Before the First Recital: A Calm Checklist

Nerves are not the enemy. They are energy looking for a job. Give them one.

Two days before: play the program once, slowly, from memory. One day before: rest the hands, walk, sleep. The morning of: a warm shower, a light breakfast, ten minutes of slow scales. Backstage: three slow breaths, feet flat, shoulders down. On stage: look at one friendly face, smile, begin.