What kind of a "pre-performance" person are you?
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“You should eat a light meal before your recital”
”You shouldn’t work out on the day of your performance”
When it comes to pre-performance tips and habits, we’ve been told all sorts of advice, but what will actually work for YOU? We all experience concerts and performances in different ways. Some people get bubbly before they go on stage and others need to focus and have their quiet space. Some must eat a heavy meal right before, while others can't eat anything on a day of a performance. What is your style and how do you maximize your performance?
If you get jittery...
Many performers experience "nerves" or feel jittery a couple hours before a concert (or sometimes the whole day!). That is perfectly normal and many performers feel that way for their entire careers. How can we shake these nerves, or even just balance the feeling a little bit? Here are some ideas:
Avoid Caffeine: don't have any coffee or caffeinated tea the day of. Caffeine helps us feel awake, but can also make us feel wired and effects processes in our body that get rid of adrenaline. If you are too used to drinking coffee every day, and don’t want to interrupt that routine, maybe try cutting how much you drink in half or try decaf.
Drink lots of water: More than you think! Carry a water bottle with you and/or have herbal tea, and keep filling it up.
Go for a walk: Walking (preferably outside) can help with blood circulation and get some motion in your body that helps to relax the muscles. It also might help get your mind off of the stress of performing as you are inspired by your surroundings!
Eat light meals: If you feel that you cannot really eat, drink a smoothie or a protein shake. Leave the overstuffed burrito for your post-concert celebration.
Meditate: It can be as simple as finding a quiet spot and remaining quiet for 5 minutes. Or, you can also do a guided meditation, such as the app Headspace.
If you get sleepy...
Some people become drowsy or sleepy before performances. Sometimes it's the consequence of a late night of rehearsing, studying, or traveling. The important thing is to NOT give in to the "easy" solutions of caffeine and sugar. These will usually cause a terrible crash.
Get more sleep the night before: Stop yourself from rehearsing, or whatever work you are doing (reed making, wrapping mallets, studying the score) and invest your time in some good restful sleep.
Do some stretches or work out: It can remind your body that it's time to focus on something more physical and snap out of a more static phase.
Avoid sugar: Even if you crave it, it's more likely to bring a crash afterwards which will be horrible if you are already tired. Remember, you can save the double-chocolate mousse cake for post-concert celebration!
20 minute nap: If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity, you can give this a try. Put a timer and make sure it does not last any longer!
Eat as much of a balanced meal as possible: Go for something that is not too heavy while avoiding carbs and foods high in sodium. Choose a healthy option of a salad with protein and whole grains if you can.
Snacks? Bananas and nuts. They will supply you with energy and won't bring a terrible crash afterwards.
If you can’t concentrate…
This might sound counterproductive, but do whatever you want to do: Let yourself loose! watch tv, get on social media, bake, nap, talk on the phone… but put a timer (40 minutes max), to remind yourself to stop.
Think of an incentive at the end of the performance: Maybe go to a nice restaurant after it, or splurge on something you wanted for a while but didn’t let yourself get (like a special piece of clothing, tickets to a cool concert, or a fancy meal). The thought of that incentive will help you focus in the short term.
Have a buddy to help you commit: sometimes you just need a buddy to help you be more committed. You can prep together and talk about relevant topics that might prepare you mentally for the performance.
The most important thing is to remember that we are all different. Don't assume that your friend is like you, even if you've been in the same group for a long time. Some people get super chatty before performances and some need to be silent. Be patient, respect others, and do what's best for you!