. Allowing audience members to put a personality behind the studio their child or friend attends every week is important! So my questions are : Do I have to talk about myself during the recital, or should I use the program to write a brief bio about me ? Is it better to mix ability levels in a recital or have an advanced recital and a more beginning recital? We couldnt have done it without you. Im sorry!! Everyone loves these group photos and I have saved all these group photos through the years. In all, what you say at the beginning of a recital should be as short as possible were talking 2 minutes or less! This part is absolutely crucial for having a recital that you feel was successful. Set the date and invite the student and the parents. 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. Oh, my gosh, Annette, what a hoot! Designed to motivate your teens to participate happily in your recitals, these pieces are crowd-pleasers that will get noticed! However, they take the program home and they may read later what youve written. You might feel uncomfortable if you are the only one to show up in shorts and flip-flops. Piano teachers can certainly benefit by your input, energy and sincerity. I would like to share how I keep my parents in their seats until the end I give recital certificates of accomplishment at the end and do a group photo which I put up in the studio. Ive been teaching for 37 years and my least favorite part of the year is the opening recital speech. Youre great! ? Plan refreshments. It is a time, energy, and resource commitment to bring your child to lessons, to make them practice, and to do so faithfully every week. 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 could look something like this: After all the students play, you can stand up once more if you desire, and say something like: That concludes our recital for this evening. I have a short welcome introduction but something I started doing a long time ago has stuck and the audience really seems to enjoy it. I like the idea of introducing the student and the piece while they get ready. As a general rule, dont ever leave in the middle of a recital. Joy, your insight into recital prep is invaluable! Thanks! Do you dread coming up with the right words? Excellent and thoughtful. I've also included a sample welcome and ending speech. Ive probably had around 50 recitals. Attending a recital can be a fun way to relax to music while supporting someone you love. Use our template and modify as needed for the *perfect* piano recital welcome! Tick tock.. Let us know in the comments is there anything we missed? I like the idea of a recital certificate I havent done this before, but would like to do it. Personally, if I were you, I would speak as much as I was comfortable doing. So, here are some ideas for how to dress for a piano recital. Keep it fairly brief. Thanks so much for sharing this. This June I will be giving my first music recital at my studio!! Ill give them ideas. What a warm and encouraging greeting to kick-start a recital! 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?? I took a short break from teaching, instead I made two Usually parents would only take photos of their performing child but in an ensemble performance or group photo setting, this may be tricky. Ive never considered introducing each student at recitals, but I really like this idea! Some audience members may assume that every child to grace the stage will be a mini-Mozart. A reminder of progress does wonders for student retention and parental satisfaction. Hi Joy, before becoming the piano teacher my students had another teacher and since she got another employment opportunity and was needing somebody to replace her she trusted in my talent and Im now teaching those precious kids. 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. You could always say something like, Sometimes I have had students tell me they dont get to hear me play very often, so I thought Id share this piece Or, you could explain the reason you like and chose the piece you are going to play. Recitals provide an opportunity to feel successful. I list what number recital it is for each student. Thanks for the post. 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. Required fields are marked *. Students had so much fun with weekly piano theory games and with the improv activities we introduced this year. I see I already posted that last year. When you bring this to their attention, they will be that much more appreciative of the efforts your piano students are making and understanding of nervous slip-ups that might occur. And the ending can be even shorter than that. Thanking the judges and sponsors is also common. For male performers, a button dress shirt, tie or bow tie, black waistcoat, jacket, and cummerbund are acceptable . I also have a group photo at the end of the recital. I also present awards at the conclusion. Step 5: Uploading the Videos to a YouTube Playlist. My handdrawn graphics are perfect to spice up your print/digital projects! Its also nice for prospective parents to see when they come for a first interview. Comment your thou. If you are running late, wait until a music piece is over before you enter. This is great, Norm! What kind of words should I use? After welcoming everyone to your recital, youll want to immediately let people know that there will be studentsof many different ages, working at many different levels. I included a short statement of the students hobbies or interests, because I thought it might be fun for the audience to learn something else about the student. But goodbyes always feel so final. I appreciate what youve written and also this comment. The art is bad, and no one seems to realize it. So lucky that Ive found your post just one day before my students recital. Prepare awards/gifts for the students. I feel so much better after reading it. 