HELP with my Senior Recital!!

[jacquie]

I need some expert advice!!  i am completely finished with the requirements for a BA Degree with emphasis on Piano Performance.  The only thing left is my Senior Recital.  Today I failed to pass my third hearing.  I accompany at the school and play all of the time.  I did the 1/2 hour memorized recital with no problem.. I don't know if I have it built up in my head to do an hour memorized recital.  when I get in front of faculty to play it, all kinds of thoughts come in my head.  I become scared and have breakdowns in areas that are secure.  i don't know what to do.  HELP!!!!

[pianistimo]

i was surprised at west chester that some people who get degrees actually double up with other music majors (whether singers/pianists) and do a sort of double recital.  you might suggest to your teacher that you feel you need a break in between some of your pieces and want to find out if you can do a double recital. it might take a little longer - but that would be ok.  maybe 45 minutes each - but still fulfill your requirements by doing a bit of accompanying for the vocalist on the other side or duet with other pianist?

my question is also if these double recitals are only allowed for non-piano performance majors (pedagogy and the like?) or if they are for performance majors.  i was under the impression it could work for performance majors. 

working up incrementally, as far as time goes, is probably your best bet.  if you know you can do the half hour recital - 45 minutes should not be pushing it.  sixty minutes might - but if you also talk about some of your pieces - maybe they will allow for this and count it as part of the 60 minutes.  i think it is showing an ability to be professional - to carry out a recital professionally - and not to show nerves (as much as possible) and just be comfortable and let the audience enjoy what you've got.  ps  everyone gets nervous - but what i mean is that if you make a mistake - you don't just stop dead in your tracks - but pick up at the next spot possible or fudge notes inbetween to get back on track. 

what really helps me is to taperecord the exact tempos and interpretations that i want to use at recital and play with the tape occasionally.  this sets things in my mind that i might normally forget - playing without the music a lot.  pretend that you are in recital and have to get through the entire program - as you must have done with the 1/2 hour recital.  only, if you are allowed to double up - find out all the pieces of your mate and try to tape them as well - in the exact order for both of you together.  then, by the time your recital comes - you are familiar with both yours and his/her program.  i heard a duo pianist recital that ended with a duet.  they were allowed to use the music for the duet.

[jacquie]

Thanks so much for your ideas.  I never even thought of duo recital!  Very good strategies also!!  I feel better already!