Have you ever had a student play flawlessly in lessons, only to freeze up or struggle on stage? The problem isn’t just nerves—it’s a lack of real performance training. In this episode, we’re diving into the key differences between dress rehearsals and performances, why both are essential, and how you can help students prepare for the stage, not just the practice room. From creating real-world distractions to shifting their mindset from rehearsal mode to performance mode, we’ll explore strategies to build confidence and resilience. Let’s get students ready to shine when it really counts!

Why Dress Rehearsals Matter

• Students need real performance simulations—lights, audience, stage, and distractions.
• Dress rehearsals build confidence by creating familiarity.
• They teach students to handle unexpected elements (background noise, movement, and nerves).

The Difference Between Rehearsal Mode and Performance Mode

• Rehearsal Mode: Learning, stopping, refining mistakes.
• Performance Mode: Committing, no stopping, recovering from mistakes.
• The mental switch between the two is crucial for success on stage.

How to Run an Effective Dress Rehearsal

• Make it real: Have students wear concert attire and set up a realistic performance environment.
• Use the “No Stopping” Rule: Students must play through no matter what happens.
• Reframe their mindset: Focus on the big picture, not tiny mistakes.

Training for Performance Pressure

• Practice under pressure:
• Record performances.
• Create small live audience moments.
• Introduce distractions (background noise, movement).
• One-take challenges to simulate a real performance.
• Reframe adrenaline as excitement rather than fear.

Using AI to Prepare for Performances

• AI-generated mental rehearsals help students visualize success before they step on stage.
• AI-powered distractions (background noise, simulated interruptions) train students to stay focused.
• Confidence coaching with AI—personalized affirmations and pep talks before performances.

Real Talk: Tara’s Experience with Performance Training

• Tara shares her methods for preparing students for unpredictable performance environments:
• Holding dress rehearsals in her studio’s recital space.
• Taking performances outside controlled settings (parades, breweries, busy music stores).
• Using chaotic rehearsals—throwing pool noodles, making loud noises, and causing distractions to simulate real-world conditions.

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About Tara Wright

Tara Wright is an Education and Operations Director, Creative Strategist, and Music Educator who helps music educators transform their teaching studios and businesses through innovative strategies, clear processes, and actionable tools. Known for her no-fluff advice, Tara blends creative thinking with real-world solutions to make complex systems simple and effective.

With over 20 years of teaching experience and 10+ years in operations management, Tara brings expertise in branding, copywriting, and process improvement to the music industry. She has overseen the creation of impactful content, from managing digital media platforms to developing professional training materials. Tara’s work inspires music educators to build thriving studios while balancing creativity with practicality.

Tara’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Workspace Administration, and Google E-commerce Marketing. She also holds degrees in photography, music education, genetic engineering, and marketing, which fuel her unique approach to problem-solving and innovation.

When not optimizing workflows or mentoring teams, Tara raises ostriches, Great Danes, and other two- and four-legged friends on her farm near St. Louis. You’ll often find her taking her Jeep off-road or exploring a new hobby because learning is her ultimate joy. Tara’s advice is grounded in experience and designed to inspire action. Whether it’s simplifying studio operations, enhancing marketing strategies, or sparking creativity, Tara’s solutions resonate with educators ready to grow.

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