preparing for a full solo recital

[samc1994]

Im 20 studying engineering at university alongside piano, and i haven't had a full recital in years, i've done many competitions and performances here and there but not a full recital.

Im in the stages of booking a venue and a piano at the moment, and the concert being midyear, I'm getting anxious towards it. i was meant to have the recital 3 weeks from now but my program is no where near ready.

Ill be playing Beethoven's waldstein which is a big feat for me i haven't completed a full sonata before.

Are there any tips to prepare for a solo recital? it's all from memory maybe an hour and 20 minutes of music. I've had troubles in the past with performance anxiety and nerves and i really want to conquer it and just enjoy myself. How do i become ready for it and how will i know i've 110% ready with my pieces?

- troubled pianist

[lostinidlewonder]

I would suggest doing a few of your pieces in live performances, perhaps churches, social clubs, schools, university, shopping mall, busking etc. sharpen that performance sword. You can also record yourself playing the entire concert as well as practice what you are going to say to your audience.

[michael_c]

Good advice there. Never miss an opportunity to perform a piece, even if it's only one movement of the sonata, in front of anybody who accepts to be your audience. Even if you don't feel ready, try it anyway with family or friends, people who will accept that you may make mistakes.

Each time you play to an audience, even if it's only one person, you have the opportunity to see where your weak passages are. It's also an opportunity to observe what goes through your mind. If you have problems with nerves, you will be better able to analyse them in a low-risk situation where you may get only slightly nervous.