Not warming up before performing

[kurzya]

A lot of the times I've performed, whether it's an eisteddfod, exam or just a school recital, I do not get the chance to warm up (as seems to be normal for piano). How do you all go about not being warmed up and performing? Do you have any stretches or techniques to help you perform with non warmed up hands? Thanks 

[iansinclair]

If I'm ever placed in that situation, I complain bitterly.  Which sometimes actually helps.

First, I try to get to play the piano in the venue before whatever is happening happens -- even earlier in the day.  Then, if there is a significant wait after that, I frankly fiddle my fingers on things -- tap the table in the green room, just wiggle them, whatever to keep them moving.  If the backstage/green room is cold (aren't they all?) I also have two electric handwarmers -- they have just recently become available -- and I use them to keep my hands warm.

[inkspot]

Yes, it always seems pianist are forced to play with cold hands...
I can second the hand fiddling. I usually wring my hands (something very natural if you suffer from nerves such as myself...), paying special attention to the palm side of the thumbs and knuckle region on the other fingers. in general, I find that if the hand itself is massaged and warmed up, it benefits the performance more than just moving the fingers themselves.
Also something to note-- it is not only the hands that need to be warm, but the arms and back as well. What I found helpful is to walk around to just keep your circulation going.

[dcstudio]

run your hands under very warm water for a few minutes--it really helps!

also just thinking through your warm-up routine can help, too. 

I stretch my arms and my back out before performing,.  Sometimes if I am feeling antsy I will take a brisk walk...or I will chain smoke cigarettes... I recommend you go for a walk. lol

 I hear you though...you wouldn't dream of asking a wind player to perform without warming up--but we are expected to be able to play anything and everything on whatever happens to be lying around and passes for a piano... it's just not fair. lol.  

[dcstudio]

  If the backstage/green room is cold (aren't they all?)

I know, and the way the bean counters complain about theater expenses you would think that running the a/c at 63F would be forbidden.   I can see my breath it's so cold back there...it's  hard to play the piano when your teeth are chattering and your shivering off the beat.  So always bring a warm sweater!! Never wear a sleeveless dress.  Rules to live by.

[piano6888]

Another thing that isn't mentioned yet is to wear gloves and maybe do some exercise if there is room backstage.  Jogging on the spot, jumping jacks, stretching, or punching the air could help. Basically anything to get blood circulation through the body, plus keeping your extremities warm are also very helpful.   

And yes, it really sucks when a pianist is in a cold environment and does not have the opportunity to warm up/prepare before hand.

[xdjuicebox]

Sometimes you just have to deal with the cards that you're dealt - but your mental prep-work must be on par. I usually plunge my hands in warm water.

So long as you can play it in your head, you should be able to play it perfectly. However, most people can't play it in their head so that's a huge cause of problems

If my fingers feel like icicles and I can't bathe them in warm water, I may change my interpretation, favoring more arm-weight technique stuff instead of using my actual fingers. Since I practice with frozen fingers sometimes, this is not a problem at all.

Dress warmly, and ensure that your FOREARMS are warm (those are the muscles that move your fingers) and you should be fine though

DO NOT do anything where you feel strain, that's how you get hurt. Your finger exercises should never feel like you're "trying" if you choose to do them. However, I prefer the warm water ^^