PREPARING FOR RECITALS

If at all possible your pieces should be memorized (except for duets and ensembles). We have one time a year where you are to perform like a professional as much as possible.  Also, we have seen students' papers drop onto the floor and cannot continue their piece!  Some suggestions to help you with your memorization:

1.  When memorizing your piece, memorize a little at a time.  One line or sometimes only one measure at a time. 

2.  Memorize hands alone if playing piano.  Say the notes without looking at the music without playing.  Can you?  If not, you really don't have it memorized!  You do not want to memorizes "by feel".  In other words, don't depend on letting your fingers remember.  When nerves set in, your fingers won't remember!  Your brain must know what it is doing. 

3.  If you have words to the piece, remembering which notes go to which words also help.  Know where you are in the piece while you are playing.  Are you on the chorus, the verse, the first page, second? 

4.  Have a back-up plan. What if you forget where you are?  What if you are stuck?  Have different places in the piece you can readily go to if needed.  I call them "anchor points".  Maybe it is just starting back to the beginning of the line or jump to the chorus.  Try not to go back to the beinning, unless you absolutely have to.  Practice making a mistake and then going on or onto your "anchor point". 

5.  Finally, practice by playing in front of family and friends before the recital.  Find out where your weak spots are.  Remember, "Practice makes perfect!"

Good luck!  See you at the recital!