Know what you are going to play in advance

 

Discuss with your teacher which pieces you can play most confidently. Pay special attention to the piece until the concert day: practice daily and play through difficult passages slowly, increasing the speed and playing it as smoothly as you can.

 

Learn it by heart

 

It is good practice to perform without the score. Once or twice a week at the end of a practice session, close the score, put it aside and try to play the piece through. How much can you remember? If there are any parts you forget, go through them with more attention next practise session; these are the tricky sections with which you may struggle if you are feeling nervous during your performance.

 

Run-through

 

Run through the whole piece before you finish practising. Imagine you are at the concert venue and a big audience is waiting silently for you to play. Take a moment to think about the beginning of your piece. Play the piece without interruption. If you make a mistake, try to continue playing, as if nothing happened. Listen to the music whilst you play. Try to enjoy it as if you were in the audience.

 

Getting ready for the concert

 

Concerts are special events which bring people together. Occasionally performers and the audience to socialise with each other afterwards. Concerts often mark the beginning or end of a season or term. They may be a special occasion such as a graduation or prize award. It is therefore important for the performers and the audience to consider appropriate dress to match the significance of the event. The day before your performance, consider what you will wear. Choose a smart but comfortable outfit, which allows you to move your arms freely and does not restrict you in any way whilst you play. You may want to try out several options at home and play your piece to make sure you feel comfortable. Shoes are part of your outfit, so do not forget to choose them in accordance with your clothes. Family and friends will likely take photos during and after the performance. Looking presentable will make the occasion special.

​

On the day​

 

Go through your piece at least once so that you are prepared to play it later at the concert. Take your music with you and anything else you might need prior to the concert - a bottle of water, little snack. Plan to arrive with plenty of time ahead of the performance. You may be able to have a brief try-out on stage before the concert begins. Get your instrument and music score ready. Think about the piece you are going to perform.

​

Stage presence

 

The way you behave on stage is important. Acknowledge the audience’s applause by taking a bow before you play. After the clapping has finished and you are in position, take three slow breaths and think about the beginning of your piece. Try to feel any nerves as excitement; you have practised a lot and this performance is a celebration of your dedication. Imagine the music in your head and begin when you are ready. Do not worry about any mistakes. Your playing is a gift to the audience. When you finish your piece, enjoy the applause, smile and bow to the audience.

​

​