You've spent months (or weeks) preparing your piece and now the time has come to perform. You may be asking yourself what's expected of me, how do I act, what if I make a mistake? Well, you are not alone. There are plenty of people who are not sure of what to do on stage. But keep reading, by the end of this blog, you'll know exactly what to do!
Make sure you dress to impress!
Or abide by the dress code. Often, musicians of all sorts, wear black during performances. I know, boring (thats why I became an opera singer ;) ) . BUT, when you look at a group, they collectively look great because they match eachother! Also, if you choose to wear a dress, make sure the dress is long enough to cover your knees. Often the audience is below you and eye level is pretty much at the feet. Don't go wearing tennis shoes with white socks, the audience will definitely be able to point em' out.
Warm up and look over your music
One of the best things you can do is to warm up before you perform. This will ensure you are ready to give a fantastic performance. You wouldn't run a race or play a game of soccer without first warming up! Before I perform, I always warm up and I also look over my musical notes. I keep a sticky note on each piece of music I will be performing with important things I need to remember for my performance. Having all my notes in one collective space gives me an opportunity to overlook my music right before I go on, if needed. This might be a good thing to adopt if you are worried about your music. Keeps your head in the game and focused on what matters.
Make sure you have all your materials for performance
When you're getting ready to perform make sure your instrument has all the necessary pieces. If you play a clarinet, make sure to have an extra reed (just in case). Don't have your music memorized? Make sure to have your music either with you or in a nice binder ready to go.
Remember to breathe
Stage fright is real! Head over to our blog that talks about all things stage fright. (Oh, what a fright! 5 ways to combat fear of the stage!) Remember every person in the audience is there cheering you on and they want to hear you!
Don't talk during the performance.
Your friends and recital mates have all worked so hard to be able to perform. Talking can be distracting but most of all it is very disrespectful to the person performing.
Don't keep the beat with your feet/ hands/ arms/ etc.
Some people like to keep the beat by tapping their foot, conducting themself, or patting the side of their thigh to keep them in tempo. Don't do it on stage! It is also a distraction and takes away from your performance.
If you make a mistake play it loud and proud!
Unfortunately mistakes can and do happen during live performance. But don't worry, keep going and don't bring attention to your mistake. Most people don't know the piece you are playing and have never heard the arrangement. Play your mistake confidently. Your piece will then turn into the world premiere of your arrangement!
Make sure to bow
Before and after you are done performing, always acknowledge your audience. Bowing tells your audience you appreciate their applause, presence, and time.
MOST IMPORTANTLY....
Have fun! You have been so dedicated and have put so much time into practicing and ensuring your piece is wonderfully performed. Remember the audience is there cheering you on waiting with eager ears to hear what you have to play!