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Advice on how to be successful on stage

Advice on how to be successful on stage

Posted in Play: September 2015

There are probably many definition about the meaning of being successful. Of course I didn`t read all of them, but I`ll write what success means:

1. The favourable outcome of something attempted;
2. The attainment of fame, wealth, or social status;
3. An action, performance, that is characterized by success;
4. The accomplishment of an aim or purpose;
 
How would you describe a successful performance? In my point of view, it means to be yourself on stage and to play at your best potential when it matters most, in some important moments like: exams, competition, auditions, concerts, in front of other people. Being yourself and playing at your best potential will bring you a nice remember about a great performance.


Let me give you an example. You are in the front of an upcoming performance ( an exam, competition or concert). You prepared yourself very good and practiced a lot. Now, the expectation is to play as good as you can but the result is totally different. You are doing more mistakes than usually, your sound is not so beautiful and maybe the technique it creates you some unexpected problems. Exactly now, in this very important moment! It sounds familiar? How does it feel? Of course, very frustrating; First, because you were not able to play as good as you can, and second, because you consider your performance was bad and you still ask yourself why did it happened to you? What was wrong? It was a bad day, you were unlucky or to much tired? Hmm, I believe that`s not the answer. Try to remember about your goals before playing on stage and about the conversation with yourself during your performance. Which words did you addressed to yourself? Maybe you think that`s not so important, but in fact it is!

When I was student I took part in many competitions and I played many concerts in front of the audience. Rarely I played below my potential in some important moments, but it happened and I know why. It was because I compared myself with other flutists, colleagues of mines or I tried to fulfill  some expectations of my teachers, or I thought about winning the first prize. Well, this goals were for sure not the right ones for a great performance, but I learned something from my own experiences and today I would like to share this with you.

My advice for a great performance is quite simple: Play at your highest potential- no less, no more. Giving your best is more than enough to feel happy and satisfied about your performance. This is what I call a successful performance. It worked for me and I believe that it can work for you too.


Share your opinion about a successful performance. Your story can help and maybe inspire other musicians, so please, feel free to leave your comments below.

 

 

 

Uli Sperling

09 Sep 2016 07:47

Learning from the Japanese

In Japan, people do not say 'good luck' before an exam or big task, but '頑張ってください' [pronounced ganbatte kudasai] which means 'please do your best'. Instead of 'thank you', they reply with 'はい、頑張ります' [pronounced hai, ganbarimasu] which means 'yes, I will do my best'.
It is deeply rooted in Zen culture that doing your best is enough.

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