Preparing for a concert requires disciplined, focused practice. While one’s mental and physical state can fluctuate from day to day, identifying performance conditions is vital for effective practice. Ultimately, whatever a musician prepares ahead of time, he/she strives to maintain a sense of freedom and spontaneity in each new performance.
There is a well-worn saying: practice makes perfect. I don’t believe this, at least in reference to playing the piano: abstract “perfection” is rarely what we seek; but good practising makes it more likely that we will give a good performance. Its attention, its concentration, its tightening of the screws enable the concert experience to take wing in freedom. – Stephen Hough
I was lucky to stumble across this article of concert pianist, composer and writer Stephen Hough. Mr. Hough shares invaluable tips to reinforce effective practice and concert preparation, both physically and mentally.