Performance Practice: Atmosphere That Simulates Performance

When I was in college, I would set up bright lights in my dorm room (or the brightest I had) and aim them at my practice chair. Then, I would turn off all the other lights. Next to the lights, I would place a cassette recorder (yes I am old enough to remember when phones could not do this task). Then I’d hit the record button, walk in from behind the chair, take a bow, and practice a performance piece. In doing so, I attempted to create as close to possible a performance practice atmosphere that simulates performance.

At the time I knew nothing of the psychology of performing. However, I intuitively knew that recreating the atmosphere that I would be in, especially a heightened one, would help my psyche during the real performance. Now that I have more experience and have read much more about this phenomenon, I can say that it is quite remarkable that it actually works.

Research About Performance Practice That Simulates Performance

“A study in the 1970s asked skilled scuba divers to remember a list of words in water or on land and retrieve them either in the same or different environment. It found that participants recalled more words if the encoding and retrieval contexts were the same, whether land or water. This is called state or context dependent memory (the state part relates to the mood that you’re in — so if you learn in a happy mood, you’re likely to retrieve more in a happy mood and might retrieve more pleasant words than unpleasant; the opposite would be true if you were in an unhappy mood).”

Psychology: A Beginner’s Guide by G. Neil Martin

The same that holds for the divers also holds to performing. Whether it is a guitar performance, a speech, or any other situation, you can “trick” your brain into recalling the event by simulation. It may seem like common sense, but the science above gives evidence of the reality. When our adrenaline is rushing before a performance it can be difficult to calm that anxiety. By practicing as if you have already been in that moment, you can work to ease the stress that bombards you at that moment.

Modern Technology Makes It Easy

For me, the ability to record video easily is one of the greatest gifts technology has given me. It allows for immediate feedback and a heightened sense of performing in front of an audience. The recording listens and doesn’t lie! I encourage you to add this type of practice to your routine; you will find that coping mechanisms are much more effective when performances happen.

To further enhance your long-term development, I encourage recording yourself at the beginning of every month. Set a reminder on your calendar. Then, do not listen to the recording for three months. Too many times we think our playing is stagnant and no development is happening. If you are consistent in your practice, then you will be amazed by what you hear over the three months. Each recording becomes a snapshot in time for you to objectively see your development.

Also, check out our other useful articles:

• Building A Stronger Foundation: Technical Guitar Practice For Rebuilding Foundations
• Mastering String Bends on Acoustic Guitars: Tips and Techniques
• First Scale Test: Open Position C Major Scale Guitar
• Unveiling the Timeless Elegance: The History of “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams
• Itzhak Perlman’s Inspiration on the Alan Alda Podcast

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Featured Photo by Raul Petri on Unsplash

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.