As musicians, performance is at the heart of what we do. We want to share our music making with as many people as possible. But building a great musical performance is about more than just knowing which notes to play. We all know how a piece of music can transport us emotionally and make is feel happy, sad, at peace or giddy with joy. And at Pelican we know that a perfectly plucked open string piece played on a half-size violin can move the audience to tears of joy just as a Bach can pull your heart strings, Beethoven can stir the soul and Bernstein set your toes a-tapping.
So how do musicians build to a brilliant performance.
* Practice - know your piece. This isn't just about learning the notes and where to make it loud and quiet. It's about interpreting it - using music to tell a story or paint a picture in your audiences' minds - to really try and bring it alive. Try inventing a story to go with your music - it could be based on the title of your piece or about the feeling that it gives you when you play it. Make each line or phrase of music a different part of the story. Tell your story out loud as you play and see how that changes the way you play. Or paint or colour a picture of your music. What images does it conjure in your mind? Then describe your picture while you play - perhaps "this loud bit is where the dragons live" or maybe "this fast bit is two kites flying in the sky".
* Rehearse in front of a safe, supportive and willing audience - perhaps the neighbours (let's be honest, they'll have heard it as often as you have!), grandparents, siblings, mum or dad. And mum or dad again. Perhaps you're part of a club or go to church and they will let you play for your friends or the congregation. Failing all else, how about an audience of Sylvanians? The more you play in front of people, the less scary it becomes.
* Ask your friendly practice audience for positive and productive feedback. Which bit did they like best? Did they understand the story or the picture? What did the music make them feel like? Is there anything they would like to hear again?
* Don't just rehearse the piece. Practise the whole thing from coming into the room. Stand in position, introduce your piece in a loud, clear voice. "My name is Jenny and I'm going to play Three Blind Mice". Then play your piece and at the end, bow and leave the room. Every little detail counts!
* If you're playing with someone on the piano for you, practice with the accompanist if you can - or even along with a CD or backing track. It's really worth getting to know what the whole piece sounds like together - the pianist will want to help you make the piece sound as good as possible. Share your story or picture with them too.
* Treat your big day like a Big Day. Get a good night's sleep the night before. Eat well. Drink plenty of water. You'll play best when you are at your best. And plan everything you need the day before: What are you going to wear? Where is your music? Have you packed your instrument with spare strings or reeds. Get everything ready so you're not rushing around on the day.
Then the Big Day arrives. Are you feeling ready now? Or are you still a bit nervous? Actually finding the courage the stand on stage and play your first, second or even hundredth piece can be a challenge.
I used to be an opera singer. As a performer, I have stood in the wings waiting nervously for my moment on stage. Now, as a director, I am responsible for helping other singers and actors create their performances. They also get nervous before the start of the show. So do I!
No matter how much we practice. No matter how beautiful or startling our stories. No matter how detailed our preparation, there's no escaping the fact that stepping out on stage is nerve-jangling!
So to create a brilliant performance, we also need to keep the butterflies in check.
* Remember the audience is on your side. They really want you to do well. They want to applaud and cheer. Enjoy that.
* Nerves are normal, but try thinking about them as excitement, not fear.
* Channel your inner Gareth Southgate or Owen Farrell and give yourself a pep talk before you go on stage. You Have Got This!
* Being nervous can make you hands sweaty and send your heart beat racing. So when you practice at home, recreate these symptoms. Run around the garden until you're breathless then come straight in to play your piece. If you can do it under pressure you can do it any time!
* If you make a mistake - Don't Worry! Just keep playing. The audience probably won't even notice, so don't draw attention to it, just move on and keep yourself focused on the next bit.
And when it's all done - celebrate. You Did It. You got on stage and played your piece. Well done you.
