performance blues...

[SilvrStar21]

So, how does one deal with the emotional torment of a less-than-satisfactory performance?

[rmc7777]

The first thing I do is schedule another performance as soon as possible.  This gets your mind focused on the next event and doesn't allow you to dwell too long on your past performance.  Then, I spend some time analyzing what went well, and what went wrong, in the last performance.  For example, I gave a partial recital a few weeks ago for my instructor's studio members.  I played the first movement of Beethoven's Pastorale piano sonata.  According to some of the audience members and my instructor, I played it fairly well.  Mentally I was ready to play.  However, by my own standards, I could have done betterr.  The main problem, on that particular day, was stiffness.  For some reason, I just could not loosen up my forearms and upper back.  So in some parts I was playing too much from the hands and not enough with my upper body.  This caused me to tighten up in some passage work that I normally have no trouble with.  Now, for the next performance, I will be spending a lot of time getting more physically prepared.  I'm going to try some physical exercises to get my body ready to play.  The moral of the story - learn from your mistakes.  Try to figure out why your performance was less than you expected, and then go out there and fix it.  

[ClassicalPiano2002]

im no solo performer,but when i have a bad recital or something i go home, i put in a tape in a recorder and play the song i messed up on like 5 times, then you pick which time you did the best and replay it.  Then i usually blare it really loud.  That makes it up to me that i was in the concert hall and i played the piece just as i wanted to.  I think it helps, but i dont know if you would feel the same.  And if your problem is muscle tightning than i usually go back stage and find a electronic keyboard and play it with the sound off. Or you can play on a floor like it is a keyboard, wierd i know but i think it helps

[ludwig]

I play some blues..
hehe, no seriosly, I find it more stressful thinking about my performance after it, if I played not so successfully. I actually do play some lighter music, some nocturnes, waltz, yes some jazz, play my guitar, or make horrible sounds on my violin... so I think forgetting for a while is the best way for me. Then I'd tackle the problem, usually if I can play it, then I can play it, I don't tend to stuff up at an event because I'm nervous.. but I think people have their different ways of dealing with this matter... be happy.

[janice]

I fall into a deep depression and I rant and rave about it for a month.  Really, I do!  I also eat alot of peanut butter.  That helps.  I'm completely serious!  I know it sounds weird and maybe even a little bit psycho (!), but then I'm ok.  I don't know why this helps, but afterwards I'm dying to perform again!!!  It's kind of like a vicious cycle that you can't get out of, you just HAVE TO perform again!!!  I played "What Child Is This?" on Christmas Eve at church.  My church has a keyboard (gag me!!), and I had done solos before, but I had always practiced my piece on the keyboard beforehand.  I wasn't able to before Christmas Eve, but that was ok because I had played that piece before.  Well, it wasn't ok.  It sucked (in MY opinion).  In reality, it was great!  I was depressed for a month.  I encourage you to let the depression run it's course (I hope you like peanut butter!)Really.  Give yourself the gift of depression!  You'll get over it.  Hey, nice talking to ya!

[MzrtMusic]

Well, I guess that some might call me an eternal optimist, but I always try to find the bright side when I screw up in a performance. I tell myself that I tried my best, and that's all that matters. If I gave it all I had, then why do I care what other people may have thought? Music os for other people, but it's so much more for the performer!!

Love,

SArah

[trunks]

The key attitudes to steer well away from 'blues' is to forget the past, look ahead and think positive.

[Shagdac]

I too seem to have a problem with really being hard on myself after not performing (in my opinion) up to par. I used to really let it bother me. But more recently I have come to the realization that most of us are harder on ourselves than anyone else. And in some cased where I thought I had really, really "messed up"....others hardly seemed to notice.  I think it's important to realize that no matter HOW well prepared, how confident...NOONE
plays perfectly all the time...there will always be something you think you could have done better.  I try and focus on the fact that yes,....I was totally prepared, knew the material inside and out...and did I try as hard as I could, to do the best that I could. If I did, than it would have been impossible to do anything more....and just realize nobody's perfect 100% of the time.  And you were probably playing something that 3/4 the audience couldn't have played themselves anyway.

If you gave it your all....don't punish yourself!

Shag

[anda]

i gave up playing solo.

[trunks]

i gave up playing solo.

Aww . . . that's a pity!:'(

[anda]

Aww . . . that's a pity!:'(

thanks, but ne glad you missed the chance to listen