Focus, self-consciousness and preparing to perform
In this Ask the Faculty video, Adina Mornell responds to three questions on performance mindset and preparation. She looks at self-consciousness and worries about being judged, where to direct your attention while performing and how the way you practise should change as a performance approaches.
Drawing on research into attentional focus as well as her own experience, Adina considers why focusing on the music and what we want to communicate can be more helpful than monitoring ourselves. She also shares practical ways to rehearse the experience of performing before stepping onto the stage.
Questions answered
00:00 – What should you do if you’re not very self-confident on stage and find yourself worrying about people looking at you or criticising your appearance, mannerisms or the way you play?
02:45 – What should you be concentrating on or thinking about when you’re on stage?
06:05 – Should your practice look the same in the months, weeks, days and hours leading up to a performance?
Prepare to Perform with Adina
Go further with Lights–Camera–Action! – Stop Rehearsing & Start Performing, Adina’s short course combining video lessons, practical exercises and guided reflections to help you move beyond permanent preparation, develop a healthier relationship with performance and take positive, realistic steps towards sharing your music.