don't feel like it. That'll keep your strength up and help you get through the experience in comfort.
7. Stay Relaxed and Focused
When you're not practicing, do something else to take your mind off it. Read a book, watch TV, play a game or go for a walk. Meet up with some friends or go out for a meal. If you're practicing a little every day, you'll have nothing to worry about. So do something to take your mind off the recital and help you enjoy the rest of your life.
8. Do your Best
Once all that practicing is done, you can only do your best. Don't worry about mistakes; just play the best you can. And be proud of your skills and talent.
Playing in public is a great opportunity that very few people get. Soak up the atmosphere, get into the music and show everyone how well you're progressing. If it really is a piece you enjoy playing, then you should be having fun!
