William Fitzpatrick - violin expert

Violin Basics: So do you know what you look like on stage?

An interesting lesson from the audience stand point

In this new video of his Violin Basics series, Prof. Fitzpatrick talks about performing in front of an audience... from the audience's perspective.

Released on March 27, 2024

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DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

Video Transcription

Alright then, so you walk out onto the stage. What's the first thing that happens? Well, the audience applauds. But what do you think is the first thing that comes into the audience's mind? For sure, they're eagerly awaiting the performance, but what exactly crosses their minds as they catch their first glimpse of you? That's hard to know, but let's speculate and try to come up with some possibilities.

Alright, let's see.

Does your smile capture their attention? Surely it does, that is, if you're smiling.

Or do they scrutinize the outfit you've chosen for this occasion, perhaps trying to glean something about your personality? Or maybe their eyes are drawn to your violin, imagining the quality of sounds that you were about to make with it? Or what about the way you walk onto the stage? Does it convey your confidence or perhaps show your nervous energy? Well, these initial impressions, superficial as they may be, hold immense power. They set the stage for the performance that's about to unfold.

They color the audience's expectations from that very first moment you walked out onto the stage.

Consider what they might think if you were to step onto the stage frowning, looking depressed.

What might they think then? Would it cast a shadow of doubt over the performance they are about to hear? So, as you take that first step onto the stage and into the spotlight, remember, your performance doesn't just start when you play that first note.

I mean, think about it. If I walked out on stage to play the Brahms concerto with tennis shoes and a LA Laker hat on, what might go through the audience's minds?
Automatic video-to-text transcription by DaDaScribe.com
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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Judy * VSM MEMBER * on April 3, 2024 @11:33 am PST
How should you “move” while playing the violin? I saw a video of myself and was astonished to see how much I “sway” back and forth. I notice at concerts that some violinists sit pretty still and just move their bow arm. Others will “bow” forward a little toward the music stand rather than side to side. That seems to look best and I’m working on doing that now. Side to side the way I had been doing just looked ridiculous! I also sometime pencil in “SMILE” on the top of a page!!! I tend to frown when I’m concentrating on my music!!!
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William - host, on April 10, 2024 @1:30 am PST
I pencil in a lot in the music as well! And I do try to not make faces but ... Thanks for the comment!
Cheryl * VSM MEMBER * on April 3, 2024 @11:28 am PST
Yes absolutely, your performance includes your appearance, and all your non-violin activities...we had a guest director years ago who even insisted that while we acknowledged the applause, we not turn the pages to the next piece until we came back on stage. Little tiny things like that can communicate to audience that you're in a hurry to get the concert over with..... Also things like holding the arms up for a few seconds after an Adagio movement, or if you're playing a Gigue, hey maybe loosen your body a bit and become more dance-like.
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William - host, on April 10, 2024 @1:30 am PST
Thanks for the comment!
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