Recital Prep: Things You, the Student, Should Know

There's less than two weeks till our Christmas recital! Anyone else excited yet? Recitals are a good way to finish off the year. There's just a few basic guidelines that keep them fun for everyone, so I want to share those with you. :)

   (Parents, if you are the ones reading this, please share these with your children so they know what to expect and can look forward to a great time!)
Image result for children piano christmas images

  • 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.
  • When you're finished both songs, smile, then bow or curtsey. 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, enjoy eating snacks and meeting other students and their families! 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.)
   The most important guideline? Have fun! 

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