Music Recital FAQ

Next in line in our Recitals series, we explore your most frequently asked questions about recitals.

How do you organize your recital program?

Usually, this is done by level. It shows progression - and plus, no one wants to go after someone who’s better than them! One of our teachers mentioned that she had tried a mixed program in the past, but it just wasn’t as organized and didn’t flow as well. If you're someone who prefers mixed programs, I'd love to hear how you do it in the comments below.

Do you give out favors/prizes at recitals?

Most people that I know do. Kids love anything customized (like little trophies), or you can give out small, fun gifts like clappers (to use when applauding other performers!), ornaments, or single flowers. If you were holding a contest leading up to the recital like a 30 Day Challenge winners, give out the larger prizes here as well (some ideas are gift certificates, tote bags, t-shirts, etc.).

Do you charge for recitals?

If you are renting out a venue, providing food, and/or giving out prizes, a recital fee is a good idea. You want to host a great event, but you don’t want to stress about the cost. Most families won’t flinch at the thought of a $20 recital fee - and if you have 20 students participating, you already have $400 to put towards a great event. Also, the fee will encourage families to stay longer - most likely to enjoy the reception/awards at the end and because of the formality it creates.

How do you set up/decorate your home/studio space for recitals?

Home/studio recitals are usually much more informal - people often use folding chairs or no chairs (with people sitting on the floor with cushions). You can have small appetizers/snacks to eat throughout, with drinks for kids and wine for adults. If you do this, make sure you have quiet foods (no crunchy foods, nothing with plastic wrap/bags - think cookies, fruits, etc.). Recitals at a rented space are usually more formal. Some places do not allow food inside, so receptions afterwards are common.

What venues can you use for larger recital events?

Usually, your local piano store or church has a space to hold recitals. Even family-fun centers have rooms you can rent to use. Make sure you think about booking early (some places near me require booking a year in advance due to their popularity). Also, here’s a fun idea: rent a big stage and a sound system to hold an outdoor concert! It’s great for motivation and marketing your studio.

Do you allow students to stay for only a portion of the recital (play and leave)?

I’ve seen many, many strong opinions on this one, leaning towards no, students shouldn’t be able to leave after they play to make it to another event. I think it really depends on your studio: are you more of a conservatory/academy that provides formal musical training for future musicians, or is your main goal to instill fun and the love of music in students? If you expect your students are going to be professionals one day, then no, they should not be skipping to make it to sports practice or a birthday party. It’s a choice the family is making if they leave a recital for something they think is more important. Plus, it’s disappointing to students near the end who do not get same full audience. But, if it’s more of an informal event like a mid-year home recital, I think it’s totally fine (if planned in advance) if some students have to skip out after playing.

How do you avoid this (families asking to play and leave) before it even happens?

I understand the need to be strict about it. If a few families do this once, many others may jump on the bandwagon after seeing that this behavior is ‘okay’ - and soon enough you may be getting email after email a week before stating that they will not be able to stay the full length of the recital.

Convince the parents. In your initial recital email, encourage the parents to stay the whole time - not just their child! Ultimately, it is the parents who decide where they child goes/stays. Mention that their child has been working hard on a piece specifically for the recital, and why the recital is a great experience to further their skills. Maybe mention you will hold an awards ceremony at the end, or a raffle drawing.
Have group activities at the end. Pass out awards, participation trophies, or favors right before the conclusion of the event. Students love little awards, especially if they are customized with their name - I know if I were a kid, I’d try my best to stay to get mine. Have raffle drawings for larger gifts if you do those. If you were holding a contest (like a practice contest) before the recital, announce winners and give out the prizes at the end. These work best when announced ahead of time (when you send out your initial recital announcement - so families get excited and can plan to stay).
Have group activities at the beginning. Start with an icebreaker event prompting everyone, parents and students alike, to go up to students they see in the Better Practice app that they do not know and introduce themselves. This will bring your studio closer together and people will be more likely to stay and watch and support others after formally meeting them.
Charge a recital fee - Discussed above, charging will be more of a commitment, and family will be more likely to stay.
Take a group photo. Even something as simple as taking a group photo at the end of the recital can encourage students to stay. Pics or it didn’t happen, right?

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