After every recital or performance, she says to her students, Be happy!! Students had so much fun with weekly piano theory games and with the improv activities we introduced this year. Every musical journey begins with a single note. I think it is important to have SOME kind of interaction with the audience, as least a program or some introductory words (or both, if you like). And I always appreciate when I am attending something and the intro speech is not long-winded, too! Never clap between movements in a classical piece. The more you can show when you have a captive audience the better! 3. Beginning students usually share a piece or two next to other students. Ive 26 students playing, and I think Ill stick to my format described in an older post. This helps so much! Instead, clap after all the movements are complete. Hello Joy. Thank you so much!! Table Of Contents How Mistakes Can Turn You Into A Better Piano Teacher Mistake 1- Worried About Teaching Piano 'The Right Way' 2.1 Is There Even A 'Right Way'? Delegating some responsibility was my best choice ever and I will never go back! "We've been experiencing setbacks and curveballs in the past few weeks, which is normal in life. I hate talking at the recitals and never know what to say. How long do you think recitals should be? The parents wanted the audience to be able to see their hands so one of the dads set up a big screen and a camera on the keyboard. They each stay on stage, then we take a final photo. Beginning students usually share a piece or two next to other students. This helps in two ways: 1- it gives time for the student to comfortably get to their instrument and get settled without hearing the crickets outside. Some are recording the piano recital live. So my conclusion to the recital takes a little longer. There is a real vulnerability in performing, and letting students know that you see and appreciate their bravery lets them know that you see them. The recital speech below can be delivered in less than five minutes. I agree, they need their team photo and glory moment. My last recital I employed a new MCmy awesome hubby, an Air Force Colonel who is very comfortable commanding an audience. Thanks a million! "The event has become a tradition in the Joplin area, and . Excellent! About a month before recital I send a paper home with all students asking for the following: Your hobbies, any awards or special honor this school year, where you went on vacation this year or a great place you visited and what you thought about it, fun or funny moments youd like to mention. This is exactly what I did to fill in my recital program space! Thats so sweet Louise! Attending a recital can be a fun way to relax to music while supporting someone you love. Advanced students may have a solo recital and perform complicated classical pieces. You are more than welcome to take any or all of it to help you craft your own! This was the first time anyone used the word recital to refer to a musical event. If you want to really impress your studio parents, remind them of how proud you are of their children for simply having the courage to get up on stage and perform music for an audience. Dont leave in the middle of a performance, Extra: Great gifts ideas for students piano recitals. With a few helpful tips, you can dress to impress and clap at all the right times. "Attended Zia's piano recital yesterday and this little girl always amazes me! Liszts recitals also deviated from the normal concert. Are there rules about clapping? It can be vulnerable to share muisc with people, and its encouraging to get feedback. This should be even shorter than what you said to begin the recital. Thanks so much for posting!! In fact, when I would attend the recitals of my younger siblings after I had left her to study piano in college, she would often say things like, This family is very musical! The most important one is nervousness and its impact on the mind, especially for the young. Also, my students dress smart-casual to dressy. I see I already posted that last year. Three students will be performing pieces from the book, while others will perform a variety of works that we will weave into the narrative. In 1840, Franz Liszt held two performances that he called Liszts Pianoforte Recitals. !..Welcome to the Topmusic.co YouTube channel! It could look something like this: Hello and welcome; introduce myself Announcements: 1) Did everyone get a recital program who would like one? At the end of the spring recital, I call up each student in program order and tell the audience about them and their musical achievements for the year, give them their guild pin and certificates, then a personal gift, often humorous. Thanks again! . Set the date and invite the student and the parents. Piano students usually invite friends and family to be a part of the audience. 1. Occasionally, a student will make a dedication or say something I left out about the selection, but most simply smile and play, and its wonderful. She is the cutest lady and is always so inspiring in her comments! This prevents too much restlessness and they cant possibly leave until the whole thing is over. Any suggestions? Haha! Do I mention their previous teacher at all during the Christmas recital? He made the environment friendly, using the breaks between pieces to talk to the audience. A recital gives students a timeline and goal to reach. Any ideas? We send out weekly newsletters with articles, new music notifications, free webinar opportunities and free teaching resources! I will be incorporating some of these ideas. When were finished handing out trophies, everyone is already positioned for a great group shot. So I dont do the speech anymore. Thanks so much! Most classical pieces have three or more movements. I really like your ideas! If you do not think that your public speaking skills can engage an audience for this amount of time, chop this speech down to its absolute most important components. Were performing The Mutterwump Masterpiece tomorrow. 