As you start learning music, your teachers, parents and peers will encourage you to perform. You may be asked to perform at any of the following locations for a variety of reasons: 

• Auditorium
• Temple
• Music Festival
• School Annual Day 
• Religious Festivals
• Music Shows
• Dance Shows
• Award Ceremonies
• Concerts

Performing in front of audiences in any of these settings may sometimes feel intimidating. Stage fright has affected every performer at some point in their life. Here are a few tips to getting over stage fright.

These are our best tips and tricks to show give the crowd your very best performance.

1. Remember that the audience is cheering for you. - No one comes to see you fail, everyone in the crowd is there because they believe in you and know how great of a performer you are. Just give them what they already know you are capable of, you don’t have to prove anything.
2. Don’t think about what could go wrong. - Instead of running over all the ways your performance could go wrong, picture yourself performing to the best of your ability. You’re ready, don’t psych yourself out over it.
3. Take a deep breath. - One big deep breath to let out the stress can make all the difference before a performance. Relieve tension and enjoy the music.
4. If you make a mistake, don’t sweat it. - There is no such thing as a perfect performance, the best musicians know how to move on after they make a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, just don’t let one slip-up ruin your whole performance.

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These are the essential stage performance techniques, as well as some cool ideas to do on stage. Follow these steps to be a good performer whenever you sing on stage, even if it’s your first time.

How to prepare for Carnatic Music performances

Practice, Practice, Practice

The specific mantra to set the stage on a blaze is to do lots of practice. There is a very common saying – “Practice Makes a Man Perfect”. So the more you practice the more you can work on your performance(s).
 
To perform well seek help from your Guru. They will be able to guide you and help you overcome some of your flaws. They can exactly mark where you need improvement and support you throughout. With consistent practice under the guidance of your Guru, you can deliver an amazing performance at any venue or occasion. 

Follow the Dress Code for the Concert

Almost all Classical Music performances are held in an Indian setting. So, by default, please wear traditional Indian dress - unless you've been specifically told not to wear a traditional Indian costume. As discussed, discuss with the organizer of the concert, kucheri or performance and dress appropriately. 

It is also recommended that you practice changing at home before wearing the costume back stage before going to perform. You should be comfortable in quick changes but should appear presentable. This can help you to be ready on the day of the performance. Remember that practice makes perfect. 

You should also wear appropriate makeup don an appropriate hairstyle. If your show is set on a small auditorium, you may not need much makeup. For large audiences and and on a  big stage, it is recommended that you work with a professional for your makeup so you look your best and make a BIG impression.
 
In most cases, your program director provides recommendations on how your makeup should be and may call an artist for the same. If your director doesn’t tell then ask others how to go with makeup onstage. This will keep your face protected against the stage lights.

Backstage Etiquette

Backstage is the area at the back of Proscenium Arch set against the sight of viewers.  It is the place which includes:
 

• Performance
• Technical
• Preparation
• Control Box (Lighting & Sound)

 
Carry Water Bottle, your costumes, and light food and keep them in Backstage. Drink only a few sips so that it doesn’t hamper your performance. But don’t bring anything your program director forbids.

Abide by the rules set by the program director. Some common guidelines are:

• Change your costume Backstage only - in the Green Room
• Stay quiet as it seems to be unprofessional
• Stay within your Team Members

On the Curtain Call

Curtain Call refers to the time after the performance when viewers recognize the performers. Quite a few members in the audience will be taking pictures. So smile BIG. Be proud that you've successfully completed your performance. 

Don't forget to rehearse the curtain call - even if the director does not seem to care about it. Practice a few times so that the curtain call is a smooth process and everyone knows their entrances. A sloppy curtain call with confused performers bumping into one another is not how you want to conclude your performance.

Make eye contact with the Audience. Smile. You've accomplished something BIG!

Best practices to ace your Carnatic music performance

What Raaga School Offers

Our faculty at The Raaga School of Music knows the importance of teaching students about all the historical nuances of our rich cultural heritage and traditions. We strongly believe in our commitment to inspiring and teaching the next generation of musicians. 

The Raaga School is also committed to ensuring that we provide best-in-class guidance to our students in all aspects of their learning and performing experience. 

For a no-obligations  trial with one of our esteemed Gurus, please fill out the form. We can help you schedule a Carnatic Music lesson (Carnatic Vocal, Flute, Violin, Mridangam). You can also visit our studios here in one of our four location in San Jose, Saratoga, Fremont or Foster City. Quite a few of our students also attend our online-only lessons. ​