What should we do a moment before perform?

[RealPianist]

Hey I'd like to know what should we do while we are waiting our turn to perform? while we are in the backstage? should we play throughout the piece in mind, or enjoying other performing, or...?

but I know, the important things, think and pray before you start.   

[firebolt145]

Relax. If listening to the other performances relaxes you, then do so. If running through the piece in your head or playing on a table relaxes you, then do so.

[pianistimo]

getting into a meditative stance on your own piece seems much better than all 'ears' listening to the performance ahead of you.  you can appear to be listening - but concentrating on your own piece so that you are ready when you walk out.  sometimes walking a bit away from the sound can clear your brain to focus on your own piece.  you don't have to feel guilty you didn't hear the entire concert - esp. if you see a video later anyway.  much better to have your part solid (tempos in mind - phrasing at the beginning - the aura in your head).  and, that prayer that you mentioned.  good idea!

[edmundas]

I try to take out everything from my had and totaly relax.

[Waldszenen]

Have a conversation with someone (helps keeps your mind off things) or twiddle my tuning fork (it's my talisman).

[danielle1]

I like to relax and breathe

[da jake]

Eat AT LEAST three cans of baked beans.

[quantum]

Eat AT LEAST three cans of baked beans.

Would you like an afterburner installed with that? 

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I like to meditate, focus my concentration, and say that little prayer.

[bradley]

I do lots of deep breathing, about 10 minutes maybe. helps clear your mind and visualise what you're trying to achieve... i also eat a banana half an hour before i play - the potassium is very good for calming nerves... anyone else do this?

[franz_]

I do lots of deep breathing, about 10 minutes maybe. helps clear your mind and visualise what you're trying to achieve... i also eat a banana half an hour before i play - the potassium is very good for calming nerves... anyone else do this?

No, but I will try next time.

[martha argerrrrrich]

Hey I'd like to know what should we do while we are waiting our turn to perform? while we are in the backstage? should we play throughout the piece in mind, or enjoying other performing, or...?

but I know, the important things, think and pray before you start.   

Oh! Ofcourse U shud PEE just before u perform and Do wash ur hands, its a nice Piano! 

[moi_not_toi]

Have a conversation with someone (helps keeps your mind off things) or twiddle my tuning fork (it's my talisman).

HAHAHA!!!
I thought I was the only one that felt that way about my tuning fork (no nasty comments, please)

[e60m5]

In my humble opinion, by that point, the performance has already started.

[desordre]

 In the day of the performance I like to feel very well. So I get off my schedule anything annoying, have a fantastic breakfast and lunch (if the concert isn't at noon), walk around, listen to some music.
 I try to arrive at the theater at least one hour before the apointment, to feel the place, its acoustics. Then, a moment before as you said, I need to take some time feeling my muscles and my breath.
 Maybe the most important: I never play a single note or think of any part of the repertory before the recital.
 Finally, I always start with something very quite, easy and smooth to feel public's and hall's feedback.
 Of course, at times everything goes wrong cause anything else seems to conspire against, and you only notice that have to play when you sit at the piano and notice that the spot is on you. However, sometimes these are the best days...
 

[RealPianist]

thanks for your useful replies again.

desordre, it's nice to hear your idea about getting of the schedule, and have a nice day before.

[rc]

I always try to get out of my head and listen to the other performers, because the whole point is to listen to the music.  When I perform I would like the audience to be listening.

The moment before, I'm usually nervous and afraid I will forget the first notes (then the training takes over and it all flows smoothly ).  So the moments before, I'm just forcing myself through the fear and getting up there.

Fear aside, I try and focus on how I want to share this wonderful piece and to get into the mood we will be projecting.  I like to take a moment after sitting at the piano to orient myself and let the silence have its say.  The silence helps myself and the audience to pay attention and gives a bit of a buffer between the prior performance.  I usually take about a full minute to let the silence be heard.

[rc]

I'd like to add that I get a lot out of listening to other performers...  Hearing new pieces, different playing styles and just taking it in.  I love when someone else's performance goes well.