For concert pianists or any other music performers, stepping on stage to perform is the end goal; to go out there are share with (sometimes hundreds of) other people the fruits of their work.
However, for some performers this is something they (secretly) do not look forward to as we would expect, and it could cause them a lot of discomfort, anxiety and even substantially lower the quality of their performances.
So, I decided to share with you some 'tricks of the trade' that I use to help me go through every recital and every concert as smoothly, confidently and comfortably as possible, and as time is passing enjoy the whole process more and more ...
1. Prepare and practise.
Prepare, prepare, prepare .... Practise, practise, practise ..... Thoroughly, methodically, intelligently, systematically.
Because, there’s nothing worse than stepping on stage knowing that you are not prepared. When practising start with the most challenging pieces and the most difficult passages until you reach a point where you stop worrying about them and can (almost) play them with your eyes closed. This will build your performing confidence and empower you to give your very best each and every time.
Practising also includes playing in front of people. They can be your family, friends, neighbours..... Whoever is willing to listen, lol. Trust me - it helps !
2. Get to know your piano and your venue.
Whenever possible, play your whole programme at least once in the concert hall, auditorium, or performance space where you will be playing. Get familiar with the piano, its position on the stage, lighting, acoustics ... If possible, cooperate with the piano tuner to adjust the piano to your liking.
3. Dress comfortably.
Avoid tight or too open dresses, stiletto heel shoes or otherwise uncomfortable shoes (for female pianists: shoes with block heels and straps give the best grip and support), strangling neckties, or thick stiff materials. Make sure your clothing (and your hairdo) doesn’t distract from your performance in any way. Absolutely avoid any kind of outfits that might interfere with or restrict your movements. Perform your programme at home in the chosen outfit from the beginning to the end to see how you feel in it and make adjustment if necessary.
4. Day before ...
Avoid practising and even playing piano whatsoever one day before your performance. What you have learned - you learned ! (Thank you Igor Lazko for this advice that you gave me when I was 13 years old.) Instead do something completely different, something that will take your mind away from your performance, something relaxing, something entertaining, something fun ... like watching a fun movie, playing a board game with your friends or family, or walking/spending some time in nature.
5. Arrive early.
Arrive to your venue at least one and a half hour before the beginning of your performance, long before the audience arrives - to have enough time to warm up, to make last adjustments to the piano with the piano tuner, to dress in peace, to breathe in the whole atmosphere and align with it. I often 'talk' (in my mind) and try to connect with the composers of the music I am about to play. This is usually the very last step that I take to help me tune in with the performance.
6. Be yourself !
Do not compare yourself with other pianists or performers. Remember that each performer has something unique to offer. You are one-of-a-kind and so it is the music you perform if and when you let your heart and soul sing through it. Allow the love of music be your guide every step of the way.
And then, step into every recital, every concert, every performance, with the wonderment and spontaneity of a child.
Fly in and out of it as light as a butterfly.
Remember - it is just a moment in time. Could be immensely significant and beautiful, and yet, it is just a moment.
And then - take a deep breath and let it all go ..... and - 7. Enjoy ! And I promise you - the audience will enjoy it with you !!!
Picture: Klaus von Bismarck Hall in Köln, Germany
Great read. Thank you for sharing Xenia.