Are you ready to perform?
When students think of performances, they often think of a long show with a number of songs that can require months of preparation. This often leaves students wondering: “Am I ready to perform?”
At our schools, we want all of our students to be successful. Therefore, we go through great efforts to make our performances more accessible and achievable than ever before.
If you think you’re not ready for a performance here are 6 important things to consider:
1. We have a number of first time performers at every performance who have never performed before. All of them said they were nervous before the show, and said they had a great experience after. Imagine congratulating yourself AFTER your first performance for having the courage to break through your first performance!
2. Remember: everyone was once a “never-before” performer. It’s important to get those first few performances under your belt and out of the way. And what better way to get performance experience than with our VERY supportive and fun performances opportunities! It’s what we do best! Did we mention it’s FREE? For both you AND your friends and family?
3. Let me guess: You’re new to performing but want your performance piece to be absolutely PERFECT, right? Of course you do! But here’s another tip: Aim for the stars, but don’t put high expectations of perfection before you’ve barely started! We suggest that you get your first 5 performances “out of the way” and “write them off”. In other words, don’t even worry about the quality of those first 5 performances – just get them done. Performing is a whole new skill that takes it’s own time to master. Focus on perfection AFTER your first 5 performances. In other words, get started NOW!
4. Of course a longer performance is harder than a shorter one. This is because there is much more to prepare and get right. Therefore, we require almost all of our students that in their first year with us, to limit their performance piece to 1-2 minutes – or even less. This ensures you will have success and not feel overwhelmed!
5. Many beginning singers are often challenged by being able to sing on pitch for the entire length of a long 4 minute song. If you are new to singing, and within your first year at our schools, we suggest that you edit your performance song to 1-2 mins or less so that you can be successful with singing on pitch for your performance. If you’re new to singing, we’ve created a performance prep class just for you! Ask at the front desk.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Talk to your teacher and let them know how you feel and look at ways that you can prepare yourself for a good experience. Can your teacher be present? If not, can they arrange for another support to be present? What will the venue look like? What does the stage look like? How will you come on/off the stage? Do you have a performer buddy to pair yourself up with for support? Start memorizing your music NOW.
So if you’re asking yourself the question: “Am I ready to perform?”, the answer is probably YES! Don’t be afraid. We’re here for you! Just ask for help!
