I was at one of my orchestra rehersals last night (the old one, not the new one) and we were discussing our Christamas programme. And some bright spark suggested that (I quote, honestly) "As we have a talented Grade 8 flautist, perhaps she would like to do a solo piece, and I would be happy to accompany her on piano." (Althoug that is slightly abbrieviated)

I nearly died!

Me?? Talented??

Anyway, the lady who offered to accompany me, my local friendly ABRSM examiner, has suggested I do the Poulenc Cantilena I did for Grade 7, fine, I know the piece quite well still.

But solo?! In front of people?! I'm panicking at the thought of it! How am I supposed to get around my nerves?!

I know it sounds silly, but SMILE, trust me it works.

You may think that you aren't that talented Tamsin, but if you just try to believe in the fact that other may appriciate(bad spelling) your talent on the flute, then there's not really any reason not to do an solo performance(as long as there aren't any other "non-music" things that needs full focusing at that time, school etc.)

Just try and believe that, then always remember:
Those that are listening probobly(again bad spelling) doesn't know the piece that you're playing, meaning, that if you doesn't show any signs of doing any errors(and the accompanist doesn't look at you when you play the wrong note etc.), then there's not really anyone who can tell that you made any errors at all.
You may then at the day of performance think that everything that you play that day are "sounding like cra*" or something along those lines, but then again, believe in the judgement of the people around you, they tend to hear things more clearly than you would yourself in such an situation.

Just my experience....

Go for it Tamsin! Where are you doing the concert? Might be able to come and support you....

The other thing to remember is that the audience will be wanting you, and willing you to do well. They are all behind you, not against you!

You'll be fine. Have a bit more confidence in the talent that others obviously think you have. If they thought you weren't up to it they wouldn't ask, and they really want to listen to you play!

hey tamsin, know the feeling, doing a few solo's myself soon. we can encourage and support each other lol!

Confidence, confidence, confidence...

(oh, and a bit of practise)

QUOTE (Emma C @ Sep 28 2004, 08:54 PM)

(oh, and a bit of practise)

ye, minor addition!

wow.. ... that great! Don't underestimate yourself. Build up your confidence and go for it. Of course, lot of practise.

Hmmm, practise, I don't seem to be very good at that at the mo!

Thanks for the support everyone, I had a go at playing through the piece this morning, and to my suprise, it didn't sound to bad, although I'll need to sort out all the timing again!

I'll try and keep you all updated!

just go for it....keep practising...especially in front of people... and u'll be fine....

I know JUST how you feel Tamsin, something exactly like this happened to me last year! But honestly, just put some work in and go for it, and you'll be fine. You might -even- enjoy it!

Yeah right!

QUOTE (liebe_klavier @ Sep 29 2004, 03:46 PM)

....keep practising...especially in front of people... and u'll be fine....

I agree once you have got the piece up to performance standard play it in front of as many people, ie family and friends, as you can. Good luck

thanks for "agreeing"....

Thanks again! My prro parents, they heard enough of the piece when I was preparing it for Grade 7.

And I know for a fact my mum doesn't like it!

by the way.....you don't have to care whether other people like it or not.... you are the one who's playing it.... just play what you want and have confidence...

Good luck!