PLAYTHROUGH for MUSICIANS @ THE RED HEDGEHOG

Is it all right to sing as I play?

Yes! It brings a very pleasing variety to
the proceedings, so do go right ahead.

The Red Hedgehog has a good quality
mic and speakers, so please let us know
in advance that you’re intending to sing
so we can get it set up for you.

Nerves - and choice of repertoire!

For meetups at all levels, rather than
focusing solely on repertoire that is
technically demanding, so-called ‘easier’
pieces, when played in tempo, with nice
phrasing, good tone and musical detail
can impress an audience (and satisfy
you) just as much, if not more

A more practical benefit is that when
you play pieces that are well within
your technical grasp, you are more
likely to find yourself playing calmly,
with less anxiety. That feeling of
relaxation can then transfer into
more of your playing, until the day
you find yourself able to play in
front of people pretty much as
you do on your own,at home.

But if you tend to get very nervous,
do consider playing pieces that you
enjoy and can play easily (even
if they’re two grades below your level
of skill) just so you can experience
the sensation of remaining in control.

Your nerves will reduce over time.

I’m scared I’ll go wrong…

As we all are -
as professional pianists are...!
It doesn’t matter at all.
Just find your place and
keep going, or start again.
Literally no-one cares.

You will find in pretty much every
playthrough you ever attend that someone, if not several people,

makes mistakes and some of
us ‘break down’ for a moment
before picking up again or
stop altogether and go back
to the beginning. It’s normal.
It won’t just be you.

Playthroughs are not professional
concerts, but performance
opportunities for amateur pianists
to share the pleasure of playing
People play for all sorts of reasons.
Some just want to enjoy playing
on a beautiful grand piano,
while others are focused on
developing their technique.

Whatever your purpose and
whatever happens when you play -
no-one is judging.

For those who are working to
improve their technique and
performance skills, a real benefit
of playing in front of others and
making the occasional mistake,
or stopping and starting, is that
it highlights which bars are less
secure and might still
need a bit of work.

(Pretty much the same result can
be obtained by recording yourself
and listening back.)

I’d like to come along and I am working on something, but I’m not
sure I really feel ready yet…

A piece does not
have to be ‘perfect’…
It’s fine to play something new which
you’re still working on. Even if you’ve
only got a page or a section ready so far, just play that. You can still make full use of your booked time by getting up more than once to play.

Are you meant to play
different pieces each time?

For all playing levels, you are not expected to
bring a brand new piece every time you play,
or even to revive an old piece simply to avoid
playing the same thing twice.

There are usually different pianists
attending each meetup anyway, so you
won’t always be playing the same
thing to the same audience.

But even if you were…

As audience, it is satisfying to listen to a
piece at different stages of preparation and
hear how much tidier and more musical
it is becoming at each performance.

It is less interesting to hear a pianist
‘sight-reading’ a piece without having done
much practice or having worked on much
of the musical detail.

Of course a piano meetup is an
opportunity to play whatever you like
and if you enjoy bringing new repertoire
to read through, we will certainly enjoy
hearing it, especially if it is by
a less well-known composer.

But if you’re working on a piece, bring
it back as much as you like until you feel
satisfied with where you’ve got to with it
and want to move on to the next thing.

I’m not really confident
enough to play in public …

It takes practice - in exactly the same way
you practise a piece of music repeatedly.

Our events are relaxed and supportive; a
'safe space' in which to gain experience
playing in front of others.

Little by little,,you will learn to control
your stress levels and be able to play
accurately under pressure simply
by repeating the experienece
your confidence will build.

Are there comments or
group discussion after
each pianist has played?
No. Other than expressions
of encouragement, we specifically
ask everyone to keep their opinions
to themselves, because one
person's 'helpful advice' is
another's 'stinging criticism'!

Make sure you’re
on our mailing list!

Is there any professional
coaching or advice?

No coaching within the meetups
- all the pianists are amateurs
playing only to each other.

However…

Occasionally we run
training sessions
with
well-known teachers
and concert pianists

Please call Clare on
07892 120050
or email
pianomeetups@theredhedgehog.co.uk

Do I have to play from memory?

You can play as you prefer,
with or without the score.

6 minutes as standard

30 / 45 minute slots
Pianists preparing advanced
grade exams or diplomas and
beyond may apply to perform
a full run-through of their exam
repertoire (once only)