Day before the performance - opinions needed

[astroboy]

Hi all,
In about a weeks time I'm going to be travelling to a different state to do an audition for a national competition. I am just wondering what peoples opinions are regarding practising the day before a performance - the day before this performance I will be in a plane, and will arrive in the afternoon, with my audition being the next morning. I've been going pretty hardcore at the piano lately (without any days off) so do you think it would work to my advantage not to practice at all on that day, and let my muscles rest (maybe do some mental practice), so then I would be fresh for the performance? And then a quick warm up on the day? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

[cometear]

Hi there,

I would recommend for you to get "Performance Success, Performing Your Best Under Pressure by Don Greene, Ph.D." It is one of the greatest books I've ever read, and so far I've gone through every audition without feeling like it's life or death. The book is mainly coaching on the mental aspect of the audition not the playing part of it.

[lilla]

Horowitz was once asked what he practiced the day before or day of a performance.  His answer was that he practiced only scales the day before.  He said that by that time you know your material and nothing is going to change in one day. The day of the performance, he did no practicing, ate a small light lunch.  Once arriving at the performance venue, he would warm up on a practice piano.  That's it!

[virtuoso80]

Whatever you do, don't do a 'back day' at the gym the day before. I learned that one the hard way.

[birba]

Hi there,

I would recommend for you to get "Performance Success, Performing Your Best Under Pressure by Don Greene, Ph.D." It is one of the greatest books I've ever read, and so far I've gone through every audition without feeling like it's life or death. The book is mainly coaching on the mental aspect of the audition not the playing part of it.

i just down  loaded his book on my kindle. I'm curious to see what he has to say.  Though his site is a bit much and looks like he's out to make a fast buck.

[chopin2015]

Yep, just practice a warm up, the beginning and ends of your pieces. And the tough spots.

[sirpazhan]

Watch this interview with Kissin: Starting at 3:40

on the day of, this guy practices 4 hours before the doors open to the public. One can only imagine what he does the day before.  

[cometear]

i just down  loaded his book on my kindle. I'm curious to see what he has to say.  Though his site is a bit much and looks like he's out to make a fast buck.

I found it very helpful in performing. Tell me how it works for you, I'd love to hear opinions!

[gvans]

I downloaded Greene's book, too. I'm about half way through. I can do without the charts and self-assessment graphs. The idea of centering is a good one, something one should always try to do. Focus! Nothing new there. But reasonably good stuff. Worth the 16 bucks? Not sure.

I rather like Greene's comments on "going for it," shooting for a "Peak" performance rather than settling for an "Optimal" one. As a surfer, this appeals to me.

Think I'll read the rest after my recital on Sunday. Don't want to mess with my rituals of running before the concert (not very far), taking a nice pre-concert nap, and eating a candy bar during intermission.

Oh, and I forgot to mention: Got to wear my lucky piano/keyboard tie...

[birba]

I know.  Aren't those graphs tedious?  I mean how do you assess yourself in those countless categories he invents?  I'm, too, only half-way through.  Up to now, it's basically the believe-in-yourself-go-for-it-think-positive-thoughts rigamarole.  The centering process is good to remember. I have a feeling the best part is to come with the excercises he's referring to.  I like the "surround yourself" on stage idea.

[birba]

P.s. How the hell can you take a pre-concert nap?!  I have a feeling you don't have any performance problems...

[chopin2015]

I downloaded Greene's book, too. I'm about half way through. I can do without the charts and self-assessment graphs. The idea of centering is a good one, something one should always try to do. Focus! Nothing new there. But reasonably good stuff. Worth the 16 bucks? Not sure.

I rather like Greene's comments on "going for it," shooting for a "Peak" performance rather than settling for an "Optimal" one. As a surfer, this appeals to me.

Think I'll read the rest after my recital on Sunday. Don't want to mess with my rituals of running before the concert (not very far), taking a nice pre-concert nap, and eating a candy bar during intermission.

Oh, and I forgot to mention: Got to wear my lucky piano/keyboard tie...

Dude, that is so rad. I eat chocolate during practice sometimes, too. I should do that during performance, too. A nap? Can't say I disagee. One if the greatest things I've heard on this forum.

[lostinidlewonder]

Hi Astroboy nice to see you on here I haven't seen you post for donkeys years!

There is not much you can do one day before an event when it comes to how well you actually play/interpret the music so stressful practice is useless imo. There is a lot that can be done for your mental preparation. Everyone is different, I like to have a relaxed day without playing the piano at all but a few of hours before the actual performance I will make sure I play through parts which challenge me most one more time, it helps me remove any unnecessary worry. I like to play on the instrument I will be performing on as well if I haven't before but that is not something you always can arrange if it is a competition.

I like to organize a big dinner or after concert party for my family and friends, it is something that I look very much forward to and it makes me feel better.

[gvans]

P.s. How the hell can you take a pre-concert nap?!  I have a feeling you don't have any performance problems...

It's the run...hauling this 200 lb (91 kg) body for two miles wipes out nearly every mitochondria in every cell. Makes taking a nap easy.