Before The Show
– Prioritize Practice and Prepare
This may seem obvious, but make sure that you practice and prepare as much as you can before your performance. Resist excuses to procrastinate that sound like “that part isn’t hard anyway; it’ll be fine.” A great approach is to run through your entire set at home under conditions similar to the actual performance. If you can smoothly handle your entire set, you’re good to go.
If not … well, keep practicing.
If not … well, keep practicing.
Furthermore, it’s smart to plan ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly on the performance day. Have you sorted out your transportation to the venue? Do you know when to arrive? What’s your position in the performance order? Being well-prepared for all the aspects surrounding your performance will help keep anxiety at bay, regardless of its source.
– Ensure Proper Posture & Breathing During Practice AND Performance
You might assume that maintaining your breath is no big deal during practice, but running out of air is the last thing you want when you’re on stage. Having the right posture and keeping your breathing in check not only conveys confidence and professionalism to your audience but also keeps you comfortable while performing. Always remember: BREATHE!
– Remember to Have Fun
It’s undeniable that music can be quite intense. It often uncovers into deep emotions, and every performer aspires to give their best. A key to reducing the pressure on yourself and your performance expectations is to keep in mind that the audience is there because they want to listen to you — your unique connection with the music and your personal experience of it. This realization can be a source of comfort because, even though it may appear challenging, it might just be the simplest thing in the world: just be yourself. Find joy in your practice to find joy in your performance. Never underestimate the pleasure you derive from it.
– Perform for a Friend Before the Show
Pick a friend you’re comfortable with and present your complete set to them. Pay attention to how your emotions and performance shift when you have someone watching and listening. Building confidence in front of a single audience member is a crucial step in preparing yourself for a larger crowd. (And remember, even your instructor can play the role!)
After The Show
Post-Performance Reflection
Now that the show’s over, it’s time to reflect. How do you feel about how it went? Are you satisfied with the outcome, or were there aspects that didn’t go as well as you’d hoped?
Taking a moment to ponder your performance is essential. It allows you to acknowledge your successes, pat yourself on the back for what went well, and approach any areas that didn’t go smoothly with a mindset of constructive criticism and self-compassion.
Taking a moment to ponder your performance is essential. It allows you to acknowledge your successes, pat yourself on the back for what went well, and approach any areas that didn’t go smoothly with a mindset of constructive criticism and self-compassion.
Ask for a Feedback
Requesting feedback from those in the audience can offer you a fresh outsider’s perspective on your performance. Remember that this feedback is just one viewpoint among many, so take it with a grain of salt, especially if it appears overly critical. Comments from those who witnessed your performance can help you see beyond your own viewpoint and limitations.
If you have a performance recording, muster the courage to listen to it. Consider proposing to your instructor that you listen to it together for additional feedback and insights.
If you have a performance recording, muster the courage to listen to it. Consider proposing to your instructor that you listen to it together for additional feedback and insights.
Practice Self-Kindness
Now, we come to the most crucial point. If your performance didn’t go as planned, it’s even more important to approach this situation with kindness than if it did go well — not less. Being harsh on yourself and self-criticism won’t lead you anywhere. Instead, emphasizing what you did right and addressing what went wrong with self-compassion is the key to bypassing high
expectations and self-judgment, which are often the culprits behind stage fright in the first place. Think of it this way: just like practicing a song, you can practice the art of performing. Even though a live performance is “the real deal,” the culmination of all your hard work, you can improve your performance skills by merely performing more.
expectations and self-judgment, which are often the culprits behind stage fright in the first place. Think of it this way: just like practicing a song, you can practice the art of performing. Even though a live performance is “the real deal,” the culmination of all your hard work, you can improve your performance skills by merely performing more.
No matter what transpired during the performance, you’ve gained valuable experience. And with a kind and compassionate perspective, experience becomes priceless.
In conclusion, Mi Fa Music School is immensely proud of our students and their musical accomplishments. The annual recitals are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion our students bring to their musical education. As we continue to support and inspire the next generation of musicians, we invite you to join us in celebrating the magic of music at Mi Fa Music School’s annual recitals. It’s not just a performance; it’s a symphony of growth, learning, and artistic expression.
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