How to prevent speeding up?

[LastS]

For performances, the only metronome I have is my head--so what happens when my thoughts start racing, which is always the case?  Well. . . so do I!  I mean, when I perform in front of people or for a camera, I sound as if I'm playing as I should be--but it invariably always ends up faster than I thought.  Does anyone have a remedy for this?  Besides practice, practice, practice?  Why is it that one often finds oneself playing faster than imagined, anyway?  Thanks for reading this.

[tosca1]

With the adrenaline rush which is our natural response to all situations which make us nervous, everything goes faster.  The heart beats faster, the blood pressure goes up and breathing becomes more rapid.  It is hardly surprising then that we play faster  and it is sometimes a case of playing faster and faster.

The best way to tackle this problem is to minimise your nervous reaction through having your work thoroughly and impeccably prepared.  If you have the inner confidence of knowing that your playing will be secure, you will feel much less nervous.

Practise not only your pieces but also the experience of performing. Without an audience it can be quite a useful exercise to record yourself.  While the nervousness may never totally disappear you can certainly reduce its deleterious effects on your playing.

Part of this discomforting experience is the feeling that you have no control over your hands and fingers.  That is largely psychological and in your panic to regain control you will increase speed which is of course highly counter-productive as you are placing your technique under even more stress.

Before a performance play your pieces very very slowly with a slow metronome beat if necessary just to reassure your mind and muscles that everything is OK.

Kind regards,
Robert.

[Celeste]

#1: Dont drink COFFEE!

#2: Don't play your piece on the same day of your performance. If your ready to perform, it should be memorized and perfected already. It makes you more nervous and makes you go faster if you have played the piece just a few minutes or even hours ago.

#3: Think about the dynamics other things about the piece. Don't think about the speed. It will come naturally.

[amee]

Celeste and tosca1 both have very good points.  You could try recording yourself playing then listening to it.  That helps.  Also one day before the actual recital, just go through your pieces slowly, making sure every note is exact.