The Importance of Performing

It is crucial for music learners to perform as frequently as they can. Whether big or small, or as little as just 1 person, performing on stage is priceless. Although many students find it nerve-wracking or even develop “trauma” from a bad experience, I constantly emphasize performing to my students. With this, the 2 most commonly-asked question I hear from parents is: 

• What are the benefits of performing?

• Where can my child perform?

First, there are several benefits to performing. Performing allows you to share your musical joy with others. As music learners, we all spend countless hours practicing alone (in a room) to “perfect” our craft. The objective of this is to ultimately share the countless hours of work we’ve put into. Second, performing gives you immediate feedback. Practicing and performing are different; a lot of times, students play well during lessons and presumably, during their practice at home. However, it is not unusual that when students get nervous or experience stage-fright before or on stage, they either forget their music, make mistakes, or “under-perform” their usual level of playing. I strongly believe in practicing performing - the more you perform on stage and challenge yourself to shake off the nerves, the more confident you become on stage. Third, performing will motivate students to work towards a goal. With this, I remind my students that when you’re performing, you have to “sell” yourself - focus on your connection with the music and not what others will think about your playing. How you feel towards your playing is what others will also feel. Next, after each performance, one should reflect on what went well and what needs to be improved. Setting goals and discussing how this particular goal can be achieved with the teacher will not just enable a student to become a better music learner but also, understand his or herself better. It may be that in a student’s weekly practice, there needs to be one day set aside dedicated to a family dinner performance. Or, the student becomes aware that a difficult passage needs to be solidified even more during practice so he or she doesn’t fear as much on stage (and make mistakes). Last, depending on the occasion of the performance, students are able to learn from others through watching their performances. I‘m not just talking about the technical or musical aspect of one’s performance but the stage presence (e.g. how one walks onto the stage, bows, etc.) as well.  

In our music studio, students are given various opportunities to perform. First, an end-of-year student recital is held every year at Ms. Nancy’s residence. Parents and friends are invited and food and drinks are provided. Next, depending on each student’s progress, he or she may be asked to participate in a competition or music festival, both locally or internationally. Last, students will perform at various community venues, such as at the VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer or Ren Ci Community Hospital. Enabling students to perform at different venues with differing audience groups cultivates their understanding and perspective in learning music. Music is not just to be practiced at home and played during lessons but most importantly, learning music is for a greater meaning, a meaning that may be profound and personal to each and every student.