Day 21
The Power of Performance – Even for an Audience of One
It’s December 21st – just a few days until Christmas! 🎅
And with that in mind, today’s tip is perfectly timed: let’s talk about performing.
Now, before you close this email thinking “I’m not a performer, I just play for myself,” hear me out. 🎧
Because I’m going to let you in on something that might surprise you: every single time you play, you’re performing — even if it’s just for you.
But more importantly, performing intentionally, even for just one person, is one of the absolute best ways to improve your playing. 🌟 Nothing else compares.
Let me tell you about two of my Learn Music Together members, Sandy and Carla. 👭 Both would describe themselves as beginners. Both had never met before joining LMT. They connected during one of my coaching weeks when I asked everyone to comment where they lived.
Fast forward a few months, and they arranged to meet in Santa Barbara. 🌴
Carla was performing with a choral society, and Sandy came to support her. After the concert, they went for a walk and came across the colorful public pianos downtown.
They had no intention of playing. 🎹
But someone encouraged them, and you know what? They sat down and performed a bit of the ensemble piece they were both currently working – from memory – for people passing by. They received applause, compliments, and had an absolutely exhilarating experience.
Here’s what’s important: they could do this because they’d followed my practice methods. 💪 Because they’d learned their parts properly, not just superficially. Because they’d found confidence through being part of a supportive community.
But Sandy and Carla took a risk. They stepped outside their comfort zone — and that’s where the magic happened.
Performance gives you:
🎯 A goal to work towards (which focuses your practice)
⚡ An adrenaline rush (which teaches you to play under pressure)
👂 Feedback from an audience (which shows you what connects)
🏆 A sense of accomplishment (which motivates you to keep improving)
💖 Shared joy (which reminds you why music matters)
You don’t need a big stage. 🌍
You don’t need to be “good enough.” You just need to be willing to share.
Sandy and Carla are not alone. Many of my members in LMT start by telling me they have no desire to perform, but slowly over months, maybe years they discover the benefits.
Avril has hosted poetry and music evenings for her friends. She’s done charity events and has recently done a live event for LMT members, talking about the harp and performing inbetween.
Alison began LMT, telling me she would never perform- and just this week she announced that she stepped in to accompany the choir she’d just joined.
I could continue, but my point is never say never.
🎄 Today’s Task (This might feel scary – that’s okay!)
Today, you’re going to perform. 🎬
But I’m making it as easy as possible.
Choose a piece you can play comfortably — something you know well, where the notes aren’t a struggle. 🎵
Now, decide on your audience. 👀
Here are some options, from easiest to most challenging:
Level 1: Record a video of yourself playing and send it to one friend or family member.
Level 2: Play for someone in your household. Ask them to sit down and listen to the whole piece.
Level 3: Play for a small group – maybe at a family gathering or with friends over for coffee.
Level 4: Post your recording in a community forum or on social media.
Pick the level that feels stretchy but not impossible. 🌱
If even Level 1 feels too scary, that’s okay – just record yourself and watch it back, imagining someone else is listening.
The point is to create some performance pressure, some stakes, even if they’re small. 🎯
🌟 For Advanced Players
Set yourself a bigger performance challenge. 💫
Here are some ideas:
🎶 Organize a house concert – invite friends over specifically to hear you play. Prepare 15–20 minutes of music. Make it an event.
☕ Find an open mic night – many cafes, libraries, and community centers host these. They’re usually welcoming to all levels.
💐 Volunteer to play – churches, care homes, hospitals, and community events often welcome musicians. You’re giving a gift while gaining experience.
📹 Create a video performance – not just a run-through, but a prepared, polished recording that you share publicly.
Also, prepare for your performance like a professional. 🎩
✅ Do several practice run-throughs in the days before.
✅ Practice your entrance and exit.
✅ Visualize the performance going well.
✅ Have a plan for mistakes (spoiler: keep going!).
✅ Wear what you’ll wear during your final practices.
Here’s what I want you to remember. 💬
Alison, one of my LMT members, didn’t have the confidence to play anything start-to-finish when she joined, despite having achieved Grade 7 as a child.
Now? She performs regularly in our online concerts and has even shared videos publicly.
Her enjoyment of music has soared because she’s not just practicing – she’s making music for people. 🌈
Pam lost her confidence to play hymns at church because one person criticised her years ago. 😔 One person — out of potentially hundreds who’d enjoyed listening. Don’t let one thoughtless comment steal your joy.
She’s now found her confidence and also plays regularly for LMT members.
The world needs more live music. 🎵
People love hearing live music, even if it’s not perfect — because it’s real, human, and in the moment.
You have a gift to share. 🎁
Maybe today’s the day you start sharing it.
Go on. You can do this. I believe in you. ❤️
Fiona 🎶
P.S. After you perform, write down how it felt. 🖊️
What went well? What was challenging? What did you learn?
This reflection is just as important as the performance itself. 💭