Teacher's Guide to Planning Performances

As a music teacher, I believe that having recitals are tremendously important for our students. I remember when I was taking piano lessons as child; one of my teachers who taught from home did not have recitals because she didn’t have enough space in her house, money to rent out a location, or the time to plan an event. But I believe there are many reasons why having your students perform is essential. In this article, fellow Better Practice music teachers discuss their ideas on the topic. I list of some of my favorite reasons why I think students should be exposed to performing. And I discuss tips on how to overcome certain challenges when planning a recital.

Better Practice music teachers share their thoughts on recitals and performing

“I hold recitals. I make one a year mandatory, even though I know there are people who do not play because they do not want to play for others. I tell them it’s more of a community act, because music is meant to be shared. They are playing for their own enjoyment first and foremost. At performances, they discover a self-affirming experience by sharing their new gift with others, and also pushing themselves to do things outside of their comfort zone. It’s casual and at a coffee shop.” – Gabrielle Krieger (Passion Studios, Ankeny, Iowa).

“I do, but I call it a ‘piano party.’ I try and take the fear out of performing for my students, so I make I make it more casual. Just playing a song in front of family, friends and other students. We have food and play games too. I have one, once a year, and I’m in the beginning stages of planning mine. My biggest challenges are: finding a date that most people can attend, and finding a local venue with a piano that we can all fit in.” – Leeanne Innes (Tinkling Ivories Piano Studio, Perth, Australia).

“I offer two per year, usually spring and winter. Also, I try to offer two “workshops” per year at my house where students play for fun during breaks, serving as an informal play as an informal play party. Biggest challenge is scheduling.” – Carol Pilarczyk (RenMusic, Fort Mill, South Carolina).

Reasons why recitals and performing is important:

• Develop a sense of pride and accomplishment. After all the practicing that student’s do, working toward a recital and performing in front of people can be rewarding.
• Parents get the chance to finally hear their children’s progress. Sometimes parents don’t know exactly how much their children are improving. Performances give them the chance to experience it.
• Hearing more experienced students inspires fellow students. And vice versa, students can also inspire other students who are not as advanced as they are.
• Connecting with fellow musicians. Hearing other musicians play can give a sense of community.
• Students learn the art of perfecting their pieces. There is a difference between being ready to play for your music teacher, and being ready to play for an event. This will teach students how to polish what they’ve been working on.
• Students get to work on memorization. Music lessons can help teach children discipline. Recitals can be that extra pressure that can help.
• Students learn to overcome their fear of performing and develop courage. It can also help students acquire the courage needed for bigger opportunities (auditions, competitions, etc.)
• Performance experience. Playing in public is a very specific and important skill for musicians.

Although there are numerous benefits for having a recital for your students, planning one isn’t always the easiest thing to do. If you teach from home, like I do, there are certain challenges that come with this.

The Challenge

No studio = no built in recital venue. Because I don’t have a studio space to hold a venue, I have to find an affordable or free venue to host a recital for my students.

My Advice:

• If you don’t have a big enough space for your students, a couple good places to hold a recital are: churches, piano stores/ local music stores, community clubhouses and coffee shops. Most of these will let you use their space for small fee or even free. Charge your students a small amount to cover the fee (maybe $5-10 per student for the event). This should also take care of the other miscellaneous expenses you may have.
• Another great place to have a recital is a retirement home. They love to watch children share their talents. It’s free entertainment for them, it makes their day, and it’s also a free venue for you and your students.

The Challenge

Scheduling can be tough. Sometimes it’s hard to find a day and time that works for everyone.

My Advice:

• Set the day and time of the recital far in advance.
• Send out invitations early to give parents and students the ability to move their schedules around.

The Challenge

Students don’t always want to participate. Maybe they’re nervous or maybe they’re just unmotivated.

My Advice:

• Give awards to the students excelling in their study of music. This can be extra incentive when it comes to motivating your students.
• Make the event more causal and without any pressure. Music is meant to be fun and enjoyable. Instill that within your students from the start.

Planning a recital may come with its challenges, but the benefits and experience gained by each student through these performances are worth all of the planning.