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 love this speech Andrea! What a great post! I truly appreciate ALL your ideas, inputs and will be using some of them. As you can see, you don't find the words, "Don't forget to go slow!" "Don't forget that one spot you practiced hard on!" or "You did okyou didn't get that one part right, but it was still good." Words truly speak volumes and can have a huge impact on a child's life, especially at a vulnerable time like a performance can be. Make sure to turn the sound off on your phone when you enter a recital. Lovely comments Michelle! Thanks for sharing:). This was super super helpful!! Usually, the performer has strict guidelines on what to wear or not wear. This design covers the entire surface of your Old Piano with flowers to make it really beautiful and magical. Id like to add another idea which you guys suggested some time back. For my last recital I had a couple of students doing a very impressive duet that required Hand crossing and a few othe tricky, unusual things. After all, the members of the audience mostly parents and grandparents are there to hear the kids play, not to hear you give an long, eloquent speech. Delegating some responsibility was my best choice ever and I will never go back! Best wishes for a successful recital! To congratulate a pianist for a job well done, you can give them a gift after the performance. and give them out at the end and have students come up by year of recital. Haha! This is one thing I struggle with, and generally muddle through, and reading this will really help me, the next time my students have a recital. If you are already a subscriber just email me and Ill get them to you . Also, my students dress smart-casual to dressy. [applause] Thank you all for coming! So I decided that I, the teacher, would introduce each student as they came to the paino. I held a recital last For music, we need a very large room, a concert hall, actually I should say for full orchestras. 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. Be sincere. Ha! We only spend 30 minutes a week with their child. It was a huge hit! Thanks so much! Once again you have hit it out of the park! I highlight their high school career, how many years they took lessons and something I will always remember about them. Make sure to include the students name at the top, which can be found in your program. This was the first time anyone used the word recital to refer to a musical event. Besides welcoming them, what sorts of messages are good? Thanks for this wonderful article! Best of luck on Sunday . Early in Justin Cronin's new novel, Proctor Bennett, the titular ferryman, attends a piano recital and finds the experience akin to "watching . My name is [your name], and I am so grateful to all of you for coming out and spending your evening with us as we share some beautiful music with you all. It develops listening and observing skills in the students and parents. : ). 2) After recital, photo time. Most students who learn to play the piano will encounter at least once, and possibly multiple times, the experience of preparing for piano recitals, concerts, auditions and exams. Thanks for sharing. I feel mine has gotten kind of tired and needs a little pep. Keep pressing on! Students work hard to practice one or more pieces to perform in front of an audience. What a great list! Weve heard of other teachers doing this too and its been a smashing success I love your idea of using a projetor and of matching food to the character (cant wait to hear what the Schlopizoodle food is LOL!) I will tell you, it does get easier. In todays post, were sharing the six components of a pitch-perfect recital welcome speech, followed by an actual welcome speech transcript that you can adapt for your own recital. Happy to hear it Anita! And, even if they do remember what has happened over the course of the year, listing off an array of activities in rapid fire will be impressive and make you look awesome! After gushing about your students, go ahead and gush about their parents as well. Then I remind everyone to turn off their phones. I wouldnt speak between every single song, but perhaps between every 2 or 3 (depending on how long the selections are, and what you want your audience to know about the pieces). I love this post! I like this idea, but I have always done a group photo before the recital (have them arrive 15 minutes early) because Im afraid that the younger children will be too tired by the end that the picture wont come out nicely. Example: Tim loves to play soccer, climb trees, and of course, play piano. 