How to Stay Focused During Performance: Carnegie Hall Master Class with Emmanuel Pahud

World-renowned flutist Emmanuel Pahud reveals the method he uses to disengage from the stresses of performing and explores how mental strength and self-confidence can lead to higher-quality playing.
One of today's most celebrated and wide-ranging artists, Emmanuel Pahud led a two-hour master class devoted to sonatas for flute and piano and answered audience members' questions, focusing on important issues that every performing musician faces.
Visit www.carnegiehal... for more information about Carnegie Hall's workshops and master classes.

[@hilariousname6826]

He's talking about dealing with nervousness, if not fear, of course - but there is another kind of loss of focus that I rarely see addressed: that is, loss of focus occasioned by the least bit of stress - that is, the normal slightly-elevated stress level just about anyone, no matter how seasoned, feels when they step onto a stage. Personally, I can be feeling confident and relatively relaxed - but a minute into my playing, I am suddenly aware that my mind is all over the place, everywhere and anywhere except on my music, and realize I don't know where I am, then, in a kind of panic, struggle to regain control before the whole thing comes crashing down. (That's why I'm not a famous virtuouso, btw ... !) I guess I'll keep looking for the right advice ......

[@fxaarchable]

Same issue here.

[@hilariousname6826]

@@fxaarchable My sympathies. I've read that Adderol (sp?) is a useful drug for this sort of thing, but have never tried it.

[@fxaarchable]

A friend suggested gin. I am thinking it is more about mindful preparation and more practice.

[@andreasmazur4352]

SO TRUE He is definitely a great teacher artist and man!!

[@kiaraeijo]

Thanks Emmanuel Pahud! I need this especially because I'm preparing for a recital!

[@Owlsbreath]

"Shit happens" love it ^_^

[@Drew8va]

Yes!!!

[@ladyndtramp]

So, what word do other languages use instead of "performance"?

[@felipsis]

ladyndtramp Spanish: Interpretacion, Actuacion or Función

[@martinborgen]

Concert. Konsert. Koncert. Konzert.

[@byfrax2371]

ladyndtramp "auftritt" in german, which just expresses "going on stage"

[@CeciliaCkey]

Concerto

[@drZZhed]

Représentation, concert, aller sur scène, in French.

[@KB-uv7wj]

Reading music and creating it are two different things, matey.

[@naecarol2166]

thank u

[@fxaarchable]

This is not really helpful. He says there are tools to learn this, what are tge tools please.

[@preckle]

Inner Game of Music is an interesting book. A Music psychologist or indeed a psychotherapist ought to be able to help.

[@MohanKumar-wh7hv]

Mals