First performance in 20ish years...

[dss62467]

I'm joining the annual piano recital as a performer this year and haven't played for anyone but family and my instructor in over 20 years.    The piece I'm playing I have down very well, but there are a couple tricky spots that can easily go wrong very quickly.  

Does anyone have any "tricks" for staying focussed?   I think my big problem comes the second I realize I'm about to hit one of those spots and I think "ok.... it's coming up...."  and other times, I'm just thinking about what happened on last night's episode of Lost.  I don't fear the "Lost" scenario during the performance, but the "uh oh.... here it comes" is a definite possibility.

[joeplaysthepiano]

I always get really nervous the first time I perform a piece.  So I always make sure that my main performance is like the 5th or 6th time I've played it in front of someone.  If possible, I try to have a mock performance at a retirement home very close to the big performance date, so there are lots of people there, and they can't even hear if I make mistakes because they are so old.  They also tell me how good I was no matter how well I played, which gives me a heightened sense of confidence.  If I do that, then I usually end up being fine.  The down side to playing at a retirement home is they will most likely bake you some type of cookie that you will not like.  You will have to come up with an excuse for why you can't eat the cookies.  I usually tell them I'm allergic to cookies, and they usually believe me.  In general though, play in front of as many people as possible as many times as possible.

And as for specific tricky sections, as you get up to the big performance date, you will have to trust your preparation.  I would practice those sections very slowly, trying not to make any mistakes, and I would practice those sections a lot.  If for the last week you have practiced the sections slowly, without making any mistakes, you might trick yourself into forgetting that those sections ever presented any problems to you at all.  Good luck!

[doreen]

Congratulations!!!
You will have a great time. I always used to get really nervous too until one of my teachers told me you're always a note away from a good note. Just think about it if your playing a G7 and you hit a C# just go to the d and you're all set. The ear excepts alot as long as you end on the tonic. Also I recommed the Inner Game of Music is a good book.
D

[shadowzerg]

You should definitely play in front of others before the main performance to boost your confidence and make you more comfortable. When you do perform though, try to block out the world around you and focus on purely your playing. Try to envision yourself playing your best, but at home with no one around.

[dss62467]

Thanks everyone.  I don't really have time to go play in front of any audiences, since it's only a few days away.   And seriously, it's only a recital... I'm the only adult playing.  But I definitely would like to do my best.  I also want to set a good example for my daughter.  She's 10 and this is her 2nd recital.  I want her to see that while your goal is a flawless performance, the audience is not going to throw rotten tomatoes at you if you hit a wrong note.

I have been doing the tricky spots much slower for the last few days and it's helping.  It's hard to even play at home without distractions, since I have 2 dogs.... so it might actually be best to pretend I'm NOT at home.  Maybe I'll envision myself playing a piano that has magically appeared in the woods while I'm out taking a walk all alone...