Recital Prep for Students

(Note to parents: Please go over this post with your child. We'll be covering many of the same things in class this coming week!)

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   Hello to all my students! Are you excited about the recital in just another week? Maybe a bit nervous? You'll do fine!

   I'd like to give you all a few tips so you know what you should do at the recital.

·         Maybe you find that playing piano in front of people is a bit scary. If so, that's OK -- most students feel this way! You can prepare ahead of time for the recital by playing for a lot of people over the next few weeks. Not only does this earn you points, but it will also help you to feel less nervous at the recital. Don't forget to ask your friends and family to sign in pencil!
·         A recital is a special event -- dress nicely, please! (But for this recital specifically, don't feel like you have to wear your fanciest clothes. As long as it's nice, not the same clothes that you take care of your horse or sheep or dog in, it's fine.)
·         When you and your family come in and sit down, find a spot close to the edge of the seats so you can get in and out easily. Also, if you are playing from memory, please still bring your books and hand them to me before we get started.
·         When it's your turn to play, come to the front, take a deep breath, and say the names of both your pieces. Example: "I will be playing 'The Crawling Caterpillar' and 'Jesus Loves Me.' Then adjust the bench (move it back or forward) before you sit down. 
·         I want each of you to play your hymn (if you are doing a hymn) last.
·         If you make a mistake in your piece, don't panic. Everybody makes mistakes at recitals at some point. Don't start over, either. Just keep playing, and keep smiling.
·         When you're finished both songs, pick up your books, smile, then bow or curtsey. Then you may go sit down with your family.
·         When the other students play, clap at the end of each of their pieces.
·         When we're finished, enjoy meeting the other students! If you thought someone played especially well, tell them so. Another thing I'd like you to do is shake hands with the older folks who come to listen. Many of them are lonely; some don't have any grandchildren, and some have grandchildren who live far away and can't come visit them very often! They really like it when we take the time to say hello to them! 

   Looking forward to a fun recital with all of you! 
Location: Onoway, AB T0E 1V0, Canada

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