An overriding issue for many students is the need for ‘breathing space’ during a performance. This is seemingly such an obvious point, but it’s one which is often challenging to put into practice. Space can be created in many ways; both in the approach to a performance as well as actually between notes and phrases of a piece.

Creating space isn’t about changing the pulse in a piano piece, using copious ritenutos (or accelerandos) or using excessive rubato (taking or ‘pulling’ time), but instigating a small amount of time to ‘breathe’; this provides the audience with the opportunity to savour each note, each phrase and enjoy the music.

It’s not only the audience who benefits here either, all performers require time to refocus and process musical thoughts during their performance. This space is even more crucial for less experienced or anxious performers. If they can implant space into musical phrases, they will be able to control their playing much better. This discourages the ever-present problem of rushing or ‘speeding up’, an issue that often affects even very talented young players.

Public performance of any kind is all about control and focus. If you develop a way of creating more ‘thinking’ or ‘breathing’ time, then your performance skills may increase dramatically. Apparently, Winston Churchill regularly inserted ‘pauses’ into his speeches. He even calculated the exact time or length of each break!

Here are a few ideas to help create the necessary space in piano playing:

1.

Whilst learning a new work, make sure each phrase is given its full length. Also, leave a very slight space between each one. The length of the space will depend on the speed of the piece. Even if it’s just an extra second, this allows every new phrase to be introduced properly which proffers an expansive sense of time, devoid of rushing.

2.

Before starting to play any work, always count at least one bar in your head (at the intended tempo). This focuses the mind and gives the audience a sense of expectation. It will help determine the speed from the outset as well; it’s amazing how many performers start at an ‘unexpected’ tempo.

3.

Space can be created within each phrase. If a work consists of a series of large chords, they can be given slightly more time to sound than usual. We are talking nanoseconds here. This allows them to reverberate, resonate, and reach their full measure of expression. A performance can suddenly take on a new level of musicianship and sensitivity if each and every note is ‘placed’ carefully.

4.

Staccato (or short, detached) notes especially need to be given their full time. If you have a group of staccato or non-legato crotchets, each one will be articulated much more quickly than legato crotchets. This means the fingers will leave the key bed more swiftly. However, there must still be a clear ‘space’ between one sound and the next, particularly in slow music. Otherwise, the beat or pulse will be perpetually unstable, and there will be a sense of rushing throughout.

5.

Extra time between movements of a piece and especially at the end of a work, generates an atmospheric quality fostering expressivity. It encourages emotions to linger in a positive way, for moments beyond the expected time.

6.

What feels like a slow tempo or long pause to a performer, is often interpreted  quite differently by the listener. A performer in a state of focus, concentration, and stress perceives speed to be slower than it really is. As a result, we often play much quicker than we intend. With this in mind, adding longer pauses or gaps between sounds can be beneficial. We can address this element during practice time.

7.

Pianists needs to remember to breathe too! An obvious point, but occasionally performing can be an overwhelming experience and fear takes hold. Students do sometimes forget to breathe, literally. Alleviate this issue by breathing deeply when practising and perform frequently in front of an audience. Experience is crucial when learning to implement breathing space during a performance.

The more space created without disturbing the pulse, the more beautiful and harmonious the performance. This is a subject worth musing for any performer because it really can make all the difference.