Tips for playing music you've played dozens of times

[Bob]

I'm getting paid for this, so I can't complain too much.

What do you do to stay focused, etc., on a piece of music that you've performed many, many, many times? 

The pieces are simple enough.  Someone's paying me, so... sure, I'll play whatever they want.  Again.  And again and again and again. 

The plus side is not spending much time practicing.  I did that the first time around.  Less each following time. 


I suppose focusing on technical things.  Steady beat, good subdivision, etc.  Not rushing or pushing the tempo.  That's what I feel like doing.  Just play through and get it done with as soon as possible.


Other ideas?

[theholygideons]

with a blindfold?

[Bob]

I was thinking maybe vary things.  If it's major, play it in minor.  Vary rhythms.  Improvise, or try to.  Pay more attention to different things, like bringing out the melody more, the bass more, analyzing chords more, etc. 

I think what I'm concerned about is practicing it less and not really paying attention.

[j_menz]

Just play through and get it done with as soon as possible.

I think what I'm concerned about is practicing it less and not really paying attention.

Where are you playing? I want to make sure not to stumble in by accident. 

[Bob]

I can't say.  You might discover my secrete identity.

It's a few pieces of music someone wants played at periodic events.  Haha.  You can figure out what it is from that.  And they're willing to pay. 

The more often I do the job, the more the balance shifts from practice time + actual performance time vs. money to just the performance time vs. money.  I don't really want to walk into a performance situation without having practiced...

I have another idea.  I usually start practicing as soon as I get the music.  With this though... I could wait until a day or two before the performance day.  That still saves time and saves me boredom with this thing.