Dressing professionally is important. You don't need a formal gown or tux, but you should not expect to be taken seriously if you look like you just got out of bed and put on whatever happened to be laying on top of the pile of clothes that you haven't moved for two weeks. Comfort is also important and any clothing that is too short, too tight, not warm enough, or too warm is likely to interfere with your performance, and may even distract the audience.

      In addition to clothing, think about other visual aspects of your performance. It can be distracting to watch someone weaving around like a reed in the wind. It is ok to move, but the audience should not have to wonder if you are going to fall over. By the same token, performers who stand stiff as a board make the audience stiff and uncomfortable. Balance is the key. It is also more difficult for an audience to connect with a performer if the stand is too high and your face is covered by it (or if it is too low, and you are bending over too far!). It would be helpful when you are preparing to have someone videotape your practice sessions, so you can evaluate your movement, your posture or whether the audience can see your face.

     If you can, view the room ahead of time and be ready to make it "yours". Decide how you want to stand in relationship to the piano and the judges. Don't be afraid to move the furniture if necessary just don't spend a lot of time doing it. It's also helpful to play in the room if you can, even if it's just for a moment. Don't be afraid to ask the event's organizers if and when you can get in the room. If you can't get in the room, take a few moments to play some notes after entering the room, preferably loud and soft, so you get an idea of the room's acoustics.

     Have your music ready. In situations where time is limited, you can't afford to waste time finding the right page. Also, if the contest calls for eight minutes of music, figure out how do eight minutes. After all, you want to show off your ability and if you have not timed your music, you might get cut off just as you are coming to a section that really showcases your talent. You want to be the one to decide where to stop. Announce your pieces if there is no program, or if the program order is incorrect. Learn how to tune quickly and accurately - and without the assistance of your pianist! It can waste a lot of your performance time if you are checking pitch and adjusting for too long. Practice tuning beforehand, just like you practice your piece.

     Just a note about music selection: it is generally better to play something easier and to play it really well than to pick something like a Mozart Concerto and lumber along at half the tempo. Nor is it a good idea to pick a really difficult piece of music and cut the "guts" out of it. The idea is to show off your technique and ability to interpret the music. If you are reaching beyond your skill it won't happen.

     One thing that can make a performance more impressive is (gasp) memorizing the music. Memorization leaves you freer to interpret the music and it shows you have really spent time thinking about and evaluating the music. Think of how it would affect you if you went to a play and the actors all carried a script around reading from it. If you do use music, be sure not to bury your head in the stand.

     Some final notes: Don't make faces or noises when you make a mistake. Make eye contact with your audience. Acknowledge your audience, your accompanist and the judges with a little nod or bow. Don't grab your stuff and run off the stage at the end. Whether your performance goes well or not, walk out with your head held high. It is an accomplishment to compete, and you should be proud of yourself!