5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Next Concert or Music Performance
Recital season is upon us and it’s time to show everyone what you’ve been preparing! Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time, but there are ways to make it easier. We've lined up a few tips to help you get ready for your next music performance and really enjoy the experience!
Perform in front of a smaller audience: Just like you practice your piece, you can also practice performing! Performing in a cozier setting in front of your family and friends can give you a chance to practice your performance with less of the nerves. Practice introducing yourself and playing the whole piece from start to finish.
Visualization: Imagine your performance and it going well—How do you feel? Who do you see? What are you wearing? How does your voice or the piece sound? The more detail the better! It can help to do this while meditating in a quiet space, but you can do it anywhere. The actual day may not go exactly as you visualized, but it can be helpful to tap back into those feelings, which can bring a sense of calm and security.
Pack your bag the night before: Make a list and put everything you’ll need in your bag and place it by your shoes or the door (anywhere you know you’ll see before you leave the house). This could include sheet music, a camera, water, snacks, lip balm, lozenges, a sweater, etc. If you have a digital recording, make sure you’ve sent it where it needs to go and have the file saved on your phone/laptop/USB in case you need it the day of. If it helps, you can also put your outfit out or prepare your breakfast ahead of time!
Go early: Go to the venue a bit early and do something that helps you relax. You could take a walk around the block, do some stretches, listen to music, chat with friends and family, meditate, go to the bathroom — whatever you need to get comfortable.
Give yourself a “moment before”: When it’s your turn to get on stage, give yourself a moment to get situated and take a deep breath. It may feel like a long time, but it only takes a few seconds and can be really helpful for your nerves. The pause also allows your audience to take a breath and approach your performance with fresh ears.
And one final note— staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and energizing yourself are just as important as practicing! It can be helpful to stick to any routines you have the night before and day of, whether it’s a certain bedtime or breakfast. Everyone’s different, so do the things that make you feel like your best, most confident self.
Best of luck, and have fun! We’re rooting for you!
Written by: Elena Kwon