Helping students prepare for a recital

Written by Gabriella Serruya

Here are a few things that can make a piano recital easier for students…

• Practice your piece “a million” times and then play it a couple more for good luck! The more we’ve played our songs before getting to the recital, the easier it will be! When nerves start, we can count on our fingers to know just what to do – I sometimes think our fingers can think for themselves!

• Make some opportunities for mock recitals. Family is always good for that – grandparents are particularly appreciative! Also, getting your stuffed animals set up as an audience can be helpful. They don’t clap very loudly, but they generally love a good concert! Pets work too! My piano teacher’s dog used to howl along with me when I was sounding extra great!

• Bring your book to the recital, even if you have the song memorized! Just in case your fingers need a quick reminder of the notes before you walk up to play.

• Remember that all the people there are students or family of students. We all want to each other to play well and are encouraging you no matter what happens.

• It’s nice to get a little dressed up for the recital. Make it an occasion! Ball gowns and tuxedos are NOT needed, but something a little more fancy than every day is always lovely!

• One of the biggest things to remember is that recitals can be FUN! A little nerve-wracking, but fun. Enjoy hearing other students playing music – maybe get inspired! You might hear a song that you want to learn. You might hear someone more advanced than you and think about when you’ll be playing like they did!

I’m always so proud of my students at recitals! They’ve worked hard to learn songs through the year and have a chance to show off!

Instead of an in-person End-of-the-Year Party & Recital in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, our students/clients recorded and shared music selections that they had studied and prepared. Please enjoy their performances below!

2020

2021