Prepare Your Child for the Piano Recital
What is the purpose of a piano recital anyway? Well, it’s an opportunity for a student to show what they have learned for the past few weeks or months. And it’s a good place to listen to other students and get some motivation and set some future goals to reach, too.
Many parents think of piano recitals in a negative light, such as an occasion where their child might get nervous and make noticeable mistakes. All this nervousness and tensions transfers itself to the performer, which is not good. Most parents push the recital idea rather aggressively yet think of their child has not being up to the standard as a good student—which makes the child even more nervous.
Many piano teachers believe that recitals are a great time for students to show off their improvement and progression over the weeks and months of practicing. Most children like the idea of performing pieces that they like in front of their family and friends. Some parents, though need to remember to keep positive and not to project their nervousness and lack of confidence onto their child for the recital.
Almost every child will be nervous, as this is natural and can be overcome with a little creativity. Most teachers would like the student to choose a recital piece that the student enjoys performing and sounds pleasing to an audience. Doing this will give a student increased confidence in their ability to play for future recitals.
Remember, as a parent shower your child with good constructive comments and make them feel good about their performances. Students should practice with their own small recitals at home, playing other pieces and recital pieces. Students can have fun walking up to the piano bench, sitting down, and bowing at the end of their family performance at home.
Playing in a pretend recital at home will allow the student to develop more self-assurance and self-confidence to go ahead and play for the real recital. Just so your child is truly comfortable, make sure that the student should wear clothes they feel and look good wearing. Clothing and shoes that are too tight will make them feel uneasy and not sure of themselves, so they should be prepared to wear their favorites.
One more thing to do is to record the piece to be performed at the recital so your child can listen to it. After listening to it, the student may notice some mistakes that need to be corrected. Participation in a piano recital is a great learning experience and a good way for your child to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Last tip for family members: treat your child’s first recital as a very special occasion to be remembered. Next, treat your child with compassion and listen to what they have to say about their concerns—then reassure them. Keep in mind your child will treasure memories of the first piano recital, so keep it special and take everyone out to your child’s favorite restaurant after the event.