When we listen to a successful performance, the ideas and intentions of the composer and performer are clear and simple. It appears effortless for the performer, even though we understand the daily struggle behind learning a piece. Ideally, when we perform, playing should become a form of expression, and the hard work or technique should not be the main focus.
You don’t have to work too hard. The effort and experience gained are spread across multiple practice sessions, performance opportunities, and lessons. What’s important, and will lead to your success, is compartmentalizing your work and accepting that changes will happen gradually. Think of it this way: at every moment, there is a small change to focus on.
Address just that. Do not feel overwhelmed by the size of the composition, the number of notes, or the final tempo. That’s not important yet. Even the most complex works break down into multiple shorter and simpler sections, organized in a graceful way. Understanding this structure, clarity, and simplicity is our final goal. How can we make things that are initially difficult to comprehend sound clear and accessible?
Step aside for a second, imagine how it should sound so it makes sense to you, and take a deep breath. Allow yourself to play again without trying too hard, directing your energy toward more creative tasks like listening, imagining, and communicating.
Recent Comments