When performing with a musical instrument, how to keep from making a mistake.?

Question

When you give a performance with a musical instrument, do you have any advice on how to keep from making a mistake? How do you keep your concentration when the surroundings are distracting?

Answer 1

Far too many performers deliver a substandard performance and blame it on the distractions of the crowd, or stage fright, or adrenalin. The fact is, your practice needs to be consistently more strenuous and uncomfortable than the actual performance. In other words, you have to rehearse at a higher quality level than your probable performance.

Why? When you get slammed with the footlights, and the sound issues, and the crowd noise, and the inevitable equipment snafus, and the adrenalin rush, and the stage fright, your mental discipline will pay off. The unconscious mind will take over and carry you through the motions in spite of the distractions. The greats, the true greats, like Segovia or Pavarotti, had incredible discipline when it came to rehearsal.

Do you want to be a great? That, my friend, is the key.

Answer 2

First of all, practice for 3 to 5 hours a week in a distracting area, like a public park. Also, memorize!!! You should play the music as if you are singing it. Breathe each line and phrase. Not only will it help you keep from being distracted but this will also help you to emotionally connect with the music and project that emotion through your playing to the listener.

Answer 3

You have to practice the songs a lot and practice performing. Make sure you go over your weakest spots a bunch of times. Then just relax and have fun!

Answer 4

make the mistake seem natural i mean if youre playing a song on a guitar and you hit the 3 fret instead of the second fret dont worry keep playing, or if youre really good then bust out on an improv

Answer 5

practice, practice practice. go slow at first when you are trying to learn a piece. Pay attention to the notes, pitch etc....To concentrate. Go to a quiet place in a park to practice. or a music hall if you live on a college campus sometimes they have room to practice in.

Answer 6

Play solo. Most people will never know it's a mistake then. And if they ask, you can say it was an artistic rendition of that piece.

Answer 7

you gotta practice...and practice in front of friends and family 2 get used 2 bein around otha people.....and u gotta block out whats goin on around u....just listen 2 da music....until u get comfortable wit whatchu doin