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Recital Season is upon us! Footprints Music has its Spring Showcase on June 4 for Hamilton and June 11th for Toronto. We always have 2 per year!
Performing in front of an audience can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the proper preparation, performers can feel confident and ready to take the stage. Whether your child is a seasoned performer or a beginner, here are ten things to think about when preparing for a recital or show:
Practice as if you were performing: The more your child practices, the more comfortable the material feels. Try to recreate the same conditions as the performance, especially the lighting. Ask us if you’re not sure. Visit the location ahead of time, too. Piano recitals can be at your teacher's home or in a dark venue.
Know your piece: Make sure they know the material inside and out. This includes the lyrics, the melody, and the chords. If their chosen song seems beyond reach, choose something they love and know well! Performing is learning to play in front of people. Take some stress off. Play the song multiple times a day.
Do deep breathing exercises: This helps calm your child’s nervous system and get your thoughts focused. Mindfulness is scientifically proven to increase performance. Breathing is the easiest form of mindfulness.
Warm-up: Just like athletes warm up before a game, performers need to warm up their bodies and voices before a performance. This can include stretching, vocal exercises, and breathing exercises.
Visualize success: Take a few minutes each day to “see the success” - weeks, days and nights before the performance. Again, athletes do this before a competition or game.
Get enough rest: Make sure everyone gets enough sleep the night before the performance. Being well-rested will help them feel more alert and focused.
Being nervous is okay: It’s okay to be nervous! In fact, nerves are what make performances better.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during the performance to keep your body hydrated. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks that dehydrate.
Mistakes are okay: Stay focused on the performance and avoid distractions. Even career musicians make mistakes!
Have fun: Remember to enjoy the recital and have fun! The audience will be able to tell if they are enjoying the song, which will make the performance more enjoyable.
While there are lots more ways to prepare for a recital, these are some of the best ways to be in the driver's seat and take control. Remember, your child will be nervous, which can create unusual behaviour. Keep this in mind the week of the event.