WKMT London Piano Festival – June 2023

Playing the piano in front of an audience can be a daunting task for a Student beginner, but it is one of the most important experiences for a student, whether they are an adult or a child. The benefits of performing in front of an audience are numerous and can be transformative for a student’s development as a pianist and as an individual. In this essay, we will explore why playing the piano in front of an audience is so important and how it can benefit a student in many different ways. Let’s see what the main benefits and strengths are now:  

• Firstly, playing the piano in front of an audience can help a student overcome stage fright and performance anxiety. Many beginners are nervous about performing in front of others, and this fear can be overwhelming. However, by taking small steps and gradually increasing the difficulty of the performance, a student can build their confidence and learn to manage their anxiety. Performing in front of others is also an excellent way to develop a sense of discipline and focus, which can help a student in many other areas of their life.

 

• Secondly, playing the piano in front of an audience allows a student to share their music with others. Music is a universal language, and sharing it with others can be a deeply rewarding experience. A student can communicate their thoughts and feelings through their playing, and this can create a sense of connection with the audience. This sense of connection can be particularly powerful for children, who may not have many opportunities to express themselves in this way.

 

• Thirdly, performing in front of an audience is an excellent way to receive feedback and constructive criticism. A student can learn a great deal from the reactions of the audience, and this feedback can help them to refine their playing and improve their technique. This feedback can also help a student to develop a sense of humility, as they learn to accept that there is always more to learn and that they can always improve.

 

• Fourthly, playing the piano in front of an audience can help a student to develop their stage presence and performance skills. A good performance involves much more than just playing the right notes at the right time. A student must learn to convey emotion and expression through their playing, to engage with the audience, and to create a sense of drama and tension. These skills can be applied to many other areas of life, such as public speaking, acting, and even business presentations.

    Finally, playing the piano in front of an audience can be a source of inspiration and motivation for a student. The experience of performing can be incredibly rewarding, and it can create a sense of pride and accomplishment that can drive a student to continue practicing and improving. This motivation can be particularly important for children, who may need an external source of motivation to continue practicing.   In conclusion, playing the piano in front of an audience is an incredibly important experience for a student, whether they are an adult or a child. It can help them to overcome performance anxiety, to share their music with others, to receive feedback and constructive criticism, to develop their stage presence and performance skills, and to be inspired and motivated to continue practicing. As a teacher or parent, it is important to encourage and support a student in their performance endeavors, and to help them to see the many benefits that come from sharing their music with others. By doing so, we can help to create a new generation of pianists who are confident, skilled, and passionate about their craft.   Contact WKMT for more info.