Performance Day Routine Ideas
“Everything I do on the day of a performance is about that performance, whether it’s spending time relaxing or spending time not doing other things, like running around to appointments and I try to keep a light or non existent teaching schedule.”
-violinist Kevin A. Lefohn in the Virtuosity.online class “Performance Preparation Seminar”
“When you’re with somebody else, if you’re playing chamber music, you have to be really mindful of the other people - what their setup is, what their routine is, because you don’t want to disrupt that as well.”
-concert pianist Derek Zhi Guang Chiu in the Virtuosity.online class “Performance Preparation Seminar”
Concerts, auditions, exams, and more - there are various events where a musician needs to prepare to perform. Developing a consistent pre-performance routine can help to optimize your performance potential and bring all of your hard work in the practice room to the stage.
Here are four ideas to consider adding to your own pre-performance routine
Get to know the venue
The space we play in becomes a part of your instrument and your performance. If you are able to get to know the space and even practice in it, this is great! But even if you aren’t able to be there in person, just knowing what the space looks like can help with visualization ahead of the performance.
Keep your performance day schedule as empty as possible
On the day of the performance, try to schedule as little as possible. The last thing you want is to be already physically and mentally exhausted before you even begin your performance. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue and to take care of any tasks that are related to the performance itself.
Create some space for quiet time or rest
Spend time to breathe, clear your mind, or meditate. If your performance is later in the day, you might even consider taking a nap! This might sound silly, but just replenishing your energy can help tremendously with being able to perform your best.
Have a laugh
Find a little space for humour and fun with your fellow performers instead of focusing on pre-performance nerves. Whether it’s light conversation or even watching some funny videos together, these moments can set a positive tone for your performance together.
Ahead of their performances at the Cremona International Music Academy and Festival (Italy) and the Vancouver Island International Music Academy (Canada) this summer, Virtuosity.online faculty, pianist, and Steinway Artist Derek Zhi Guang Chiu and violinist Kevin A. Lefohn are presenting a series of seven recitals in Portland, Oregon, USA and Alberta, Canada.
Following their performances at Pacific University, George Fox University, and Steinway & Sons Portland, they will be performing this April in Calgary, Red Deer, and Grande Prairie in Alberta, Canada.
Initially meeting in Cremona, Italy, Derek and Kevin became friends, later collaborating professionally on Virtuosity.online. They now enjoy performing internationally as a piano/violin duo.
Learn more in the Performance Preparation Seminar presented by Derek available in The Virtuoso’s Lounge.
New users get their first week free by using the code NEWS at signup