It's really exciting that there are lots of young pianists coming to play at the PianoFest Tea Party. Here's a low down on what you and your parents/guardian can expect.
The Tea Party
Let's get the important things sorted first - the food! There will be lots of cakes, drinks and snacks. After the concert you'll be able to tuck in and chat to the other performers in the foyer. This is a lovely, light addition to the building overlooking the college gardens and the River Cherwell.
The Tea Party
Let's get the important things sorted first - the food! There will be lots of cakes, drinks and snacks. After the concert you'll be able to tuck in and chat to the other performers in the foyer. This is a lovely, light addition to the building overlooking the college gardens and the River Cherwell.
The Venue
The event is being held in the Edward Boyle Auditorium at the Jacqueline du Pre Music Building in the grounds of St Hilda's College, Oxford, OX4 1DY. This is a purpose built concert hall so it will probably feel a little on the grand side, even though it's really quite small!
The event is being held in the Edward Boyle Auditorium at the Jacqueline du Pre Music Building in the grounds of St Hilda's College, Oxford, OX4 1DY. This is a purpose built concert hall so it will probably feel a little on the grand side, even though it's really quite small!
The Piano
The piano is Steinway Model D piano. This is a very splendid instrument indeed, the Rolls Royce of pianos and it is a real treat for pianists to play on. Compared to your piano it will feel a little different but most people find them very easy to adjust to. Pianos like this cost a lot of money so it is certainly not a piano to 'mess around' on.
The piano is Steinway Model D piano. This is a very splendid instrument indeed, the Rolls Royce of pianos and it is a real treat for pianists to play on. Compared to your piano it will feel a little different but most people find them very easy to adjust to. Pianos like this cost a lot of money so it is certainly not a piano to 'mess around' on.
Your Performance
The concert begins at 4pm. When it's your turn to perform I (or your teacher) will be there to help you get onto the stage and get comfortable at the piano. It's easy to forget but adjusting the stool to your preferred height can make all the difference to your performance.
You don't need to announce your piece title or composer as it will be shown on the screen behind you.
People will clap as you walk on and clap when you finish so practice with your teacher or parents what to do when this happens.
How to give your best performance
Everyone will be feeling a little nervous on the day. That's natural and quite a healthy sign. Playing your piece in public is very different from practising it at home. All of a sudden it will feel quite different and bits that you thought you knew might not feel quite so secure.
In the days running up to the concert perform your piece to as many people as possible. Could you play it at school, to friends or relatives, to your teacher? One really useful thing to do is to record yourself. If you aren't happy with your recording keep doing it until you are satisfied.
Please do encourage everyone you know to support your performance. They can either come along on the day or donate some money that will go to the two great music education charities we are supporting. We're aiming to raise £3000 so every little helps!
In the next blog I will give more details about how to get to the venue and the parking situation as well as think about what to wear.
The concert begins at 4pm. When it's your turn to perform I (or your teacher) will be there to help you get onto the stage and get comfortable at the piano. It's easy to forget but adjusting the stool to your preferred height can make all the difference to your performance.
You don't need to announce your piece title or composer as it will be shown on the screen behind you.
People will clap as you walk on and clap when you finish so practice with your teacher or parents what to do when this happens.
How to give your best performance
Everyone will be feeling a little nervous on the day. That's natural and quite a healthy sign. Playing your piece in public is very different from practising it at home. All of a sudden it will feel quite different and bits that you thought you knew might not feel quite so secure.
In the days running up to the concert perform your piece to as many people as possible. Could you play it at school, to friends or relatives, to your teacher? One really useful thing to do is to record yourself. If you aren't happy with your recording keep doing it until you are satisfied.
Please do encourage everyone you know to support your performance. They can either come along on the day or donate some money that will go to the two great music education charities we are supporting. We're aiming to raise £3000 so every little helps!
In the next blog I will give more details about how to get to the venue and the parking situation as well as think about what to wear.