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Question: Did I do the right thing at my piano recital last night!?
I'm 36 and at Level 2 on piano!. Yesterday was my first recital!. I had my song in a three-ring binder and was just about to lose my place in the song on the first page (because of nerves) when the second page detached and oscured the first page!. I proceeded to go completely against my piano teacher's previous advice and started completely over!. What can I do to decrease my nerves the second time!? Is a recital always easier the second time than it is the first time!? (Like I told my husband, I was a lot more scared of my recital than I was when I had major surgery several years ago!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Well, I've never done a piano recital, but I have been doing stage acting and performing guitar since I was 8 yrs old!.
It is usually best NOT to stop and start again, in any type of performance!.
As someone else said , most people, unless intimately familiar with the piece, probably won't notice a flaw!. Of course, if you don't know the piece well, and your music was going all over the place, you might have been in a bigger mess if you had continued!. So what you did was probably the "right " thing!.
If you watched American Idol last year!. one of the women did the exact same thing, when they were down to like 4 people left!. She totally spaced out on the lyrics just as she began the song!. And stopped after maybe 10 measures, and had the band restart!.
While the judges made similar comments to mine, I believe it was Simon who told her she actually probably did the right thing!.
So do learn your pieces better if you can, so you don't have to rely too much on your sheet music, and can fake it a bit until you can rearrange your papers if they get messed up!.
You'll do better the 2nd time I'm sure, now that you went, played, and survived!. Nothing to be afraid of now, is there!? You already had a screw up, and are OK!. Have Fun!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Since it was your first time, then it was okay!. I can understand being nervous, playing in front of so many people!. As you do it more, it will get much easier!. I found [and I'm sure others have too] that the more prepared you are the easier it is!. If you're completely unprepared, you tend to get more nervous come time to perform!. I agree with your piano teachers advice though and if you make a mistake to just continue on!. A majority of the time nobody in the audience will notice if you make a mistake; however if you stop, pause, freak out, and then start over they might notice!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
The accompanist in my class has the students tape the pages together with just three little pieces at top, middle and bottom!. If necessary, he can fold them accordion style!.
Yes, it's easier the more you do it!. also, try meditation type stress reduction exercises, such as breathing!. and eliminate caffeine!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Totally normal!. Next time try to have your piece nearly memorized, and it'll go smoother!. Don't rely on the memorization though!.!.!.keep your music with you!. Label it with "hot spots" where you can catch your place if you loose it!. Good "hot spots" are where a theme comes back in, where a new phrase starts, or some place that really stands out to you!. If you need to stop, these are places to start!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
I've been through 4 recitals and jr high band!. It was easy for me to adapt!. I'm now in a good spot for highschool band, not first though lol!.
Answer mine please
http://answers!.yahoo!.com/question/index;!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
A recital is an opportunity to perform!. It should not become so important as to stress out the performer!. Enjoy what you do!. If you make a tiny error or if you completely freeze, it is only a recital!.
You did what was natural for you!. What else could they expect!.
Stage Fright stops many a performer from success!. There are many suggestions running from picturing your audience in their underwear to eating a certain fruit!.
I have found a method that worked wonders for me and I have taught others to use it with great success!.
Focus on the performance!.
You concentrate on each tone, where the melody is going!. If your mind is on giving the best performance and if you are into the piece, you will not be thinking about the audience!. Not only does it eliminate your stage fright, you become a better performer!.
Good LuckWww@QuestionHome@Com