Performance Tips for Young Musicians

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Practice and Performance Prep

For every young performer, there are many different and effective strategies that can be used to improve technical skills, on-stage performances, and instill confidence. From arranging mini concerts at home to being mindful of the nuances of stage etiquette, all of these tips and tricks can work together to enhance the young performer's on-stage experiences. Performers, adult musicians, teachers, and caregivers alike are encouraged to be open to trying out some of these suggestions and making their own personal modifications to ensure that their next performance showcase goes off without a hitch.

Practice with a Growth Mindset

All students, no matter how talented or how long they've been playing, should continue to make practicing a priority. At every stage of skill development, there is something to be learned and perfected. And when students practice with a growth mindset, they will continue to thrive as performers.

Make Your Practice a Performance

Row of violinists playing in an orchestra at a concert Practicing for an upcoming performance or skills showcase is different than one's everyday practice routine. There's no stopping to fix your positioning, no redos when mistakes happen; you perform straight through the set list or performance schedule. This takes stamina and focus, both of which themselves take practice. Orchestrating mini at-home performances can help you hone those skills that are so important to pulling off a really good performance. Open your home to family and friends and invite them to be a part of an intimate audience in the weeks ahead of the on-stage performance. For children who are just starting to perform, audiences made up of their dolls and stuffies can be a good stepping stone towards a live audience.

Leading up to the practice performance, talk about the tone or mood of the pieces that will be performed. Set the audience up to notice elements of the performance that align with that mood and what might be working against it. During these at-home performances, students should pay special attention to their stage etiquette and play their concert material without stopping or interruption. Following the performance, open up a dialogue with the audience about what they noticed about the pieces played and use that feedback to inform how you perform in the future.

Practice with Your Accompanist

For many different types of musical performances, students are playing with others, and that, again, takes practice. To make sure that you and your accompanist are on the same page, set up times to practice together. This offers both performers a chance to coordinate tempo, expression, and choreography, adding to the cohesion of the performance. Practices also offer performers the opportunity to build a rapport with their accompanist, with whom a strong relationship is very important.

Build a Performance Portfolio of Ready-to-Play Concert Pieces

When you have memorized a concert piece and it's ready to perform, it can be tempting to put that piece up on the proverbial shelf and leave it there until you need it. But good performers know how to resist that urge to call a piece done. Keep that piece in your practice rotation and, in the weeks leading up to your performance, practice new and engaging ways to present that piece to the audience.

  • Don't get lax about your sheet music. Even with practice, it's easy to assume that your brain will hold onto the nuances of the music once it's memorized, but practicing with your sheet music in front of you will help to keep you sharp right up until you are ready to perform the arrangement on stage.
  • Practice internalizing the music as you read it. Still your body, close your eyes, and hear it in your mind.
  • For some, it can feel too slow, maybe even frustratingly so, but slowing down your practice is essential to gain control over faster notes. Don't rush through a piece that has changes in tempo just to learn the notes, as the whole piece is made up of so much more than that, and it's all important when perfecting a concert piece for an upcoming performance.
  • Create your own story to go along with the music if there isn't an established one already. Performers can have fun with their arrangement and turn it into a story that they are telling the audience through their performance. This can be especially helpful for young performers to feel connected to their music, and that translates to a better, more dynamic stage presence.
  • Keep a positive attitude, even when practicing is not what you want to be doing in a given moment. Sometimes that can be difficult, especially as the performance night gets closer and nerves start to fray, but try to keep the perspective of "I've done this before" or "playing this piece is as natural to me as breathing," and remember that the time that you've put into practicing really does matter and will carry you through your performance.

Performance Day Preparation and Managing Nervousness

No matter how long a musician has been performing, they might feel nervous about getting up on stage. This is totally normal; our heart rate increases, and our adrenaline starts to flow as our performance opportunity draws near. It is important to acknowledge these physical changes that are happening in our bodies and recognize them for what they are - a temporary physical response to stress that will pass. Use whatever stress management techniques work best for you to manage these responses and show respect for fellow performers who are doing the same. Be patient and show grace and empathy for your fellow musicians.

Meditative Breathwork

As you wait for your turn to perform, deep, conscience breathing can help to keep you focused and calm. Empty your lungs, forcing all of the air out, then slowly and evenly fill them again, expanding your belly. Remain focused on your breathing and repeat to decrease your heart rate.

