So, big piano performance that’s pretty far away.* To avoid the high potential of cramming music the last month (or weeks or days X/ ), I’m creating a prep schedule that’s realistic with my current personal life (two babies) and going to make familiarizing myself with the music enjoyable and NOT a stress mess.

In the midst of a big band, four grand pianos will be gracing the stage and helping with the holiday cheer. I’ll be performing on three of the pieces, and here’s how I’m going to get ready.

(for non-musicians or those starting their music journeys, if I say a term that is unknown to you, comment below about it, and I’ll explain because it’s about to get real music-nerdy 🙂

FIRST MONTH

October goals (to familiarize myself with rhythms, others’ parts, my own): intentional hands separate work and not just hands together, listen to the track tapes while looking at the scores, play with metronome, study music away from keyboard, conduct pieces to myself-counting out loud

SECOND MONTH

November goals (to play confidently and fluidly): practice starting at different spots, be able to play it well slower or faster then intended tempo, memorize the parts I’m still finding uncomfortable

FINAL TWO WEEKS (includes the dress rehearsals)

December goals (to put pieces into muscle memory and relieve stress): play for friends/family, play in the outfit I’ll be performing in, play with the recordings, go back and take things to the basics like in first month to keep everything detailed and focused

The assigned pieces are well within my skill level, so the practice routine is more relaxed and “big picture” orientated than if I were learning repertoire stretching my ability. I’ll create a practice schedule for that when I embark upon a full length classical recital (definitely not anytime soon because of the little ones :-D) I will say that if you are trying to create a practice routine for pieces stretching your ability, weekly or even daily goals are very helpful to keep you focused and progressing.

Do you have a big performance you’re prepping for? How are you going about it?

*Winterlude announcement made here!