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. Its always a lot of fun and exciting, and the kids feel proud of themselves. This is SPOT ON! Still, as part of the audience, you want to fit in. When were finished handing out trophies, everyone is already positioned for a great group shot. I display this photo in frame in my studio all year long. They know its expected. Liszts recitals also deviated from the normal concert. Help your teen beginners amaze the audience with the pop-rock duets from WunderKeys Rock Repertoire for Teen Beginners! They are really enthusiastic and we have a fantastic range of Pieces. Best of luck to everyone on your recitals! Senior also honored if they do not wish to do an entire senior recital. With that, well get started with our first performer, [student name]. Students put in many hours of hard work in front of the piano. If that's a lowkey piano recital, think of button-down and khaki pants as the failproof. Make sure they know. 28One of the area's largest piano recitals has reached a milestone. If youre unsure whether the piece is done, look at your program for cues. This is a very cool idea Debbie! They are spot on. People lead very busy lives these days so they can be forgiven if they dont remember your practice incentives during the fall or your CD release parties at Christmas. I collect info from their parents about the students other interest, pets they have, special school awards, fun trips theyve had during the year, hobbies, etc. Madonna took her new flame Josh Popper out for an 'amazing' piano recital on Tuesday night in New York City.. What do you always include in your own recital speeches? Thank you, Joy, for addressing this subject! 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. I will be incorporating some of these ideas. If you are going to watch a piano recital for the first time, then this article is for you. As they receive their trophy I tell them where to stand (which I have thought about beforehand). I will have them stand and share their combined total of pieces theyve learned since the last spring recital. Ive never had trouble keeping families around for the entire recital. I hope this was helpful to someone! I used to back out of the way and have each student introduce him/herself, and announce what they will play. The Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre at Cal Poly Humboldt presents "The Cal Poly Humboldt Recital Series: An Adventure Through Video Game Music with Ryan McGaughey, piano" Join us . - - - - -. We make courses to help music teachers connect with their students, build th. They will all pull a party popper and we have a few balloon confetti to burst to go out with a bang!! I think its also important for my students to see me playing piano something I love and to discover that collaborating with other musicians is an excellent aspect of being a pianist! Ive become much more comfortable over time but I still write down everything Im going to say. There will be a box of trivia questions about each of the 34 movie themes. In addition to all of the wonderful accomplishments during lesson time, our studio has also been active beyond the studio even helping to raise over $500 for local families. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Thanks, Wendy. The performer may also say a few words about the pieces that were played. I often feel like you are both on my staff of my studio because the reality is that you would be exactly who I would hire to work full time for me! By David Wright. Never clap between movements in a classical piece. Alright, without further ado, well get started with the recital, beginning withstudents name playingstudents piece. [start the applause]. Thank you so much for this post! I have medical issues now and was thinking this would be a good way to help w/ my financial crisis since I am unable to work much at all, as well as a music ministry for GOD. She is the cutest lady and is always so inspiring in her comments! With a few helpful tips, you can dress to impress and clap at all the right times. Photo: Fadi Kheir. Never know what to say at the start of your piano recital? The parents seem to be very happy with my work but they barely know me. You can make your dash when the pianists hands come off the keys. And we, Any fellow Tumble Leaf fans out there? By the time Id been with her for 12+ years my family found it hard not to giggle Happy to provide you with some fresh ideas! Thank you for the time you invest in supporting your child at home and thank you for including me as a part of your childs musical education. The students at the end of the recital worked just as hard to prepare their pieces as the students at the beginning, so I would ask that you remain until the end of the program to make sure all of the musicians experience the full audience they deserve.2. Thanks. Maybe it is your child, a friend, or a niece or nephew you want to support. Today, we are not only celebrating the fact that your children are learning to play the piano, but that they are willing to share this gift with others. This year, I had program notes too. The audience enjoys laughing a little here and there wakes them up a bit. My daughter does not want to do the work . Some recitals may offer snacks to guests and performers after the performance. Hi Sabrina Thanks for sharing your take! Our recital will showcase a wide variety of levels from young beginners right through to advanced students. The final wardrobe choice is up to you! In 2 weeks, my recital is called Musical Movies! The recital length can vary depending on how many students are on the playlist and the difficulty level. How long do you think recitals should be? Thanks for sharing Maggie! Thank you! What is the difference between a recital and a concert? While your gushing about your students, youll want to make sure that your gushes include references to the awesome things that have happened in your piano studio over the course of the year. Sunday and my