piano competition

This is how it all started... These were your thoughts, two months ago. It's not just me here, I am sure I speak on everybody's behalf in stating that what you're experiencing is normal as the time approaches. You've taken on a big challenge. Make amends with any negativity that comes your way by simply denouncing it with a smile!

I am going to use the content of your signature to remind you of the only reality that should linger in your mind over this entire experience. Your signature sums up your beliefs about the good intentions and musical inspiration, well before this competition came along. Don't take my word for it, listen to your muse. The context here is still appropriate, "It is dreadful when something weighs in on your mind, not to have a soul to unburden yourself to." - So stop looking online to see who will be playing, never mind if you're playing 9th, never mind if someone plays a more difficult piece, etc..... Allow only the musical sentiments to come forth on stage by "telling the piano on stage the things you used to tell in your living room..." - Live vicariously through the composer's music on that stage piano, because you can't address to anybody else. It's just you, the piano, and the message. Just play it because it's not about winning, as we both agree. Both the audience and judges will love you for how you play, not for what you play. Nobody, can fault you for keeping your musical ambitions high. All that should linger in your mind is to make your musical message soar to the best of your ability.

I will part with this Les Brown quote: Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you'll be among the stars... And what a sight that will be!

 

Well, it had to be expected that the level of applicants would be as staggeringly high as in other so-called 'amateur' contests. Some of these people can hardly be called amateurs, often having completed a conservatory training alongside with their (usually high-profile) training, and dome masterclasses with famous pianists. The real amateurs like us can simply not compete with that. But even to be admitted is an honour, I guess, and to participate should be fun, even if it's only for one round. As long as you realize you have nothing to lose.

 

Monica, I'm very impressed by your whole process... Yes, we (at least you and me) haven't won any competition, don't have a degree in music... All we have is the love toward the music!
BTW you have raised an important question for all the female amature pianists:

It's actually the question I have always when I have to play something in front of others. I don't have a cool dress (and it would be funny if I wear such a thing and play only a couple of pieces), we women have no typical dress code for the stage things.... (again after the SPPC discussion, how lucky the men are!)
At this point Helene Grimaud comes to my mind: She wears differently. She wears pants, suit-like things.
Anyway tell us about your final decision about the wearing!

 

good luck on this competition Monica.
As you prepare for it, if you ever would like outside help, an outside ear to listen to you and make comments, please don't hesitate to contact me

Concerning the stage fright, a few points if I may:

-all of us professional concert pianists, we all have stage fright, however, in my opinion, what make us less likely to crack
under pressure/stage fright is the fact that generally speaking, the majority of us have learned to accept the stage fright/pressure
and welcome it
How so?this brings my 2nd point

-perform in front of people as often as possible. In your case, given that the competition is in June, I would say that you need to
perform if front of anyone and everyone on a daily basis. Friends, family, children,strangers. Anybody and anywhere.
Not sure where you live, but I am sure there are house concerts in your area, library series and other community events where you can play.

-my 3rd point is to play for professionals as much as possible. Get as much as guidance and experience playing for professionals as you can.
Not only will you get great feedback from any of us, feedback which you will be able to use, but you will also get used to play in front of professionals
and you will more or less get used to being judged.
And to play for some of us, you don't have to travel anywhere. Just get on Skype and play for us.

-last point is even more important than the above ones. And that is positive thinking.
Think happy thoughts, think about something/someone that makes you happy, transfer that feeling all over your body, and create a barrier between you playing, any negative thoughts you might have and whoever listens.
You say you like to play for yourself at your home. Create this image in your head each time you play.
A book I would like to suggest for you to read is "Lessons with Kumi", written by Michael Colgrass. Colgrass is a composer and a performer.
His book is exactly about stage fright and how to conquer it.
And trust in yourself, be confident of yourself and of your playing.

At the end of the day, everyone needs to remember that a competition is a different beast for anyone.
Anyone can falter and anyone can succeed.
Training for years doesn't guarantee anything in a competition setting.

 

That is a good step Monica, but I would go further.
I would schedule a performance for anyone that would listen on a daily basis. Not just for your teacher.
Because at the end of the day, we are all comfortable playing for our teachers.
The goal is to get you out of your comfort zone and get used to being out of your comfort zone, used to have
the light shine on you.

While I am thinking, I would also suggest you go with a winning attitude. Go there to win it all!!!
Whether you do or don't, doesn't matter. What matters is to have the goal of winning each and every time.

 

Monica,

If you need ideas about where to play, contact the area nursing homes and retirement homes. I know many of them would love some free entertainment. So often these places get all sorts of entertainment at Christmas time and then are forgotten for the rest of the year.

As far as what to wear -- go for the Jessica Rabbit look -- lots of cleavage and form fitting with 6" stilettos. That will certainly wow the judges (at least the men :wink: )

Scott

 

Oh yes. A good ass might help too :lol:

 

Could you get a couple of friends together to share a recital at a retirement center? That way you won't be playing the entire program yourself but would still get the performance experience.

 

The people in retirement home LOVE to listen to someone, who plays the music for them, I'm sure from some personal experiences in Germany (and I think the American old people are same at this point). Some old ladys say very loudly during the performance "Oh, beautiful!!!" So don't be disturbed by such reactions :wink:
And also the staffs are wating for such volunteers. Give it a try and you will know that!

 

The first question that comes to mind is : are you single?
Just kidding

Being shy is one thing, however you have to realize you dont have much time left before the competition.
The longer you wait to actually get ready mentally, playing wise and such, the harder it will be and the more fright you will have.

 

simple answer.
Effective now, you eat, breath,sleep the competition and the program for both round.
you wake up, you practice for 3 hours. Take 1 hour nap, back to 3 hours of practice

 

Work out at home.
Use your body weight.

And you need to send me a pic of that other thing LOL :mrgreen: