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
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