Help! First solo in a long time.?

Question

I have a band concert tonight, and I have a solo.

I am a trained pianist and I know how to prepare. I have memorized the solo, and by myself can play it backwards and forwards, in my sleep, with my hands tied behind my back etc...the problem is that due to the rehearsal schedule and the late date that the decision that I would play this solo I have only played it with the band four times.

They are the variable that I am not quite sure of.

Are there any inner game techniques or techniques you have come to yourself? For me the best antidote to stage fright is preperation, and I have prepared by myself as much as I can. But I don't feel like I have that last bit of preperation.

I want to use this though as a test of my confidence as a player, so I don't want to just ask another player to play it for me or with me (and that wouldn't be fair to the other player, anyway!) I know that I can do it, but I am just more nervous than I should be.

Answer 1

You can only control your performance. To get away from the jitters and your reluctance about your back up band, try humming the song as you play it. This can help to calm your inner self and also relax you. You will still be able to hear the band but it will be more of an afterthought if you wrap yourself up in your piece.

Also, don't think of THE PERFORMANCE as THE PERFORMANCE. Rather, think of it as playing this piece for a favorite person you know, alive or dead. Dedicate it to them and then play for that person, and only that person....

And SMILE! You cannot tense up if you smile....

Answer 2

You know your stuff so no matter what happens with the band, keep right on playing.
Since you are the soloist they are supposed to keep up with you. As a present and future soloist it's a good rule of thumb to learn.