Performance

= Music, in performance, is a type of sculpture. The air in the performance is sculpted into something. ~ Frank Zappa =

So in terms of performance, I don't typically go by strict rules. What I most often think of is the management of your music. In order to perform a piece the way that your mind actually interprets it, it requires relentless practice of technique and your own will to understand every muscle movement your instrument requires. Without that, a performance will never please you. That, of course, is not to say that it wont please others.

Things to remember when practicing... When Performing... = =
 * Don't over-practice the day of your performance. That's the worst thing you can do.
 * Don't practice your performance. Practice the music.
 * Go through the difficult passages. Don't over play it in terms of speed. Play the whole piece as fast as you can play the most difficult part cleanly. Nobody likes a sudden drop in tempo for no reason.
 * Stay calm! Most of your audience will at least look in admiration, as they can't play themselves!
 * If you make a mistake, it's OK. Try to avoid it, of course, but if it happens, you can't go back in time to fix it. Everybody from some 4-year old in a talent show to S. Richter has made mistakes in their performances. Oh well.
 * If you make a mistake, DON'T LET YOUR AUDIENCE KNOW! Many people will never even notice your trifles while performing.
 * Bow and smile. Be confident.

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