How often do we hear our pupils say just that? And as performing pianists, we know the psychological challenge of performing. The exhilaration of live performance comes at some cost. There are useful books on the topic, but it is up to us, the teachers, to work on performance skills just as we work on the other aspects of pianism.
The thorough knowledge and understanding of the musical score is the starting point. All through the learning process a pianist builds multiple maps of the music: a map of musical intensities and atmospheres; a chart of the technical challenges (with the solutions); a detailed analysis – and for secure memorisation, mental practising.
Exams and competitions are performances with a particular edge, and most of our pupils need preparation for these. We can help pupils by making them aware of the difference between just playing through – and performing. The preparation for an actual performance should therefore start with a performance to oneself (with honest reflections), then a lesson performance (with ensuing discussion).
A performance to friends and family could follow, before an actual workshop with fellow students. The workshops are not just a chance to play to a supportive expert audience: they are an opportunity to learn from listening to others.
You can register your interest for my performance preparation workshops on the Contact page.