A Parent’s Guide to the First Music Recital
- Nov 1, 2017
- 3 min read
For your child and ALSO FOR YOU, the first music recital is often an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate the first recital—how to prepare, what to expect, and how to keep your child motivated after the recital.
As the Recital Approaches
1. Do a mock recital at home. Have your child practice walking up to the piano (or music stand for instrumentalists) and bowing, just like he/she will do at the recital.
2. Have a chat with your child about the piece he/she is going to perform. The purpose is to help them reflect their own study, and become more mentally prepared. Ask them to describe the music, who is the composer, what is the meaning or story of the piece, what section (melody) does he/she like, what is the hardest thing about playing the piece, and so on.
3. The night before the recital, check your child’s performance outfit. It is not a good idea to decide what to wear at the minute you are about to leave for the recital. Have your child try on the clothes and make sure they fit well. You want your child to feel comfortable and confident while he/she is playing.
The Day of the Recital
1. Gather all the necessary items, such as music books, accompaniment part for your pianist, music stands, and instrument. It happened many times that kids forgot the music book and the parents had to drive back to get it. Even if your child memorizes the song, it’s better to bring the book with you.
2. Let your child warm-up at home a little before you leave for the recital. Try to arrive for the recital about 15 minute early so your child can try out the piano, feel the sound in an unfamiliar space, so he/she can feel comfortable.
3. Try to ease stage fright when your child begins to show signs of it. You can say,
Never mind who listens to you when you play.
You’ve work so hard, everything will be fine.
Concentrate on your piece; remember what teacher said in the lesson.
Show off what you’ve learned. We’ll give you a loud applause no matter what.
4. Avoid flash light when takes pictures during your child’s performance. A sudden light could be a distraction.
5. Stay for the entire recital program. Other students have worked just as hard as your child and deserve an audience too. Students need to learn to respect other students, and share their challenges and fears.
6. What if my child is sick? We don’t know if it is performance anxiety or really sick. If your child is having a high fever and is throwing up, obviously you must stay home. Otherwise, I think you should encourage your child to come and perform because he/she has preparing the song for months. The best solution is contact the teacher to explain the situation, request to move your child’s performance up toward the beginning of the program, and leave right after your own performance.
After the Recital
It is important to recognize a child’s achievement and celebrate it. You can ask your child his/her though of the recital over some ice cream, and say something nice even if they didn’t perform up to your expectation. Everybody wants their parents’ approval.
If the child liked the recital, encourage him/her to perform the same song again in the school, or to family member who wasn’t able to hear it in the recital. You’ll be preparing for the next recital very soon. Encourage your child to keep playing and improving.
In addition, allow your child to pick something fun to play, songs they like and enjoy. So they have a break from serious playing but still motivated.
Good luck! I hope you and your child will become an expert soon.
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