3. I play mostly at church and funerals. We also just recently completed our CD project where students recorded their favorite pieces from the year. Id like to say thank you to all the parents and grandparents here today for helping and supporting the students all year long with their practicing and for taking them to lessons. Hey everyone! The art that conceals art with Emanuel Ax, Schubert and Liszt at Carnegie Hall. What do you always include in your own recital speeches? Never know what to say at the start of your piano recital? My speeches are usually short and sweet, but a little object lesson is the perfect addition. A senior solo recital can last an hour and a half with an intermission. Spring Recital is when I give out awards. All students will be responsible for showing up to the LIVE Zoom call at the same time as they would an in-person recital. Begin the Piano Recital Program. Many, many parents have told me over the years how much they enjoy hearing about the student and their interests and accomplishments before they play. sight reading Christmas songs, trying out a new instrument, Cindy spilling her water bottle, etc.). (ex: where to drop off compliment cards, instructions for refreshments, etc.). Thanks. I have no time to give thought to what is important to say in a welcome speech. Not necessarily related to their piecethe only idea I had so far was asking each student for their favorite lesson memory of the year. It is most common to give a pianist a bouquet. Thank you so much. Before the recital begins, I get the kids together and remind them that piano is a team sport. I dont think your audience will think you are showing off. They will just think you want to share some of your favorite music! Required fields are marked *. In having a set date and a pre-planned performance selection, your child learns how to manage their practice time and what it feels like to polish and perfect a piece. Five minutes doesnt seem like long but when youre up in front of an audience time does slow down. I almost always host a small reception after the recital. Remember that it is challenging to get up in front of a room full of people you dont know. Now I do! This is perfect thank you! I hope to someday be able to do that as well. I may give this a try at my upcoming Christmas recital. Some recitals may offer snacks to guests and performers after the performance. After any improvement/success, she immediately returns to not wanting to play. I only see your students once a week so the part your play in their progress from one recital to the next is very big, and I am thankful for the work you have put in as parents. Youve added several elements that I have overlooked in my standard welcome speech. It builds music community (which is one of Swan's personal goals for her studio). So we normally say -take as many photos as you like during the recital of your child. It is up to you if you want to play first or last there are good reasons for both ways. I dont say anything at the beginning.. lights go down and the show begins! Excellent and thoughtful. They will all pull a party popper and we have a few balloon confetti to burst to go out with a bang!! Taking full advantage of this captive audience and delivering a brilliant recital welcome speech can accelerate your studio growth and contribute toa long, full, and healthy musical career. Discuss summer lessons briefly too so that they WANT to keep the YAY going through those months and be ready for fall events. Wed love to have you a part of the ComposeCreate community. I wrote out exactly what I wanted to say and when, and he did such a great job. If you are already a subscriber just email me and Ill get them to you . The star shared some photos from her date night with . Before we begin, Id like to remind you that students placed at the end of the recital program have worked just as hard to prepare their performances as have students placed at the start. Next up, youll want to gush to about your piano students. For those who wish to learn piano but you don't have time to go to class, you can check . Make sure the audience knows what you expect of them. Prepare students for the recital. Love the suggestions. Your spring piano recital is one of only a handful of times when your entire studio population is gathered under one roof. So, for a solo piano a smaller room works well. Every one gets one of some sort. Blessings to you! Ive probably had around 50 recitals. Enjoy this time with your students and their parents!! This year, I had program notes too. Joy, your insight into recital prep is invaluable! One thing that Ive included for many years when students are coming to the stage to present their pieceI share a little about the student so all eyes are taken off them and they can take that time to set up their music, adjust their stand, move the bench, take a deep breath. Entering midway through can cause a student to lose focus and falter on the keys. I love this post! 1) It takes the eyes off the student and does away with the hearing a pin drop while I walk up to the stage moment, which can be terrifying to a child and 2) It engages the audience and helps them to feel like they know the student better, therefore making hearing the student play more interesting because they feel like they know them more than just a random person playing. Most recitals last only an hour or less, so it shouldnt be hard to relax in your seat for that length. We've done it for you! Ive never considered introducing each student at recitals, but I really like this idea! First - A note on the length In all, what you say at the beginning of a recital should be as short as possible - we're talking 2 minutes or less! Piano Recital Code: Male vs. Our recital will showcase a wide variety of levels from young beginners right through to advanced students. What I am concerned about is the opening of the concert. However, if nature is urgently calling, try to wait until the piece or movement is over. Welcome first student to play; start applause. However, if you want to find a unique gift, you can choose music equipment you know they want, such as a metronome, a piano app subscription, or a portable keyboard. I truly appreciate ALL your ideas, inputs and will be using some of them. Check your email inbox now to confirm your subscription. Some of the points below may feel redundant. My recitals tomorrow and I also hate the pre-recital