How Do I Prepare for My Recital? Part 2 for Parents

Hello to my piano parents!

   I hope you all had a great weekend. It was a lot of fun running into a couple of you at the AHEA convention. I hope you came home with some great ideas. I came home with a few new great ideas for teaching -- but I'll share those later.

   First things first -- the recital.

   It's important for your children to know that you support them in their piano adventures. A lot of children get nervous about recitals, and it's up to you to let them know that, no matter what happens, it's all right. So here's a few tips for you to help them.

·         Before the recital day, prepare your child by going over everything in this article together. That way they know what they're doing when they arrive.
·         Make sure you and your family arrive on time (2:00 P.M. or even a few minutes early). You will not need to bring finger food or dessert to this recital. The Good Sam usually provides some cookies for their young performers. (And if not, your children will love you if you take them out for ice cream afterwards. 😉) 
·         Ask me on arrival where to put coats. 
·         Help your child feel relaxed before the recital. Many children get very nervous before a recital, which doesn't help them play their best! All your children are prepared for this. And, much as we'd like it if everything went perfectly, mistakes do happen and they're not a big deal. Remind them of these things. They will be fine!
·         Please clap for each of the students as they play. All of them have worked hard for this!
·         We had a great time socializing last Christmas, but out of respect to the residents at the Good Sam and the staff who are letting us come and play for the residents, let's try not to take too long this time. 

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