After-concert thoughts

Preparing for a concert requires work. There are many facets to it from the physical, mental and emotional to the administrative and logistical parts to it. However, after a concert there is a whole different side that is sometimes freeing but also elusive. Do you do a post-concert analysis? Do all the things you put off in preparation for the concert? Or just continue preparing for the next performance immediately?

After preparing for concerts for some time, there are some things that I do now after the high and adrenaline of a performance. First, I take some time off and celebrate! It is very easy to either look for flaws in reflection or to just continue to the next thing. But in hindsight, either response does not recognize the amount of hard work and persistence that each performance requires. Celebrating each concert acknowledges all the effort you have already done.

Secondly, do a bit of reflection after some time has passed. This is necessary because we all need to grow, and reflecting gives us the opportunity to look back at what worked and what could be better. Don't rush to do this right after the concert and also don't rush this process. It can also occur while in preparation for the next thing.

Finally, make plans to work on what you need to. It is easy to try to fix everything immediately and then get disappointed when it takes longer than expected. So, I find it is all about reasonable expectations. Just as how it takes years to master the piano, getting better also requires patience and a strategy. I find that being consistent and tackling the necessary problem/s for days or weeks to be much more effective than rushing headlong into whatever comes next.

Celebrate your progress, take some time to reflect and continue working on your goals!

Your piano friend,

Vikki