As we approach concert season at Donais Studios—with the RISE Children’s Chorus concert on Saturday, May 31 and the Donais Studios Spring Concert on Saturday, June 14—the air is filled with anticipation. It’s concert season for most musicians!
Many of our students are also preparing for their Royal Conservatory of Music voice and piano exams. It’s an exciting time, and also… a vulnerable one.
Performance stirs up a swirl of emotions: excitement, nerves, butterflies, imposter syndrome, eagerness, pressure, joy, uncertainty, pride, and intensity. It’s a full spectrum of feeling—especially when so much of your heart is in the music. ♥️
But here’s a gentle truth we want every artist in our community to hear:
This performance is not a “pinnacle moment.”
It is not the be-all and end-all.
It is not your one shot.
It is not meant to be perfect.
It’s an opportunity—an ESSENTIAL part of your artistic journey.
An opportunity to practice the art of performing.
An opportunity to share your creativity with friends and family.
An opportunity to express your progress, your passion, and your voice.
There will be many more performances. This one is not a final exam. It is one moment in a lifetime of musical growth.
In a world shaped by slickly produced albums and studio-tuned live shows, it’s easy to believe the myth that perfection is possible on stage. But live performance is real. It’s about connection, not flawlessness. It’s about the energy in the room, the emotion in your voice, the beauty of the moment—not the pressure of getting every single note “right.”
Audiences aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for presence.
They want to feel your story, your heart, your energy. They want to cheer you on. They’re not there to judge you—they’re there to CELEBRATE you.
So how do we move through those nervous feelings and find our footing onstage?
Here are three ways we help our students step into performance with confidence and joy:
- Prepare, prepare, prepare.
The more prepared you are, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Mastering your music, practising consistently, and knowing your material deeply gives you a foundation to stand on. Preparation builds trust in yourself. - Reframe your mindset.
Performance isn’t a test—it’s a practice. There is only one way to truly practice performing… and that’s to perform! Each concert or exam is a step forward, not a final destination. Shift your mindset from “prove” to “share.” Your music is a gift. - Practice performing—before the performance.
Host a living room concert for your family. FaceTime a relative and sing or play for them. Line up your stuffies and give them a show. These low-stakes mini-performances help normalize the experience and build your performance muscles.
This concert season, take a deep breath.
Feel the joy of the moment.
Soak in the applause.
Trust your preparation.
Celebrate your progress.
Let your music tell a story.
And above all, remember—performance isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being real.
It’s about being you.
We can’t wait to hear you!
Keep singing,
~Andrea “cheering you on” Donais