Lesson 88: Performance Preparation, Part 3 — Performance Psychology

• Use a short routine to prepare for a performance.
• Keep the music moving after a small mistake.

Listen for the next phrase.

Nerves can make familiar music feel different. Practise a simple routine and a recovery plan in a low-pressure run before the recital.

Try a short routine

1. Arrive with time to check the room, stand and pages.
2. Warm up gently, then play each opening phrase once.
3. Rest, take a comfortable breath and hear the first beat before starting.

Hear it before playing

Imagine one phrase without the instrument: its notes, breaths and beat; then play it and compare.

Build up to one complete piece, checking any unclear passage with the score.

Practise recovery

• Small slip: keep the beat and aim for the next clear phrase.
• Lost place: stop calmly, find a marked restart point and begin again.
• Page or instrument problem: fix it before resuming.

In rehearsal, deliberately skip a note once and continue; then practise restarting from a marked phrase.

Now play these

Perform one programme piece for a friend or a recording, using your routine; listen for a steady start and recovery.