Music Teacher's Helper Blog

About a year ago, I compiled a list of things to do before playing a piece of music for my students. I simply call it “The Performance Checklist”. They are encouraged to use it before performing in front of an audience, me, and in their private study. It’s very simple, but it has made a big difference. I like to make my list in a word document and laminate so that it looks. Then all I do is place it on the piano or the music stand next to the student’s sheet music to help them remember. The list goes like this:

1. Sit up straight

2. Hands in position

3. Eyes in the right place

4. Take in a deep breath and release it

5. Play

It’s so simple, I know, but that breathing step at the end: that is the key! I haven’t done a formal survey, but I have noticed that students who take the time to pause and breathe before playing a piece play so much better than students who don’t. This is expecially helpful for the hyper students you teach. When they have so much energy that they can’t even focus on the notes, it’s time to bring in the checklist!

Using the checklist during your lessons as well as in preparation for a recital is a good way to calm the mind and get focused on playing a song. Please post back if you decide to try it. Maybe I will conduct another informal survey!