Preparation for Performance

Understanding the Performance Context

Consider the performance venue and its characteristics: Size, acoustics, facilities, and audience demographics.
Establish the theme and style of your performance: What genre, mood, and techniques will you need to convey?
Determine the equipment and instruments necessary for your performance: Is there any specific gear needed? Are there any venue restrictions?

Knowing Your Material

Design a repertoire that is suitable for your performance context.
Ensure it showcases your musical strengths and abilities.
Thoroughly learn and memorise all your pieces, understanding the key structural elements, techniques, and expressive qualities required.

Technical and Musical Preparation

Practice your pieces extensively, including both technical and interpretive aspects.
Focus on troublesome passages, using slow practice, repetition, or alternate fingering/phrasing if necessary.
Incorporate relevant performance techniques such as dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Set up a healthy lifestyle routine including balanced diet, exercise, and sleep to maintain stamina and high energy levels needed for performance.
Undertake physical warm up and cool down routines to prepare and rest your musculature. This includes finger exercises, vocal warm-ups, or body stretches for example.
Adopt methods to manage performance anxiety such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualisation of a successful performance.

Developing Stage Presence

Work on your non-verbal communication. This includes body language, facial expressions, and movement to help engage with the audience.
Rehearse your stage entrance and exit, ensuring they are smooth and confident.
Plan and practice any interactions with the audience like introductions, transitions or other speaking parts.

Rehearsing Performance Conditions

Practice performing in a simulated concert environment. This can include playing in performance attire and simulating lighting conditions.
Allow yourself the opportunity to play through pieces without stopping, replicating live performance conditions.
Record your practice performance and analyse for areas of improvement.

Final Preparations

Check the logistical aspects including travel to the venue, knowing the performance order, and having back-ups for any equipment.
Carry out a final rehearsal and sound check at the venue if possible.
Make sure to keep a positive mindset, and remember to enjoy the process.