In the upcoming weeks to help my students prepare for their Christmas recital I will be posting a number of recital tips. Each will focus on a different subject pertaining to recitals.
Everyone knows that you play your song at the recital and that you will be watching other people play as well, but how exactly does it work? What do we do besides play?
These tips will help to show/explain how exactly the recital works and runs. (I have discussed each of these with every student at our lessons and we have practiced going over them, but it is always helpful for parents to go over them with the child as well.)
1. When you arrive at the church you will get a program with the order of who is playing when. Please keep track of where you are in the program.
2. When it is your turn please walk up to the piano, stand beside the bench, turn to face the audience and BOW. (Audience claps here)
3. Sit down, adjust the bench if you need to, get your music in order, find your hand position, Take a Deep Breath, and play. (do not rush any of these items. Rushing can lead to more nerves and possibly more mistakes)
4. After you play your last notes, put your hands in your lap, then stand up, get your music, face the audience and BOW. (Audience claps here)
5. Walk back to your seat, the next person walks up.
When everyone has finished performing, I will usually say a few closing words which are followed by the reception of goodies and drinks.