speech. Choose the music that will be performed. Sunday and my opening welcome was lacking I was trying to keep it short. When is it my childs turn?. Thanks for sharing. I can see how doing this would be an affirming thing for both the students and the family. The couple each posted photos of Zia taken during the event on their separate social media accounts. We couldnt have done it without you. Keep it fairly brief. If youre hoping to have strong re-registration rates and a growing and thriving studio, you do not want parents to leave with an image of a half-empty concert hall. I like the idea of introducing the student and the piece while they get ready. Janice we have a set of free ones that you receive when you subscribe to TeachPianoToday.com! These are compliment cards. But be sure to keep this studio specific, rather than student centered. He also changed how the stage was arranged by turning the piano so the audience could see his profile and watch his fingers fly across the keys. First impressions are important but so are last impressions. Giving some background for the piece you perform is always a nice touch, too. Before we begin, Id like to remind you of just a couple things:1. I will use these notes for my next recital and prepare my self as just like I have to prepare my musicians. That took the pressure off me so I was able to concentrate on my students! Thirdly after the time for photos, please wander over to the fellowship room where there are punch and refreshments for you all to enjoy. Big Help. Thank you! Musical Treasures has some or Schaum piano has some too. Your email address will not be published. Thanks so much for sharing . Grand piano center stage, with low lighting and great sound. I have agonised over this for many years and I guess this now works for me! I used to back out of the way and have each student introduce him/herself, and announce what they will play. Thanks for this! For music, we need a very large room, a concert hall, actually I should say for full orchestras. The thought of performing in public is terrifying to most adults. I find its easier than at the end of the program. Repurposed Old Piano into a Wine Rack. You worked so hard and did the best you could, you should be so proud of yourself!. The pianist may even stand up and bow when a piece is over. And, most importantly, they will see that music lessons can have incredible value in the lives of theirchildren, beyond the learningof music itself which once again, will result in more piano students coming back year after year after year. Your input is always enlightening, reassuring and informative. My students write their own program notes something brief about the composer and why they chose the piece, what they like about it, what they have learned from the piece, etc. But if you would like to verbally introduce yourself, then definitely do so! I will definitely choose a theme again next year! If the recital was a competition, the winner may be announced. Your outfit should not distract from your music! Bringing attention to the variety of students in your piano studio has a second purpose as well. It has become tradition! Maggie and Kirsti, how does it work with the younger children to do a group photo at the end? I have been searching for something to say but this is the best. Below is a list of key elements for what to say to begin and end a piano recital. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to get to know your children and to work with them each and every week; they continue to amaze me with their intelligence, their energy and their sense of humor. My piano recitals are unique. CDs with a singer. If you are going to watch a piano recital for the first time, then this article is for you. Have fun! You stop putting yourself downif you do something "wrong" (we're only human) If you'd like more support and encouragement from a community of like-minded educators, sign up to TopMusicPro. But not this years recital. What Should I Say to Begin and End a Piano Recital. Economists, architects, and yoga instructors are all trying to help us get it. I have been playing piano since I was 9 years old, and I am now 55. 2. What kind of words should I use? But on Saturday, not one but two adventurous pianists gave recitals that harkened back to the form's origins, drawing out musical, social and deeply personal connections. If I do a Christmas recital I usually look up some funny, clean Christmas jokes or Christmas movie trivia and I ask those in between. Prepare awards/gifts for the students. I can see clearly now the rain is gone. Fun! Thanks for sharing:). A world-premiere event Sounds amazing. I think it is wonderful when teachers perform a piece at the beginning or end of the recital, so I would definitely encourage you to do that. Im always amazed at the number of parents lining up with their cameras! +1 to both above. Over the course of an hour or two you will showcase your studio's hard work and then say, "Goodbye!" to your students. 28One of the area's largest piano recitals has reached a milestone. If you get nervous talking in front of groups of people, make yourself a notecard with a short list of things to remember to say. Students will be coming up one after another to perform, so if youre recording this, make sure you keep an eye out for when your student is playing. Thank you so very much for your passion, innovation and willingness to share it all! Once again you have hit it out of the park! Recruiting: A How-To Guide Step 1: Show Them the Band Step 2: Convince Them They Can Play Step 3: Invite them to Join Step 4: Enlist Parent Support Recruiting Documents Retention Beginning Band Concert Middle School to High School Retention Communication with Students Communication with Parents All Retention Resources Instruments Rentals Pianists may spend several weeks preparing for this special event. Speaking at the beginning of the recital is my LEAST favorite thing to do. Like every area of study on display, students stress and work hard in the weeks or months leading up to showing their friends and families how much they've learned. One year at our Spring recital I took pictures of the students playing, edited them, added the