At this time of year many music students are anxiously preparing for their yearly recital, I know my students are!

Along with recitals comes the inevitable performance anxiety. There are many ways you can help your child or yourself prepare for the big day.

Recital is a big day, and usually requires dressing up. If boys are required to wear jackets, ensure that the sleeves are not too tight, or restrictive to play their instrument. Check the back of the jacket as they cross their arms in front of themselves. Make certain there is plenty of play in the back, which will leave room for movement. I do not required my male students to wear a jacket, but I do require dress slacks, dress shirt and yes, a tie. Please be careful if you purchase a clip on tie, I have had recitals where they have fallen off as the student was performing.

Girls who perform on string instruments should wear a longer dress or skirt, as they will be sitting in front of an audience. Younger girls should probably wear a pair of tights under their dress.

It is normal for a student to be nervous about their recital performance. In my experience, the less prepared the student is, the move nervous they will become!
You can help your student prepare for a performance with several dry runs at home. Assemble the family and have the student give a “mini” concert. Have him or her start by introducing themselves in a loud, slow, clear voice. Then practice adjusting the seat, and performing their pieces, without interruption. Be sure to offer praise along with any critique you may have. As the student is performing, take note of any long pauses, lapses of memory or other errors the student exhibits. Encourage him/her to practice those places until they are smooth and performed without error.

Continue these performance sessions weekly until the week of the recital. Encourage your child to practice the difficult parts of the song, to sit up straight at the piano, refrain from swinging his/her legs while sitting at the piano and if there is pedal in the piece, to position their right leg/foot before they begin the piece.

Also remind your child to bow or curtsy after their performance and to thank their audience!

Don’t forget to bring flowers for your young performer – these are presented at the end of all performances when students are encouraged to take their final bow.

I hope these tips will help create a pleasant and fun recital experience!

Pamela Hines