First piano competition anxiety... Tips?

[ryay32]

So I'm going to be doing my first piano competition soon, playing Fantasie-Impromptu by Chopin. I'm competing in the 14-18 age group of which I am 16 years old. Other than the fact that I'm playing an easier piece and will be outclassed by many of harder pieces, I've never done a competition before and I'm nervous. Any tips on how to improve the piece or perform better in general?

[tanz92]

Good choice on piece I like that one

What makes you think you are playing an "easier" piece? Every piece is hard in it's own way whether its tempo that is the hard part or getting the write touch or bring out a main melody above a counter melody.

The pieces that the other competitors are playing will have different challenges for them. The judges aren't going to pick the winner based on who plays the fastest (I hope), they will more than likely be judging on who gives the best interpretation of their chosen piece. So don't worry about being "outclassed".

It's normal to be nervous it can be a good thing to make you play better. Besides why should you be nervous? They should be nervous!

What you need to remember is don't worry about the pieces the other competitors are playing that's not your concern. They have their own challenges they need to face and you have yours. You're playing something different to them, something which requires a whole different interpretation so you can't even compare. Just concentrate on your work and forget about everyone else.

Another tip, don't worry about what people in the audience are thinking, the more you worry the less you can concentrate on playing. Treat the audience as one person not many different people.

To play the piece better and to perform better, well when you practice try to focus more on areas you're not quite 100% and remember to use a good technique when playing. Remember the style of the music and who wrote it and the background of it. Show the judges you understand the music. This piece isn't just a show off piece it's more than that it has some very nice melodies you will want to bring out and play clearly.

hope this helps

[michael_sayers]

So I'm going to be doing my first piano competition soon, playing Fantasie-Impromptu by Chopin. I'm competing in the 14-18 age group of which I am 16 years old. Other than the fact that I'm playing an easier piece and will be outclassed by many of harder pieces, I've never done a competition before and I'm nervous. Any tips on how to improve the piece or perform better in general?

Hi ryay32,

It is quite normal to be nervous in regard to your first piano competition.  Be realistic: it might not go as well as you want, and this is okay.  Just come back stronger for the next one, and so on.

Even if it is the farthest thing from your mind, try to have fun, meet some people, and don't stay all bottled up with anxiety.  Maybe those things would help.

For tips on how to improve the piece or perform better, maybe your teacher would have the best advice on those things, especially as over here we haven't heard any recordings or seen any videos of your playing.

Is Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu one that you have wanted to do, or was chosen for you by your teacher, or some of both?


Mvh,
Michael

[thetanman]

hey buddy

just chill

don't worry about what others are doing

just practice, be confident and nail your performance

[michael_sayers]

hey buddy

just chill

don't worry about what others are doing

just practice, be confident and nail your performance

Hi thetanman,

I am quite "chilled" and calm, and all that you've advised is what I already do.  Thanks for thinking of me.


Mvh,
Michael

[thetanman]

I was referring to the original poster obviously enough but good to know you're chill as well

[michael_sayers]

I was referring to the original poster obviously enough but good to know you're chill as well

Hi thetanman,

I am the master of chilling


Mvh,
Michael

[chopinlover01]

A tip that I saw on some Youtube video (I'm blanking on the name, perhaps I'll edit it in later) is to, while you're playing, observe the music just passing you by on a great big scroll.
Anxiety is normal, as long as you don't have disorders related to it Keep that in mind and realize everyone else performing is most likely experiencing some form of it as well.
Also, practice performing for people. You'll have more experience when the time comes to actually do it.

[pencilart3]

So I'm going to be doing my first piano competition soon, playing Fantasie-Impromptu by Chopin. I'm competing in the 14-18 age group of which I am 16 years old. Other than the fact that I'm playing an easier piece and will be outclassed by many of harder pieces, I've never done a competition before and I'm nervous. Any tips on how to improve the piece or perform better in general?

1. Listen to the song 24/7. I played Chopin's 3rd Ballade for a competition that was for 15-19 year olds last years (I was 14) and I got honorable mention. Guess how many complete plays ballade 3 had on my itunes? 239. Yup. 239 plays. I listened to it 24/7 and it REALLY HELPED

2. Know the piece. Not just the notes, but exactly how you are going to play them throughout each section.

3. Visualize. Watch a video of a master playing this impromptu (there are hundreds of youtube videos). Or watch gavin george play it. Holy cow! that kid's got talent. Then imagine that you are in his place - close your eyes, you have 1,000 people watching you, you walk onto the state with a nervous smile, you adjust the bench, you sit down and take a deep breath. You play the first (what g sharp) octave confidently and then proceed into the main theme with mysterious excitement. Then middle section is a grand flare of emotion..... so on and so on visualize EVERYTHING

4. Breathe. Listen to great recordings with headphones. YOU CAN HEAR THE PIANIST BREATHING ALMOST EVERY TIME. Both before and during, BREATHE! you need it to survive! It's hard to believe how often we forget to breathe!

5. Finally, think positively. What's the worst thing that can happen? Don't think "don't mess up on this next section", think "i'm going to own this next section". Don't think "OH MY GOODNESS HOW DO THE NOTES GO?!" Play the song in your head as you play along.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Hope I helped I've competed in numerous competitions and I can tell you these 5 tips really do help if you do them.

[gr8ape]

beta blockers

[michael_sayers]

beta blockers

Hi gr8ape,

In my opinion, this isn't good advice to give to a 16 year old - especially when it is only the first piano competition and there are plenty of effective relaxation and psychological techniques to deal with anxiety.


Mvh,
Michael