Recital Prep: For Students and Parents

Well, at this stage, all my piano parents and most of my students have been through the recital process before. You all know what I'm going to say. :) Still, do take the time to read this and go over it with your child, especially if you have a child who is having her first recital. Teen students, please read the whole post yourself.

Image result for music and snowflakes
For the parents:


  •    Make sure you and your family arrive on time (a few minutes before 2:00 P.M.), and please bring along a plate of snack food or dessert. (If anyone wants to volunteer to bring folding chairs, please let me know.) 
  •      Coats can go in the closet in our entryway. The recital will be in the studio, so please head downstairs upon arrival.
  •      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 student when they finish playing. All of them have put their best effort into this!
  •      Afterwards, please stay to have some goodies and visit with the other students and parents. I'm encouraging your children to compliment each other, so if you could also encourage this mentality, that would be great. 
     For the students:
             
  • 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 (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, 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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