in the mood for performing

[Bob]

Does anyone have any suggestions for putting yourself in a good mood for a performance?  esp. when you're tired or not in a good mood or misc. life events come up -- What do you do to put yourself into a positive mindset for a performance?

[pianistimo]

spend a few minutes writing the sign for the door - concert cancelled due to 'feigned illness' - pianist x will return (date).  go to sleep.

[rc]

Nature + music = inspiration, for me. If I go for a walk listening to some music in the headphones, I'm bound to come back with a strong desire to play.

In the moment, I usually have to force myself to the bench. From there, I've found it useful to relax and get comfortable to set the mood before getting into the actual playing. Also to think of what I'm going to play, anybody else spontaniously forget what pieces you know as soon as you're in front of a piano?

[m1469]

Actually I like both pianistimo's and rc suggestions.  Pianistimo's is more on the reverse psychology side of things, which is sometimes quite useful.

I will say that I agree most with rc.  Nature + music = inspiration.  Sometimes just nature = musical inspiration, for me. 

Along those lines though, do something that DOES inspire you, whatever that is, and then you have fresh inspiration to do whatever you want with it. 


m1469

[gorbee natcase]

Drink coffee turn the heating up and think of a relaxing hot bath, stress is proberbly the reason you are not in the mood, listen to some soft qiet music too

[nanabush]

I'll just sit in my sunroom and listen to some music, and i'll feel inspired to play and to progress....

[gruffalo]

dont drink coffee, unless its decaf. coffee makes you even more edgey or nervous. maybe watch a quick DVD of a performance, or listen to some music.

above all, sit back and close your eyes for half a minute and try and think about peaceful things.

[rohansahai]

Read poetry...and verbally appreciate the poet's (poets') genius !

works for me ....

[ryan2189]

Sometimes not being in the mood to play may be because of frustration. Whenever I feel like that I try to get myself organized, both physically and mentally. Having things in their place is like 'having them checked off the list" They are done and no longer need to be thought about. Clutter causes confusion which causes that frustration. It just feels better when your organized.