Confidence on stage is built long before the performance begins. In this episode, we're diving deep into the strategies and tools that will help your students perform with confidence. Whether you're a piano teacher guiding your students or a musician getting ready for your own performance, preparation is key to managing nerves and feeling at ease on stage. We'll explore everything from building a preparation timeline to effective rehearsal techniques, the power of affirmations, and even some personal stories and tips to help both you and your students shine when it matters most. Join me as we explore how to make performance day a success!

• Why preparation is key to calming nerves, but why it’s normal to still feel anxious.
• The value of creating a detailed preparation timeline to guide your practice
• How to avoid common mistakes, like scheduling dress rehearsals too late or not practicing in the performance space.
• Importance of practicing in front of others, whether it’s friends, family, or even stuffed animals.
• How technology and video recordings can provide additional practice opportunities.
• Fun ways to help younger students practice bowing and stage presence to reduce anxiety.
• How practicing on the performance stage ahead of time can improve confidence on recital day.
• The power of affirmations to help both students and teachers replace negative self-talk with positive, empowering thoughts.
• Tips on handling students’ post-performance disappointment with encouragement and positive reframing.
• Simple breathing techniques to help calm nerves before and during a performance.
• How to prepare mentally and physically on the actual day of a performance.
• Why it’s important to take care of all logistical details well in advance.
• Personal rituals, like lucky socks or mints, that help performers feel grounded and confident.
• Advice on responding when a student feels disappointed after their performance.

Links Mentioned

• Affirmations for Student Musicians YouTube video
• Affirmations for Performing Musicians YouTube video
• TMPP Episode 037: Helping Teens Work through Performance Anxiety with Sonia Poon
• TMPP Episode 036: Never Stop Innovating with Will Armstrong
• TMPP Episode 028: Music and Magic Journals with Tweena Vuong

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

• Visit her website at https://rachelehring.com/
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music
• Subscribe to her YouTube Channel here.

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