Performance Tips for Vocalists:

  • Always have water with you and be mindful to hydrate. To perform well, your vocal cords rely on you staying hydrated in the time leading up to the performance.
  • Don't overlook your diet and make sure to eat enough on performance day; a hungry body makes for a fatigued vocalist. Food equals fuel, and that fuel is an important component in our ability to produce strong, rich sounds! Avoid foods, including dairy, that cause the body to produce phlegm.
  • Come to the performance space ready to go, even if you aren't the first to take the stage. Do your warm-up exercises at home, but be aware of over-practicing. Your voice is going to be working hard throughout your performance, so don't exhaust it before you reach the stage.

Performance Tips for Strings and Guitarists:

  • Don't leave performance prep for the morning of. The night before, set aside any performance materials that you need to have with you the following day.
  • Arrive at the performance venue a little earlier in order to give yourself time to tune your instrument and set up your performance materials if space allows. If you need help with tuning, find your instructor or a trusted assistant.
  • Excessive cold or hot weather and changes in humidity have the potential to impact the tuning of your string instrument. Always check the weather and check your instrument before going on stage.

Appropriate Concert Attire

  • All performers should come dressed to impress. Appropriate dress pants and shirts, knee-, tea-, or floor-length skirts and dresses, are all acceptable. Dress shoes should be worn by all, and ties may be optional or required, depending on the specific performance. Avoid restrictive clothing and find performance clothing that is breathable and comfortable.
  • In the weeks ahead of your performance, break in your shoes just as an athlete would. Practice in them, walk in them, especially if you are wearing heels.
  • Tie long hair back and away from your face. To communicate effectively with the audience, they must see your face.
  • Leave the bangles and flashy accessories at home.

Always Carry Your Music With You

Performers are expected to perform their arrangement by memory, but it is still important to have their music with them on performance day. It can be comforting to nervous students to look at their music as they wait for their turn to showcase their skills. Carrying a copy of your music is also good practice, should your accompanist need it.

Performers may also be required to provide their music to a judge if performing in a competition.

Stage Etiquette for Young Performers

Take the stage with confidence; you've earned it! When it's your time to perform, take the stage calmly and confidently. Remember the hard work and time you put into preparing for the performance, and know that you've set yourself up for success. Move with purpose and hold your head high.

Take a Bow Before and After Your Performance

  • Stand up tall, feet together, arms at your sides or holding your instrument.
  • Smile!
  • Then slowly bend at the waist (look at your shoes), and return to standing, holding your smile

Before the music starts, pause for a moment to center yourself:

  • Plant your feet slightly apart and do a quick body check - are you feeling grounded and balanced?
  • Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let it out through your mouth to calm your nerves.
  • If you make a mistake during your piece, keep your cool. Most of the audience won't even notice unless you show it on your face!

Performance Tips for Guitarists:

  • Take your time. Adjust your footstool if you need to, and check the amp volume if using one.
  • Make sure your music stand doesn't hide your face.
  • Sit tall! Imagine a string lifting your shoulders and holding your head high.

Performance Tips for Vocalists and String Players:

  • Once you're ready, look to your accompanist and give them the signal, a little nod and smile, that you are ready to begin.
  • You're in charge of the tempo. If it's too fast or slow, guide your accompanist through your musical expression.
  • When your song ends, especially if the piano finishes it, keep your eyes focused forward and stay connected to the moment until the last note fades out.

Take another bow and acknowledge your accompanist to show your appreciation

Performance Tips for String Players:

  • Mind your posture
  • Keep your violin securely on your shoulder.
  • Bow between the bridge and fingerboard.
  • Stand with your feet spaced comfortably to stay strong and balanced.

Performance Tips for Singers:

  • Before you sing, check in with your body:
    • Feet planted, knees slightly bent and soft (not locked).
    • Hands shaken out and relaxed.
  • If there's a microphone, the stage crew will make sure it's at the right height.
    • Stand close to it, but don't touch it. Then… forget it's there and focus on your song!

This Is Your Moment to Shine!

You've put in the practice and worked hard - enjoy your opportunity to share your music and your skill with the audience. Every performance is a learning experience. Sometimes everything goes just right, and other times, unexpected things happen - that's part of the journey.

Performing builds resilience, and the more you do it, the more confident you'll become.

So smile, breathe, and enjoy yourself - you've got this!

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