May Showcase

Our May showcase was a little different from the first two, in that we were able to elaborate a little more on the Academy's other side, away from the showcases themselves.

Although, because of time constraints, we could offer only a short outlining of the most basic elements that make up good performance, we trust it was helpful and we welcome any comments or questions. Angelina presented three basic key points during the showcase:

1.The importance of supportive breathing – this is a subject not usually broached in a one-to-one situation, unless you are specifically studying a wind instrument, one of which is the voice. But relaxed breathing is of paramount importance to all performers in order to allow them to give a satisfying performance, not only for the artist themselves, but also for the audience. And the way to gain immediate supportive breathing, is to free your chest area from any tension, which can only be achieved through slightly relaxing the abdominal muscles on the in-breath - for optimum inspiration, air should enter through the mouth.

2.Stagecraft – as with all societal activities, there is a kind of stage etiquette to be adhered to when performing and thus, on a very basic level, it includes understanding that a performance starts as the artist walks towards the stage, before any performance has begun. It is customary to bow in acknowledgement of the audience's applause, then perform without distractions, i.e. fidgeting. It is also good if the young performer can stay within the music, even after their own performance has finished, then bow again before leaving the stage. But remember that your performance is not over until you have taken your seat again.

3.Performance – a satisfying performance for both artist and audience consist of more than merely playing or singing through your piece; performance ultimately, is communication and therefore, the more of yourself you put into a performance, the more you strive for a rapport with your audience, the more successful your performance will be. This will also allow your audience to come along with you on your journey through the music. That is why it is important to investigate fully your repertoire and not to discard pieces too soon, unless you have grown to dislike them intensely. With each performance, you will be peeling away another layer from the piece until you find the truth, the core, of the music, which, as you hone it and shine it, will provide you with immense joy and fulfilment. It is at this point that the music becomes your lifelong friend.

We again want to reiterate how important it is that you do not feel obliged to prepare something new for each showcase. It is much better to perform something until you feel you have completely mastered it, because in class or rehearsal, your experience of the same piece will be very different from that of a performance.

We also want to state again that the Academy offer artists the unique opportunity to learn for themselves how to perform, without the burden of competition or feedback – as a performer, you know when things went wrong and when they went well – you do not need anyone to tell you if you've made a mistake. But it is up to you to strive to do better next time. Of course, if you ever wish to discuss anything with us, please feel free to do so, or if you particularly want your teacher to hear you, please feel free to invite them to your performance.

Newsflash!

Artists who have performed consistently for six months, will achieve the opportunity to perform their own half-hour mini recital - if they so wish - so if you know that you will be coming up for your mini recital, please let us know a month in advance so that we may help you plan and put together your programme.

You may have noticed that there is no showcase in August, but in September, our showcase will be in the Art Centre next door, instead of in the Church, and at this time a few agents may also attend, so we feel it only fair to give you this much advance notice. We look forward to seeing you all again on 5 June 2010.