‘Performing Never Comes Naturally’: Expert Performers’ Strategies for Rehearsal Excellence

Abstract

Professional music performances seem second nature to expert performers. Top performers are acutely aware of performance conventions, stagecraft and audience expectations of the concert. Performance students have much to learn from expert stage preparation. This study investigates how expert performers prepare and practise their performances for the stage. Nine international pianists participated in semi-structured interviews about their approach to preparing a concert performance. Five key strategies were identified through thematic analysis. In practice, experts prepared their stagecraft by visualising the visual elements of performance. They practised all elements of performance, not just the music, and consciously shaped their stage presence by adopting a stage persona. Concert attire was a catalyst to stage presence and confidence. Experts displayed a commitment to continuous improvement through ‘mock concerts’. Performance mastery was the result of systematic and strategic rehearsal, self-reflection and a commitment to continuous development. Experts’ insights into elite performance preparation strategies are essential for early-career performers, and can equip music performance students with invaluable performance knowledge. Future studies will focus on translating these insights into educational tools for performers in training.