So You Want to Perform?So You Want to Perform?

OverviewOverview

• What is music performance• Preparation for a performance• The Dos and Don’ts of performing• Learning from the elders• Some examples (Brief)

WHAT IS MUSIC PERFORMANCEWHAT IS MUSIC PERFORMANCE• Music recreation

• The sonic expression of music piece through instrument, singing, conducting etc.

• A medium between music creation & appreciation, indispensible part of musical activities

• Musicians will have their own interpretation of music pieces based on their experiences

WHAT IS MUSIC PERFORMANCEWHAT IS MUSIC PERFORMANCE• A creative art activity

• Music usually is passed down in forms of scores, but there is no perfect notation nor transcription, thus performances may differ each time

• Musicians interpret & perform music subjectively, resulting the recreation of music pieces

• Technological development makes good recording of musical performance possible, poses challenge to musician to improvise and recreate

PREPARATION FOR A PERFORMANCEPREPARATION FOR A PERFORMANCE• Nothing more annoying to see people making up the show

as they go along, improvisation does not mean unprepared

• Practice, practice, practice - perfectionist attitude is what differentiate an A-team from a B-team

• Practice what you want to say as well (mirror is a good friend)

• Talk about the music you are doing for the performance

PREPARATION FOR A PERFORMANCEPREPARATION FOR A PERFORMANCE

• Rest and take care of your instrument, limit hanging out

• Rehearse but not overdoing it (especially if the materials are not new to you)

• Keep emotions in check, try not to drag in negative feelings derived from other things into dealings with audiences & performances

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PERFORMINGTHE DOS AND DON’TS OF PERFORMING

• Don’t be drunk or high

• Be sensitive; get to know your audience. Feel their energy, be in sync with them

• Be prepared; know the songs

• Regarding demeanor, look like you want to be onstage. Stand up straight

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PERFORMINGTHE DOS AND DON’TS OF PERFORMING

• Respect your fellow musicians. Encourage them during their solos

• Cultivate an image; dress appropriately

• Don’t bore the audience with long or meaningless solos or passages, have variations

• Don’t talk down to the audience

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PERFORMINGTHE DOS AND DON’TS OF PERFORMING

• Don’t do anything you are not comfortable with, the audience will know

• Make sure the band is on the same page as you, be in sync

• Be physical, smile

• Be grateful and play as hard for five people as you would for thousands

• Be on time

LEARNING FROM THE ELDERSLEARNING FROM THE ELDERS

• Guidance may not always come directly from people

• Read an autobiography, listen to a record, watch a performer

• Learn from the successes & failures, musical & commercial tips

SOME EXAMPLES (BRIEF)SOME EXAMPLES (BRIEF)

• Will be presenting in class

LAST WORDSLAST WORDS

• Follow your heart

• Believe what you are doing

• Be brave

• Have fun