For a well-rounded performance, don’t neglect the importance of expression, body language and stage presence. Find out some helpful tips that will improve your interpretation of pieces, projecting confidence, how you interact with the audience and so much more:
- Introducing Yourself & Audience Interaction
One crucial step that many performers forget to prioritize is a good introduction. It’s essential that the audience is visually engaged from the very moment you step on stage. Before you begin your piece, smile and establish eye contact with other smiling faces you see in the crowd. Introduce yourself using a relaxed and warm voice. When you succeed at doing both, this projects an openness and willingness to perform and it can greatly affect your performance for the better.
- Body Language
For vocal performances, many singers swear by different techniques. While others are very expressive with their hands or like to move around the stage, others feel more comfortable standing still. No matter which technique you prefer, do what makes you feel natural and comfortable. You need to be in your element and find your best space. Avoid restricting your movement by crossing your arms or failing to establish eye contact. Other musical performers should never neglect good posture because it can make or break a performance!
- Interpretation
What does your piece mean to you? Is it something that speaks to you or was it something that was chosen randomly? It’s essential to choose a piece that you’re passionate about because it can be directly seen, heard and felt by your audience. If your goal is to engage the crowd, you need to perform music that has a strong meaning to you. Before each time you practice for performance, ask yourself what that specific piece means to you and make sure you’re mostly performing those that you really enjoy.
- Projecting Confidence
Practicing for performance requires a lot of building up and pep talks. When you fail to believe in yourself and establish your presence as a performer from the moment you step out on stage, all your learned techniques and strategies won’t be of any use.
Remember that you should be proud of yourself because it takes a lot of will and bravery to bare your soul to a group of strangers! Even the most inexperienced performer has the ability to affect and move his audience. Play for your guests the same way you want other musicians to play for you. Use that confidence to drive your practices and performances and see what a world of difference it makes.