I have found that most young students do not have enough performance opportunities before a competi
tion or recital. Students need practice performances in order to learn how to keep playing through mistakes. The key with practice performances is that there needs to be an element of pressure. If there is not enough pressure in the practice performance, students will stop playing and fix mistakes.
Teachers can have a performance class before a competition or recital, but students need several performance opportunities. Therefore, I give students numerous ways that they can create pressure on their own.
I encourage students to try the following to create “pressured” performance opportunities for themselves:
- Audio or video record. A student can easily record himself at home with an iPod or other device. If a student records, be sure that he knows not to stop and to re-record if a mistake happens. The goal is to practice continuing through mistakes.
- Use a timer. Simply timing a piece can add pressure to the performance. Determining the time length of a piece means that the student can’t stop and restart. The student will have to play through mistakes.
- Play for family & friends. Have the student perform his pieces for friends and family. Having someone sit down and watch the student play will surely create pressure. If a student has a friend out of town, he can even Skype or Facetime with the friend.
All of these suggestions will give students plenty of practice performances. They can do each suggestion as many times as they need to feel comfortable. Students will more likely feel confident about their playing after they have learned to continue playing through mistakes.
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages. She enjoys creating resources for her students and teachers. She is the author of Ready for Theory®. For personalized help, check out the consultations page for teachers.
