Be Prepared One Month in Advance

When preparing for a solo performance, I always make a best effort to have all of the music prepared one month in advance. Ideally, one month before a performance, all of the notes, rhythms, breaths and basic musical decisions have been made. This provides you with the opportunity to relax your mind and simply worry about being in solid physical condition for your performance. There's not much worse than cram practicing the notes in the week leading up to a recital. Also, this provides wiggle room in case something unexpectedly interrupts your preparation. It seems as though we always get sick, get called for a gig that we need to take, or bite our lip right at the wrong time! Advance preparation provides peace of mind.