Recital Prep: Things the Students Should Know

 OK, students, it's your turn! Here is your handy, one-stop guide with everything you need to know about our upcoming recital. Parents, please ensure that your budding musicians read this... all the way to the end. Or better yet, go over it with them. ;)



  • On Friday, flag your books! Put a sticky note on the page with the song you are playing, so you can flip to it easily and quickly at the recital! If you have loose sheet music, make sure you have it with you (preferably in a binder and flagged). If you're playing from a book, and you have a page turn and haven't memorized the second page, get your mom or dad to photocopy pages so you don't have to do a page turn. 


  • Does it make you nervous to play in front of people? If so, that's OK -- most people feel this way! So, leading up to the recital, perform a lot for your family and friends. This will help you not to be so nervous. Don't forget to get them to sign your music or notebook in pencil! 
  • Recitals are special, so now's a good chance to wear your best clothes! Dress nicely, and don't forget to put on your smiles. :)
  •    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.
  • When it's your turn to play, come to the front, take a deep breath, and say the names of both of your pieces. Then, if you need to, move the bench forwards or backwards before you sit down. 
  • I want each of you to play your Christmas piece last.
  • If you make a mistake in your piece, don't panic. Everybody makes mistakes at recitals, sooner or later. Just pretend absolutely nothing happened. Keep playing, keep smiling, and chances are nobody will ever know you messed it up. Don't start over unless it's really, really bad. (This goes for duet players as well! This means if your duet partner messes up, don't stop and wait for them. And if you mess up, figure out where your partner is, and start playing with them in the next measure.)
  • When you're finished both songs, smile, then bow or curtsey (once!) After that, pick up your books, and go sit down with your family again. 
  • When the other students play, clap at the end of each of their pieces. 
  • When we're finished, if you thought someone played especially well, tell them so. Here's an extra challenge: Tell them what you really liked about their piece. (Example: "I really liked how you did your crescendo," or chord, or whatever it was you liked best.)
Looking forward to a great recital this weekend! Relax, you'll be fabulous ;).

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