In last week’s Queensland Eisteddfod my adjudication comments often echoed an email to my students who also faced competitions.How to prepare for a competition (or concert)In the warmup room • SLOW scales, long notes In the performance Walk on with upright posture that says ‘I am the greatest!’ If things go wrong Expect your pianist to follow you. Rescue with a clear downbeat, eye contact or gesture; also to indicate if you need time for well-chosen breaths. When many deserve places the adjudicator prays for someone to shine. Exaggerate dynamics so the adjudicator thinks ‘ah, musical!’ Feel free to add more. Communicate with listeners—they love that! After the last cadence Bow and acknowledge the pianist. My latest book Burn My Letters launched at Byron Bay Writers Festival on Friday. The Brisbane launch on Saturday 13 August at Queensland Multicultural Centre is ‘ticketed’ for space and catering. It’s nearly full house so do reply email if you’d like to come. My interview on Radio 4EB FM is online for a week. Scroll through to Breakfast with BEMAC; the interview is 21 minutes in. Books are available with Paypal and at IngramSpark and Mary Ryans bookshops. Artwork credit: John Harrison |
In last week’s Queensland Eisteddfod my adjudication comments often echoed an email to my students who also faced competitions. |