Good news for performers and public speakers! Performance time can be a time of great joy, and the good news is; It's totally up to the performer on how it will go. Following and using these tips will give a performer solid footing for a great performance and a great time.

1. PRACTICE!!!

Yes I know; you know that already. However; it still has to be stated as the #1 tip because without it, things just won't go so smoothly. Daily practice is the recommendation and the amount of time depends on the difficulty or level of the music being performed.

2. Be Prepared 30 days in Advance

Don't wait until the last week or two to get your performance ready. Get that recital ready as early as possible. If you are spending your last 30 days before the performance struggling to be ready then that just creates stress. If you have a great performance prepared 30 days before the big date then you will be in anticipation, looking forward to that day when you finally get to show your hard work. So instead of thinking "OHH NOOO; I'M NOT READY"!!! for 30 days, the thoughts become "I CAN'T WAIT, I CAN'T WAIT"!!!

3. Formal Rehearsals

Think of this as a "pretend performance" from beginning to end. Once your performance is ready, conduct a formal rehearsal once each day. Begin with a solid warm up and practice smoothing out any rough areas. Here are some helpful ideas:

• Have a real mini performance for friends or family
• Set up stuffed animals as an audience
• Or just do the entire performance beginning to end with the bows and imaginary applause
• DON'T STOP! We are human, mistakes are O.K. Stopping is not. Often a wrong note sounds good!

4. Positive Visualzation

The recital can be performed "in the mind" the days prior to the rehearsal and performance. Right before sleep is a great time for this exercise. This is a positive visualization technique, where the performer pictures him or herself effortlessly flowing through the entire performance. A musician actually visualizes themselves playing each note of the piece, playing right through the areas of difficulty.

5. Memorize the Music

The performer should almost automatically have the piece memorized from the many days and hours of practice put into it. If not then he / she should work on memorizing the performance top to bottom. Some musicians still work better with the music in front of them just as a comfort. But memorized is the best.

6. Run around the house once or twice before a formal rehearsal

Yes! In fact; you can even try this in the clothes you'll wear at the performance!! You should wash them before the actual performance, "aaahhem".
OK this may sound crazy but psychologists say that our physiological responses to nervousness are almost identical to those of excitement! Think about it; your heart pounds (that is the biggest one right?), you have shortness of breath, butterflies. Ever felt butterflies before riding a roller coaster? That was excitement! Currently we are in negotiations to build a running track around Steinway.

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How to conduct a Formal Rehearsal