opening welcome was lacking I was trying to keep it short. At the end of my recitals I too, have all of my students come forward for a group photo, a gift from me, which is always a large Symphony candy bar then a final grand group bow, with roaring applause! Any ideas? Hi Gaylinn Have fun at your upcoming recital it sounds like an awesome theme! Learn more & purchase >>, Original piano pieces for you and your students! Ideally, plan and secure your attire no later than 3 weeks prior to the recital. It builds music community (which is one of Swan's personal goals for her studio). Joy, I love, love, love your site and all the ideas you have on there. Or, wait until you hear several people start to clap and clap along. God bless you and all the best! I am in the short & sweet speech opener camp, too! Sometimes I think they just remember the overall tone & impression the most. After every recital or performance, she says to her students, Be happy!! "Flow" seems to be the word of the month right now. I love the ideas for the opening speech. I feel like I say the same things every year in my welcome speech and look forward to using your new ideas! Include whether people are invited to linger for awhile, or whether people need to leave for another group]Example: We have refreshments in the back, and youre all welcome to eat and hang out for awhile. When students are given the opportunities to take part in recitals, they are given the chance to feel a sense of achievement. Students also participated in our local music festival and performed in their school talent shows. Each and every child here today has shown incredible growth and progress and they should feel very proud of what they have achieved. Regarding piano recital dress code for female performers, a formal blouse or button-down are safe choices while plunging necklines, low cutbacks, and spaghetti straps are unsuitable. And I always appreciate when I am attending something and the intro speech is not long-winded, too! 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. Location will be a local warehouse church, low ceiling, great seating, like a large living room. And if we really think about it, we can see that a recital is a unique occasion. 4. If creating the program is the part that stresses you out, then I've got you covered. I would talk about my reason for doing the performance, the reason I chose the pieces, and definitely talk about your love for music and your excitement to have your audience members present that day. Arrive early to make sure all is ready for the performance. A reminder of progress does wonders for student retention and parental satisfaction. The art that conceals art with Emanuel Ax, Schubert and Liszt at Carnegie Hall. My dad will sing 2 or 3 songs, and play along with me with his guitar when he sings. Next up, youll want to gush to about your piano students. This prevents too much restlessness and they cant possibly leave until the whole thing is over. But, asthis may not be the reality in yourstudio, its a good idea to set the record straight in terms. We piano teachers wear many hats and they arent always ones we like to wear! Right on, Jenny! Enjoy this time with your students and their parents!! That concludes the [recital name]! Who doesnt like to feel appreciated? A piano recital is a time for music students to show off what they learn in their lessons. Now we will have a time for photos and refreshments.. 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. It lets the parents in your audience see what their children can become and reminds them of where their children used to be. This speech takes about 3-4 minutes so it might seem longer written out than it does to listen to it . Parents, family, and friends -thank you for spending your evening with us. Also, this event may be open to the public at a school recital. I just added up the numbers last night, and students in this studio have completed over 300 pieces this year! The 64-year-old Queen of Pop - who's been rehearsing for her upcoming world tour . May we please hear from so-and-so? She often adds little commentary, telling the audience about the great things her students have accomplished and are involved in. If you are playing first, you can welcome everyone for coming and then say something like: To start things off, I will be playing ___. I will definitely choose a theme again next year! Outstanding solos will be Inverness, by Susanne Scianni, Primavera, by Ludovico Enaudi, and Sonatina by Kalau. Should the concert last 1 to 1 1/2 hours? I always tell where the drinking fountain & restrooms are. Below I have highlighted the six building blocks that make up a perfect piano recital welcome speech. As for the bow itself, arms at the sides, look down long enough to say "cheeseburger" to yourself, straighten all the way up and smile. I am so proud of each of you, and I am so excited to listen to you tonight. 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. I think its important to communicate high expectation of audience behavior. Use our free template. Take time during the recital to thank parents! A piano recital is a time for music students to show off what they learn in their lessons. Some recitals are laid-back and casual, while others are fancier. Answer (1 of 3): You bow once before and then sitpauseand then perform! Speaking at the beginning of the recital is my LEAST favorite thing to do. It has become tradition! 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.