What does it take to get you outside of your comfort zone when it comes to playing the piano and/or performing in front of an audience?

• Think about the most challenging music you have played so far. Can you go a step beyond that?

What kinds of things do you most enjoy?

• Think about your general interests, favorite composers/song writers, etc.

Now merge the two above ideas together.

• Don't worry about logistics right now. Just write what comes to mind even if the idea scares you a little. We will work on the details later.

• What piano music will you play?

• Why do you want to play that music?

• Does this music challenge you?

• Does this music reflect your personality, interests or showcase your creativity?

• What kind of public performance space and audience would you like to perform in?

• What visual or other creative elements would you incorporate (if applicable)?

Now let's shrink the project down into something manageable!

Take your idea above and shrink it to something similar you can achieve in the next 3 months.

• Three months is just long enough to achieve something amazing but not quite enough time to move a mountain:).

• The music you pick should reflect your personality and interests enough to be rewarding during the project period.

• The music you pick should be in that sweet spot: slightly outside of your comfort zone, but not impossibly outside of your current level.

• Pro Tip: Check in with your music teacher if you want feedback on your choice to see if it is in that sweet spot.

Step 1: What is something you need to do in the next 24 hours to start working towards this goal?

This should be something so easy you can get it done in 5-10 minutes

• Create a practice plan: I will practice X amount of minutes on X number of days per week.

• Brainstorm public places you would want to perform at. Some options may be: local piano dealerships, churches, schools, coffee shops, or parks.

• Make some phone calls to see if any places on your list above are available towards the end of the project quarter. Find out what steps are required to hold a performance at this space.

• Think about your potential audience. Make a list of people you would like to invite.

• Pro Tip: Discuss this plan with your piano teacher. Do they think this is the appropriate amount of practice for your chosen music?

• Is there a visual theme or other creative element you will incorporate into the performance?

• What piano will you perform on?

Step 2: What is something that needs to be done by the half-way point to bring this goal to life?

• This is probably the part of your project that will take the most time, effort, and intentionality.

• Reserve a date/venue and confirm with the appropriate authority.

• Create invitations/flyers/social media posts announcing your performance.

• Review the #ShowMePianoProject application and begin to develop your answers and incorporate any missing items into your project.

• Continue work on visual or other creative elements if applicable.

• Pro Tip: Check on your progress with your piano teacher. Use their feedback to push yourself towards your best performance.

Step 3: What is something near the end of your project that needs to be done to ensure the project will happen?

• Mail/email Invitations, secure/confirm a location with a piano, tell your closest friends and other guest, etc...

• Prepare the introduction to your performance that explains your project, what you learned, how you grew, etc…

• Prepare a set-up checklist for your performance date.

• Review recording tips.

Have Fun!