Presentation skills, particularly within the realm of music, can be a sensitive topic for students and their sponsors, especially those within the neurodivergent spectrum. It is crucial, therefore, to reiterate that 'presentation' in this context extends far beyond the most popular understanding of the word, which is often limited to formal performance. While making music is a universal human act, the specific act of music performance is not universally comfortable or desirable for everyone.
Consequently, instead of 'performance' being the sole focus here, the broader, more inclusive consideration is 'presentation.' A presentation is defined as the act of placing something before a person, an activity, or a specific period of time. Your music, for example, can be presented before the use of personal time for another item, before an audience of just one or many people, or even before embarking on another activity.
A music presentation, then, is not solely for, or in front of, other people. It can also be a deeply private act, allowing oneself to become fully immersed in the experience of the sonic landscape that the person is creating in their own personal space. This dedicated time is intentionally free from judgment, self-consciousness, and fear. It is, at its essence, the conscious placing of music before any other activity.
This intimate act of self-presentation – this profound exploration of one's own musical landscape – forms the fundamental bedrock upon which external presentation (the sharing of music with others) is built. Just as an individual's experience of music is a complex interplay of sonic structures and conscious emotional responses, so too is the act of performing for an audience. The same musical 'code' that evokes personal feelings and sensations can be shared, communicated, and potentially resonate deeply with others. Understanding the power of music to shape our own internal world is, therefore, the essential first step towards effectively sharing that world with an audience.
A music presentation in front of people (whether real or imagined) can take the form of a performance on either a small or larger scale, formal or informal, depending on the context and comfort level. Only when an individual can fully engage with a musical experience themselves, free from the fear of judgment, will they truly find the confidence to share that musical experience with others.
This vital skill set is developed as part of the Grow Zone and the Achieve Zone within the Triquetrae Programme. Presentation and broader performance skills are not confined to the musical sphere; they are valuable competencies used in all aspects of life. The skill is truly enabled when you understand and know something so well that you can confidently and expressively share it with awareness. Crucially, it is a learnable skill, nurtured through the programme's supportive framework.