A view exists that performing and practicing music are two different activities. It is true that learning the basics of music is an exercise which is important and without this, true performing cannot be undertaken to the highest ability. However, the relationship between performing and practicing is deeply intertwined and at a certain level the distinction between the two almost disappears.
At a certain stage in an individual’s musical career, practicing morphs rather than using them as a learning experience will prepare the performer for the performance. It is at this point, that performing becomes a larger learning experience.
There are countless reasons for this. One reason is the aspect of performing will give the performer a great energy kick that is experienced when performing to a live audience. The performer can feel the energy of the audience, which enables the performer to reach new heights of artistic achievement.
Once the performer has experienced the thrill of performing for a live audience, that thrill then becomes clear in every practice session which follows and the energy of the live performance. The true aim of developing mechanical and musical ability will become obvious and the focus in practice sessions will be changed. It is at this point that performing becomes the true learning experience and every practice session becomes preparation to concentrate and improve that experience. This will mark the difference between musician and artist.
The artists will easily find new ways in which to practice and bring live performances closer to the pure pleasure of musical expressions in every way. The performer will bring different and assorted disciplines such as psychology, exercise kinesiology and acoustics with other artistic disciplines such as theater and dance into the practice session to develop new areas of experimentation.
By doing this the artist-musician will achieve greater control of the instrument in which they are playing when it comes to their overall performance. The artist will also find new ideas and ways of practicing. There will be a gradual transformation of the musician in a creative and fulfilling way so it optimizes the live performances before an audience.
The true transformation from musician to artist is this, and during this combination the artist will surely be able to develop and find personal, unique and creative techniques of expression. As this progresses, the artist will become to realize that their concentration is largely improved with ease of performance and a greater synchronicity of body, mind and “soul” as professional musicians like to call it.
To some individuals, this may sound complicated. However, music is something which an artist enjoys. Practicing is in effect, playing music, which a musician should always enjoy for his own sake. Practicing will transform into a more rewarding and fulfilling experience and one of the most important steps in reaching such heights of artistic achievement will be reached.
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You raise some interesting points. I’m not sure I see the link between practice and performance in quite the same way as you – though I do agree there is a very important link.
For me the link is much more tangible than you describe. It’s not just something felt or imagined.
The problem is that musicians abandon performance practice in favour of technique and notes. They forget that deportment, communication and ability to recover from mistakes are very important things to practice. In performance things can and do go wrong. The role of practice should be to make sure that you are as comfortable and confident as you can be so that you give the most musical performance you can.