General Recital information:
Students younger than age 18 are expected to perform at recitals, if at all possible. Adult students are welcome to participate but are not required to do so. Informal sharing times for adults only may also be offered.
Spring recital:
There is a formal recital and reception in the spring (usually in May) at a local church. We follow a printed program, and each student takes a bow at the end of his/her performance. Students play from 1—3 pieces, depending on how many are recital ready, the length of the pieces, and the number of students participating. Students might be asked to memorize at least one of their pieces. Families are charged a small fee to help pay for the rental of the facility; the fee will be added to that month's bill. Families are also asked to bring a goodie to share at the reception following the performance.
December party/recital:
In December I host an informal party/recital in my home at no charge to families. We have fun sharing our music (seasonal and otherwise) in a more casual environment. Students play as many pieces as they have ready and wish to play. Everyone brings a goodie to share and the students play while the guests are chatting and enjoying refreshments.
Be a STAR!
I share the following mnemonic with students to help them prepare for performance:
S= Sit When you get up on stage, take the time to adjust the bench properly, adjust your music, adjust your clothing so it's comfortable, and make sure your hands are in the proper position.
T= Think Take a moment before you begin playing each piece to remember the one or two goals we set for your performance. Examples of possible goals are "dynamics", "bring out the melody", or "not too fast". It might even be "enjoy the sound of the big piano in a big space."
A= Air Take a deep breath before you begin playing each piece.
R= Relax Have fun!
WHY?!? Please reassure your child (or yourself if you're the student!) that the point of recitals is not to "test" the student, but to give them an opportunity to share their music with others. Preparing for recitals gives students the opportunity to experience getting a piece performance ready. It takes extra effort and allows the student to really polish pieces beyond what we normally do for lessons. It helps teach discipline but also should provide students an extra level of satisfaction with what they've accomplished.
Recitals also provide students experience in learning to become a good audience member. Being attentive (or just being quiet if you can't quite manage "attentive"); thinking about what you like and don't like during the performances; and showing support for the performers (empathizing with them and clapping even if you didn't like the particular music they played) are all valuable life skills and ones that I hope you'll allow your children to practice at other live events.