Not so good at performing...

[pet]

So, here is my situation.  I have my senior recital in three weeks and it's going to be short.  I am playing:

Bach Prelude & Fugue No. 6 (Book II)
Mozart Sonata in A minor K. 310
Sonatine by Maurice Ravel
Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor by Chopin

I have been playing the Sonata for the longest time, and I should know it like the back of my hand.  I have been playing the prelude and fugue since summer, and know that pretty well also.  Even though I have been playing the scherzo since I have been playing the sonata, sometimes it still gives me a bit of trouble because I have pretty small hands.  I started the Sonatine last semester, and I can play it fairly well.

Now, the big problem is, sometimes I get too nervous, and it messes me up.  I am playing these pieces from memory and I never seem to have a problem with memory, but over the last couple of months I would have to stop and start over.  I think the reason is, I was playing this sonata last year, and it was going fine until I messed up on the last page, and couldn't get my act together, and I am trying to forget that bad experience.

Anyway, I am trying to play these pieces every day for the next three weeks so I get use to it.

Any suggestions on performance?

[karelm]

Hello,

I am in the exact same situation as you.  I thought I would take a break from practice and check out this website - only two days till my audition!  Like you,  I play much better alone than in front of someone.  For me, it will be in front of faculty deciding if I should go into school so I am REALLY nervous about it! 

Question - why do you have to play these by memory, is that part of the recital or your choice?

Some tips that my teacher suggested for me that might also help you:
1.) practice playing straight through even if you make a mistake.  Don't try to correct the mistake, just keep going.
2.) Play at a slower tempo if it reduces the chances of you making a mistake.  Better to play right and slow than at the right tempo with more mistakes.
3.) If you have time, you should practice jumping in at different sections.  For example, start on the second passage just to get used to the idea if there is a mistake, that it doesn't screw up the rest of the piece but that you just have to struggle through a bad measure but can regroup on the next section.
4.) Ultimately, remember to just have fun (this is probably the hardest one to remember while being judged).

Sorry if these points are very basic but I am in your shoes as well and wish you the best of luck.

Karim

[kriskicksass]

Practice with the score until the very last moment. I don't care how securely you have the music memorized. You should be able to play with the score on the rack and never looking down at your hands, just like you should be able to play with the music off the rack and looking at your hands. It'll help with the memory slips, and it'll also point out places that might give your memory trouble if you can't play them with the music during practice.

[nonfox]

Hi...

This is an expansion of No. 4 of Karelm's thread.
This is a tip i got from the TV, and it has helped me quite a lot:

1. First take place at your piano bench, chair etc. and clear your mind completely. Close your eyes, and do not open them until, your mind is completely empty.
2. Now think of the music you are about to play. If there are some hard passages, think of them and how you would play them perfectly. (still with your eyes closed though)
3. Once again, clear your mind. Try not to think on the piece or passage you just have though about.
4. Now you have to cheer up. Be happy that you are about to play the music. (Don't think on anything else than happyness) You have to be excited.
5. Open your eyes, smile and begin to play. Keep up the good mood while playing.

This is my key to perfect playing.
If your are to an audition, concert etc. use approx. 30 sec. on clearing your mind, and think happy thoughts, before you start playing!

I hope this will help you a bit! 

Btw: Pet and karelm, good luck with your recital / audition!

[pet]

Thank you all for your suggestions.  I will keep in mind everything that was said...well, typed.  Good luck on your audition Karelm!!