Performing music - delivering a good performance
When you are performing, your brain is processing a variety of emotions. These can affect your performance if you are not well prepared. What will you go through and what can be done to minimise the stress to ensure your best possible performance?
What鈥檚 the worst that could happen?
You might not make it through your piece and you could stumble in many passages. You might even stop playing. None of these situations are ideal, but don鈥檛 forget that at GCSE level you are able to record a performance a number of times, so there is more than one opportunity to get it right.
How can you feel strong and confident?
You must be well prepared, by having a thorough and consistent approach to practice. Your choice of piece will also affect your confidence. Choosing a piece you enjoy and understand will help you deliver it musically to the best of your ability.
How to get rid of nerves?
Some nerves can be good because they make you focus and bring some excitement to your music. However, too many nerves can tip you over the edge. Try to keep your nerves to a minimum by preparing as much as you can, and by familiarising yourself with your performance space and the other performers in your group.
What if I make mistakes?
It is unlikely that your piece will be perfect, and that is OK. If you make mistakes during your performance, it is important that you don鈥檛 dwell on them so much that it affects the rest of your performance. In the performance, staying in time is the most important thing. It is vital that you don鈥檛 try and go over mistakes, as this will affect the fluency of the music. Fluency is important in your performance.
Live the music
Since the performance is being recorded, your expression and style need to be as convincing as possible. Bring your music to life with dynamics and expression, and don鈥檛 forget that these are just as important as technical ability. If you have other people in your performance, don鈥檛 forget to try and communicate with them.
Above all, make your performance musical. The odd technical mistake will not affect an overall mark that much, whereas a performance without expression will not be well received.
Criteria
Ensure that you are aware of the marking criteria for your performances. They vary slightly between different exam boards, but the basic elements are:
- technical ability and fluency
- expression and style
- difficulty