Tips for dealing with stage fright at a piano concert

Stage fright is a common feeling for all pianists, beginners as well as professionals, when performing in public. However, it can sometimes be difficult to manage and affect the quality of the performance. In this article, we'll give you some tips for overcoming stage fright at a piano concert.

 

1. Mental preparation

Meditation and visualization

To begin, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing: take a few deep, slow breaths, visualizing the air moving in and out of your body.
Next, turn your attention to your body: take note of any physical sensations you feel, such as the tension in your shoulders or the feel of your feet on the floor. Try to release any tension you may be feeling.
Finally, visualize yourself playing the piano in front of an attentive and receptive audience. Imagine yourself playing with confidence and self-assurance, and visualize yourself receiving warm applause at the end of your performance.

Meditation and visualization exercises will help you prepare mentally and build your confidence before your performance.

 

Positive affirmations

Saying positive affirmations to yourself before a piano concert can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve self-confidence. Here are some examples of positive affirmations you can say to yourself before a piano concert:

• I'm a talented and passionate pianist, and I've worked hard to get this level.
• I'm confident in my skills and my ability to give an incredible performance.
• I'm ready to share my music with the audience and give them an unforgettable experience.
• I'm able to manage my emotions and stay focused on my music, even in stressful situations.

 

2. Physical preparation

Warm-up

Before playing, warm up to avoid injury and get into the mood. Stretch and flex your fingers and rotate, press and relax your wrists. Finally, play a few notes to get yourself in the mood.
Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your warm-ups. If you feel pain or excessive tension, stop immediately and consult a health professional.

 

Breathing

Breathing is a powerful tool for calming the nerves. Before going on stage, take a few deep breaths to relax.
Deep breathing is a respiration technique that involves a slow, deep inhalation, followed by a slow, controlled exhalation. This breathing technique can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve blood circulation, increase tissue oxygenation and improve lung function.

Deep breathing should be practised regularly, preferably every day for a few minutes, to reap its maximum benefits.

 

Hydration and nutrition

It's very important to stay well hydrated and eat well before a piano concert, as this can affect your energy levels and concentration during the performance.
As far as hydration is concerned, drink enough water throughout the day leading up to the concert. Avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, as this can dehydrate you.

As far as diet is concerned, it's important to eat healthy, balanced foods to maintain your energy levels and concentration during the performance. Avoid heavy or fatty foods that can make you drowsy, and prefer foods rich in protein and complex carbohydrates a few hours before the performance.

 
3. Stage fright management

Make eye contact

Making eye contact with the audience during a piano performance is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can help create an emotional connection with the audience, showing that you are present and engaged in your performance. It can also help to maintain the audience's attention and arouse their interest in the music.
 
To establish eye contact with the audience during a piano performance, it's important to remember to keep your head up and smile from time to time. Don't hesitate to look at different members of the audience to establish a connection with them.

 

Concentrate on the music

Nerves can easily get the better of you and disrupt your concentration, which can adversely affect the quality of your performance. Concentrate on the music rather than your nerves. Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the music and the emotion it evokes. This will enable you to enjoy the performance more fully and provide a more enjoyable musical experience for the audience.

 

Take your time

Taking your time on stage at a piano concert can be beneficial for several reasons. First of all, it allows you to better control the rhythm and intensity of the music. By taking your time, you can better express the emotion and depth of each note, which can capture the audience's attention and create a more immersive experience. What's more, it allows you to concentrate on your performance and minimize mistakes.

To take your time on stage, you can use techniques such as extended pauses between pieces, tempo variations and dynamic nuances.

 

Conclusion

Stage fright is a normal feeling, common to all pianists. However, by following these tips, you can overcome stage fright and concentrate on the music and your performance. Don't forget that the most important thing is to enjoy playing and share your passion with the audience.

Discover the story of Anthony, who, precisely because he was no longer enjoying playing the piano because of deciphering scores, invented his own product to rediscover the joy of playing, but this time with lights.