Life is simple when you break it down into its basic parts.
I have performed and prepared students for public performances for most of my life and the collective number of perfect performances is few and far between. In my own case I can remember less than a dozen occasions which I can honestly say were perfect performances. There were always those little glitches which could have been prevented such as a dynamic not observed or a tempo too fast or too slow. Perfection seldom comes without total preparation and complete concentration.
This post is an introduction to a series directed to all of us in the performance world. We all strive for perfection but are habitually satisfied with only above average results. Many outside influences can affect one’s performance which we have no control over such as illness, physical injury and physiological breakdown. Under normal conditions there are no excuses for an “average performance”. Most poor performances can be attributed to lack of preparation and for that reason I will be offering some suggestions learned through many years of playing and teaching that may help you overcome your contentment with less than perfect musical performances.
My following posts will delve into the three basic steps for a perfect performance, and I will be sharing with you each level as I select, prepare and execute a perfect performance.
*Perfection is an arbitrary decision for who is qualified to determine perfection.
