Performance Preparation:
Practice! Know your music inside and out. Practice repetitions of smaller sections of the piece and then the whole piece, so you feel well-prepared. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be.
Be familiar with the piano part, and how the piano and flute parts fit together. Study the piano score and listen to recordings. Write measure numbers in your part for the rehearsal.
If your piece has multiple pages, tape your music and make copies if needed to ensure you don’t have to stop playing to turn a page during the performance.
Visualize your performance from beginning to end. Imagine every detail and it going well.
Record yourself and make notes for continued practice and refining.
Give mock performances for family or friends to practice playing the piece straight through and getting familiar with any possible nerves. Be sure to share if you want feedback or not.
Sleep and eat well leading up to the performance to give yourself the opportunity to feel your best.
Performance Anxiety:
t’s completely normal to be a little nervous for a performance. Even many professionals still get nervous and experience nerves in a variety of different ways (i.e. sweaty palms, dry mouth, racing pulse, shaky knees, nervous tummy, shaky lip/air support, shallow breaths).
Tips:
Take slow, deep breaths. Bring awareness to different parts of your body starting from your toes on up.
If you notice a symptom of performance anxiety, welcome it. For example, you could say, “Hello, shaky knees! I feel you and you’re welcome here as I continue to play.” It’s silly, but it can help!
Acknowledge that you did all the preparation for this moment and now is the time to enjoy seeing your efforts pay off.
Remind yourself how much you love playing flute and your piece.
Visualize each moment of the performance going well.
Remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect performance. The purpose of the performance is to connect with your audience and share the gift of music.
Know that your audience is excited to hear you play and wants to see you have a great time.
Make it your goal to have as much fun as possible!
No matter how the performance goes, understand that this is a fleeting moment and just a step in your musical journey. Find joy in the journey and be proud of your progress.
Performance Etiquette:
Attire - Dress in semi-formal attire or “Sunday best”. Generally, a dress or slacks and a button-up with dress shoes. You don’t need to dress in black when you’re the soloist.
Arrive Early - Give yourself plenty of time to find the venue, warm up on your flute, and tune.
Walk on Stage and Bow
Set Your Music and Tune - Adjust the music stand to the appropriate height where the audience can still see your face. Tune on your own before the performance starts and then very briefly again on an A with the piano when you get on stage.
Breathe and Acknowledge Pianist - Take a brief moment to get into the character of the piece and allow yourself to breathe. Once you’re ready to play, nod to the pianist to make sure you’re both ready and begin.
Keep Playing - Even if something happens during the performance, keep playing and the audience may not even notice. You have a wonderful pianist who will find where you are and follow you.
Acknowledge Pianist and Bow Together - Wait until both you and the pianist are done playing. Once you hear applause, acknowledge the pianist, bow together with a smile, and head off stage.
Recital Reflection
Personal Goals:
What would a successful performance look like? Create measurable and attainable goals.
What do you need to do to prepare yourself for success?
What are you most looking forward to?
Post-Recital Reflection:
What about your performance went well? What are you proud of?
Was there anything you didn’t expect?
What you would be sure to do again? What would you do differently next time?
See the attached PDF for a handout version of this post with space to write and reflect!
Comments