For performing musicians, preparing a solo concert is part of their daily life. It is rewarding work, aimed at offering their music to the audience and, above all, enjoying that great moment. They must carefully consider their programs, plan ahead to reach a level of excellence by the day of the concert, and prepare both physically and mentally.
That is my case; since I was a child, I began preparing solo concerts, chamber music performances, or as a soloist with an orchestra. I gradually grew as a musician, performing in different halls, auditoriums, and countries, until the day comes when you are programmed in a major auditorium or as part of a very important festival.
Such as, for example, my concert at the Auditorio Nacional de Madrid as part of a major music series.
I remember that when I was told about it, I had to plan everything very carefully. Once the concert was over, the feeling was one of complete satisfaction, even though the road had been long. It is precisely that feeling that has led me to explain the process to you.
Step 1: Choose the program you are going to perform
From my point of view, choosing the right repertoire for each concert is essential. This will depend on whether the person hiring you wants a specific program or if they give you freedom of choice. In the case of my concert at the Auditorio Nacional de Madrid, the style of the works and the combination between them was suggested by Ibermúsica. Finally, I took charge of meticulously choosing each piece, following the indications I had been given. Here, I believe my role as a Cultural Manager helps me, as I try to see what they are looking for from the perspective of both the programmer and the audience. Often, when choosing a program, we musicians become obsessed only with what we like to play, thinking the audience will love it, but then we don’t achieve the results we want. I think it is necessary to think more about the programming line of the venue, the festival, or the country where you are going to perform. Conducting a survey of what might attract the audience can be fundamental. Also very important is the order of the works in the program, thinking about what story you are going to tell in the concert or where to create the climax.
Step 2: Plan your practice
This point will depend on how much notice you are given for the concert. In my case, I was told several months in advance, but there was a piece I had to premiere for this concert. I knew I would have about 4 months to learn it. I planned to have the other pieces more or less well-studied before this one. Additionally, it will be influenced by whether you work, have other concerts in between, or have a family. Therefore, I advise you to create a long-term practice plan, being very aware of our real possibilities.
Step 3: Physical and mental preparation
This is another of the fundamental pillars for being able to play with maximum excellence on the day of the concert. Physical preparation is something I consider essential for a musician, especially to avoid injuries, have more endurance, and feel better on stage.
My weekly routine consists of swimming 2 or 3 days, doing yoga 2 days, dancing 1 day, and walking every day.
In addition to the benefits for the body, here we also start to work the mind. Releasing stress, maintaining concentration, and overcoming goals. It is extremely important to work on concentration; I recommend meditating for this, as well as controlling our Inner Critic: how we talk to ourselves when we play. Observe if there is stage fright and, if help is needed, see a professional.
Although there are many methodologies and routines to follow, I have told you mine and I hope it helps you. It works very well for me. I encourage you to try different ways to adapt your preparation so that you can enjoy the day of the concert to the fullest.
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