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andredub · 10-02-2007, 04:32 PM

Heya
A couple of things that have worked for me have been...
Be able to run through the set twice or 3 times back to back. If you can do that, you are easily ready to tackle the competition endurance wise (even if you already have good endurance, in the show it will keep you from worrying about it in the heat of the moment. You'll know you have the chops). To get there, run it when you've warmed up. Take as much break as you need, run it again. Don't take any extra time on rests! In the days ahead, make that break shorter and shorter. Always remember to go back to fundamentals and basics to make sure you aren't cheating somehow and hurting yourself in the long run. Give yourself a good warm down, get the pressure off of your face.

As for nerves, the only way to be ready is to practice performing. Run it through for family, friends, neighbors, as if it was a concert. Set up chairs, get your accompanist, make programs if you want to take the time. Treat it exactly like a show. Do that as many times as you can. Performing is the only way to practice performing!! In the practice room, if you screw up, keep going. Make that a habit. On stage, you'll do what you have practiced, and this will keep you from dwelling on a mistake if it happens. If you haven't played a recital, keep in mind that it is instinctive for many people to look back on what they just played, or think ahead to a hard part. Make sure you avoid that completely. Stay in the moment, in the present, only think about what you are playing. If you find yourself drifting in one of those directions, bring your thoughts back to what you are doing.

Good luck, have fun and I hope this helps!

-Andre

10-02-2007, 04:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
andredub New Friend Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 47	Re: Recital Competition Heya A couple of things that have worked for me have been... Be able to run through the set twice or 3 times back to back. If you can do that, you are easily ready to tackle the competition endurance wise (even if you already have good endurance, in the show it will keep you from worrying about it in the heat of the moment. You'll know you have the chops). To get there, run it when you've warmed up. Take as much break as you need, run it again. Don't take any extra time on rests! In the days ahead, make that break shorter and shorter. Always remember to go back to fundamentals and basics to make sure you aren't cheating somehow and hurting yourself in the long run. Give yourself a good warm down, get the pressure off of your face. As for nerves, the only way to be ready is to practice performing. Run it through for family, friends, neighbors, as if it was a concert. Set up chairs, get your accompanist, make programs if you want to take the time. Treat it exactly like a show. Do that as many times as you can. Performing is the only way to practice performing!! In the practice room, if you screw up, keep going. Make that a habit. On stage, you'll do what you have practiced, and this will keep you from dwelling on a mistake if it happens. If you haven't played a recital, keep in mind that it is instinctive for many people to look back on what they just played, or think ahead to a hard part. Make sure you avoid that completely. Stay in the moment, in the present, only think about what you are playing. If you find yourself drifting in one of those directions, bring your thoughts back to what you are doing. Good luck, have fun and I hope this helps! -Andre Last edited by andredub; 10-02-2007 at 04:35 PM.