Preparing for Performance

Singing outside the safe space
--Alexandra Plattos

One of my favorite comments in a lesson is, "it went so much better at home!" You konw what? I believe it. In perpetually practicing in one spot or location, we create a safe space. This space allows us to experiment, make mistakes, try new things, fail, and succeed without fear of repercussions. When we practice or perform outside of our safe space, then we may encounter some performance anxiety, disorientation, or distraction... Hence why I believe my students (most of the time) when they say their piece was better at home.

How do you practice for a recital or performance? Simplest answer: PSYCH YOURSELF OUT!

Let me elaborate. Learning the music is great (and clearly a vital step to prepare); however, it’s just that – a step. We must also prepare for distractions, nerves, and an all-around good time. Begin by dividing your practice time into three categories:

1. Technique
2. Distractions
3. Enjoyment

[This can be each practice session, or as I’ve found works for me, dedicate a full session to one category on a rotation schedule]

1. Technique

This is the time to work on the nitty-gritty of the music: notes, rhythms, diction, body/breath, and expression (dynamics, phrasing). This category is most often your “typical” practice session. As you approach a performance, full runs without stopping for mistakes should be included.

1. Distractions

Here’s where things get trickier. Practice with distractions! – turn on the TV, have a friend try to talk to you, let your dog run “wild” through the house, change your practice space. Your goal is to effectively perform without allowing these distractions (which will happen) to diminish your performance.
One aspect to this step is nerves… Practice calming and focusing yourself. Begin a few runs of your performance piece by psyching yourself out. Imagine a full audience, imagine their faces and their attention on you… imagine the other musicians or performers or teachers in the room… see yourself walk in front of the crowd, then breathe, calm yourself, and sing. Didn’t work? Do it again. Practice calming and focusing your mind before you sing.

1. Enjoyment

In all this practicing, we must remember to share the joy we feel while performing. We make music to communicate, to tell a story… be sure to focus part of your time on finding that amid the pressures of perfection.

I’ll tell you a secret – I often dance around, jump, play with tempi, sing to imaginary friends, or pretend I’m a Disney princess during my Enjoyment sessions. It’s OK to get a little goofy.

NOTE: At minimum, this new practice “regime” needs to be implemented one month before a performance.
Those are my thoughts. Happy Practicing!
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