piano competition

Pianolady wrote:

Hi Monica, you can't move up if you're looking down. Yes, there is an aggressive group of perpetual competitors, as some have ego's the size of Texas. Don't be intimidated these few who have to show off their "greatness" to others through incessant competitions - it's a form of insecurity. You're not like that. I say find the greatness within yourself by communicating your musical passion through your understanding and creative spirit. By now, don't worry about the notes or infinitesimal particulars of the music... Put it all behind you. Just focus your attention on the clarity of your musical voice/message. Find this voice, and you'll be surprised how many with which you will connect... Don't forget to smile! Good Luck!

 

All of the amateur competitions I have looked at said that a piano performance degree would disqualify you, but I have to admit I haven't looked into it that much.

I don't pray but if I am awake at that hour I will play some Chopin for you.

 

Hi Monica,

Best wishes also from here -and I utterly second George's advice.

Be yourself (it's not that bad!) :wink:

 

That is 6:36 pm in Germany! Ok, I'll say a prayer right then

 

I will be sure to say a prayer, too. I think it will be an hour earlier here since I'm in the southwest.

 

It usually happens that way; stress weakens the immune system.

 

Hi Monica, this is an opportunistic malady at an inopportune time! I bet you're not getting your essential sleep?! If your sinuses are starting to become affected, I prescribe Augmentin 875/125 to patients, but ask your physician ASAP. Losing 5lbs might sound dandy to you, but not at the expense of becoming dehydrated. Besides losing electrolytes in the process, the body is also trying to clear all the extra vitamin C. So drink a lot of liquids and fruit juices! Again, quality sleep is the key to recovery... The angels have been summoned. :wink:

Get Well Soon!
George

 

Does NyQuil sleep count as 'quality' sleep? :lol: That's what I do when I'm sick. NyQuil at night; Advil Cold & Sinus in the day.

 

I hope you get well soon. Nobody deserves to fall ill at such a crucial moment.

 

Yes, the other competitors! :mrgreen:

 

Hard to say! My advice is to not play any of your pieces by memory if you don't feel super safe doing so. The risk of playing worse because of (the fright of) a memory loss is much greater than the probability of winning extra points if the rules say that you won't if you perform by heart. Also, it's not time for small tactics, stay focused on giving the best of yourself instead.

 

The judges are supposed to be listening with their eyes closed. Seriously, it's my understanding that at most competitions where the competitors are allowed to play with their scores, the competitors are judged on the artistic merit of their performances only and not on whether they do without the music or not. However, I don't doubt a bit of prejudice might creep in every now and then (judges are human beings, after all). I do second Alfonso - if you're still uneasy playing without the score, you'll probably be less musical and secure in your playing and would be better off using the sheet music. That's my mantra, anyway. :wink:

 

I would play everything from memory, but that's because I hate scores. Once the piece is memorized (which is usually within a week or two of working on it) I hardly look at the score again, and I would find it nerve-wracking to try to perform with a score and turning pages and all. I like the freedom of being able to look at my hands and nothing else.

 

I'm very weak at memorizing the score, since I'm lacking of that sort of training.... Thus I would have the music in front of me at all events. But do you have a page turner, Monica?
Anyway I want to suggest to decide for which piece you will use the score and for which not as soon as possible and to stick to it during every practice and rehearsal. Since also it requires extra pratice from you, to divide your concentration into seeing the score and seeing the your hands.
Good luck wishes from one of your angels :wink:

 

Pianolady wrote:

For me it does! 8)

OK, if you're not having any sinus symptoms and if the cause is not post-nasal drip, then don't take Augmentin. Penicillin or erythromycin may be better if it's bacterial. However, if it's viral, time is the only cure and only a culture can confirm which it is.

But in the meantime, honey or lemon tea is the best home remedy. Avoid sodas and caffeine - it will dehydrate you further. Warm salt water rinses are good too (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water). Honey lozenges can help soothe the throat too. I hope you're starting to feel better?!