date, framed them ($1 store frames) and that was their year end gift. What should you say to begin and end a piano recital? If you are running late, wait until a music piece is over before you enter. Thank you! We bring meaningful and joyful activities to people's lives around the world. Browse sheet music here >>. If you are not sincere, the performer will be able to tell, and your praise will not be as effective. It lets the parents in your audience see what their children can become and reminds them of where their children used to be. And the ending can be even shorter than that. I am having my first Christmas recital on December 9th and was wondering, how exactly do you go about playing a song yourself for the audience?? For More On Effective Practice: Creating a Culture of Practice In Your Home and Peeling Away The Piano Practice Layers In The Weeks Leading Up To The Recital Recital music needs special preparation. Theyre reasonably priced. ? Ive been told frequently that parents really enjoy the extra info. One outfit per recital, please. Ive also included a sample welcome and ending speech. I hope I wont be to nervous tmrw. Learn more & purchase >>, Original piano pieces for you and your students! He did video of the whole recital and put it on a YouTube channel so that far away grandparents could watch. It has been more and more challenging for me to come up with something engaging and different every year. But families have really looked forward to this time of special recognition. Also, this event may be open to the public at a school recital. Thanks for your all beneficial blogs! Wonderful ideas from all of you! When and how to clap at beginner student recitals is not an issue. if more laid back and routine performance ok to speak on, but i would only do so if you offer something really juice or if the pieces or composer is not well know or you have a personal anecdote or connection to the work. Hi, Andrea! Because for a single instrument, say something like a piano recital, a room with a short reverberation time is better. Todays post is in answer to a question I received from a reader via email: I am giving my first ever piano recitalthis Sundayand I am unsure what I should say to parents at the recital. What is the difference between a recital and a concert? The parents have voted this format is the best, and proves to be very affirming to both the student and his/her family. Photo: Fadi Kheir. Both concerts and recitals may include short breaks for pianists and performers (or a music teacher) to address the audience. First, I created a playlist called "2020 Virtual Piano Recital.". I also employed a couple of my teen students to help keep my little Wunderkeys students in step. Hi Margarita, You dont HAVE to talk about yourself unless you want to. Everyone always thinks its funny and now I cant leave that part out. I also give a very small gift (dollar store or pound store value) to those that perform and they dont get it until they come up for their certificate of accomplishment. The art is bad, and no one seems to realize it. Its certainly one thing that affects your studio image. Thank you much! This is wonderful, Michelle! All of my students play at least three pieces, and they are each interspersed throughout the program. Students love to look for themselves in the photo. This does 2 things: takes eyes off the student, which helps them relax a bit and get into place before performing, and it helps the audience to feel more connected to the student and builds anticipation for their performance. Parents saw their child perform, they waited for all of the other students, and theyre ready to go! Thanks for all the great ideas. Happy to hear it Andrea (and great name by the way ) Yes, a post-recital speech is also a great way to recognize individuals, hand out awards etc. This variety gives older students the opportunity to remember what it was like to be a beginner, and younger students the chance to see what their hard work will enable them to accomplish in the future! Ive always liked to open with something so people have a chance to settle into the occasion (quiet their smaller children, stop shuffling programs etc.) Thanks so much! I think it helps the audience connect with the students and look forward the their performance instead of staring at their watches and waiting for their child to perform. Hi Leigh Funny story my own piano teacher would read the exact same script every single recital (even written on the same piece of paper). But Ive worked on projecting my voice and looking/sounding very confident. Students work hard to practice one or more pieces to perform in front of an audience. So, here are some ideas for how to dress for a piano recital. My handdrawn graphics are perfect to spice up your print/digital projects! It gets the audience more involved. As far as recital etiquette goes, a couple of weeks before the recital, I remind the kids that they need to teach their parents and friends about recital etiquette. Pick a relevant and motivating theme, and then give your student some guidance as to how to create a melody line and a left-hand accompaniment. So spot on! Sometimes I think they just remember the overall tone & impression the most. Parents, family, and friends -thank you for spending your evening with us. Weve heard of Nuts About Note Reading, Fearless Fortissimo and Mutterwump recitals but not yet a PopWaltz one! Best of luck at your recital . 20. I use the post recital speech to recognize each student Individually, and point out their personal accomplishments, which is another opportunity to gush about them and illustrate what Ive taught. Being a parent comes with many worries and even A-list celebrities aren't immune to it. my Amazon wishlist. We piano teachers wear many hats and they arent always ones we like to wear! Check out the Simply Piano app to better understand what it takes to learn piano. I also wouldnt mind a copy of the Certificates as I believe Im a subscriber:). This speech takes about 3-4 minutes so it might seem longer written out than it does to listen to it . They will need a computer or phone to dial in and then, complete their performance at home when I draw their name from the hat!