Prepare for Piano Recitals

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kids create music

by jovana djoric

How to Prepare for

Piano Recitals

Recitals are a unique way for students to showcase their skills, musicality and passion for music with others.

Hi, I’m Jovana Djoric, a devoted piano teacher and owner of Kids Create Music Studio . I am here to carefully prepare you for your piano recital.

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Just like songs and scales, performing is a practice-able skill. Piano recital prep is different from regular practice.

In regular practice, if you make a mistake, you stop to correct it. However, when performing, you want to keep going no matter what happens.

am I ready for my recital?

There are three different stages of getting ready to be STAGE READY:

I am Ready to play from memory

I can play hands separately from memory.
I can start from at least three different places in the music piece from memory.
I can think through the entire piece from memory away from piano.
I can play fluently.
I can easily recover from mistakes.

I am ready to play for an audience

I understand the meaning behind the music I play.
I have recorded myself performing the musicI.
I can perform the music without warming up first.
I have done practicing performances for at least three small audiences (friends, family, etc.)
I am looking forward to connecting emotionally and musically with the audience by playing expressively with feelings.

I am Stage Ready

I can communicate the story behind the music
I am ready to do a complete dress up performance, expressing every musical element fluently from start to finish.
I am ready to play through any kind of destruction like any kind of noises coming from the audience, change of the light setting or phone ring etc.

No matter what happens, keep going. Remember: The show must go on!

How to Practice for my Recital

Have an audience

It can be as small as one or two people, or even a group of stuffed animals (for little young ones).
Practice to perform in your recital outfit and shoes so you know what to expect.

Face the audience, take a bow and announce yourself

“My name is Emily, and today I’m playing…”
If you’re playing more than one piece, just announce the title of the song you are about to play.
You can announce the others as you get to them.
At Recital your piano teacher may make announcements and you don’t have to worry about it.

Sit at the piano and take a breath

Sometimes I have my students count to three in their heads before they even touch the keys. As a result, they are more calm and focused when performing.
Adjust your bench: Make sure the bench is in the right place for your height and playing style.

Play!

This is your moment to shine!

when your done playing your piece

Put your hands on your lap. Then stand, turn to your audience, smile and bow.
Bowing is the performer’s way of saying, “thank you for listening.”

It may seem like a lot to remember, but that’s why you practice! So when the big day arrives you will feel eager and well prepared for a triumphant recital experience.

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Piano Recital Protocols

Here are some tips for piano recital protocol for both performers and audience members:

Performers

Be prepared, respectful and focused. Follow the schedule and be ready to perform when it's your turn.

Audience members

Be on time: Arrive early to get settled
Be attentive: Stay quiet and listen throughout the performance.
Be supportive: Give encouraging applause to all the performers.
Stay for the whole show: Stay until the recital is over to support all the performers.
Dress nicely: Dress appropriately for the event.
Give gifts: It's traditional to give flowers after the recital.

Piano Recital Schedule

Group Picture may be taken before we officially begin our Recital

Welcome speech
Recital Time
Group Picture
Individual photos
Certificate distribution
Recital gifts distribution

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PERFORMANCE TIME

Students and parents

are REQUIRED to attend

the ENTIRE recital.

Please remain until the end of the program to ensure that all of these wonderful children experience the full supportive audience that they deserve.

Students, parents and guests are required to: Turn off all electronic devices. Not take calls, messages, or

text during the recital.

Parents can take photos and videos

during their child/children performances.

Please make sure not to interrupt performance and not to block anyone’s view.

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DRESS TO IMPRESS

To create a festive look for our students, I kindly request your assistance in preparing for a dress code.

Girls

♪ Dress above the knee

or longer

♪ Top and skirt above the knee or longer

♪ Shoes that allow students to stand comfortably or pedal easily. Please no high heels, sleepers, or running shoes!

♪ Hair - any style as long as it’s not getting into the face and eyes. No hats of any kind.

Boys

♪ Long sleeve collared dress shirts

♪Dress pants or jeans

♪ Shoes that allow students to stand comfortably or pedal easily. Please no running shoes or sleepers!

Very important reminder to have your child/children clip their nails.no hats of any kind. no high heels, sleepers, or running shoes!

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RECITAL GALLERY

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The importance of Piano recitals and live performances

Confidence

Recitals help students overcome nerves and develop confidence. They can also help students realize that it's okay to feel nervous and that these feelings will get easier with more performance experience.

Community

Recitals provide opportunities for students to interact with and support others who are also learning the piano.

Motivation

Recitals give students a goal to work towards and a chance to show off their hard work.

Feedback

Recitals provide an opportunity for students to receive constructive feedback from experienced musicians and instructors.

Self-reflection

Recitals provide an opportunity for students to reflect upon how far they have come.

Expression

Recitals are a chance for students to share their passion for music and express themselves.

Inspiration

Recitals offer students the chance to hear live music and be inspired.

Sharing

Recitals give students an opportunity to share their gift of music with the ones they love.

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LETS CONNECT!