How to Prepare for a Recital

Performing in a recital can be a very nerve-wracking activity. But with the correct preparation, you can play confidently…and calmly! The key is preparation. The more ready you are for the recital, the better you will feel playing. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

 1. Practice
 
Practice your piece very slowly. There is no need to play your piece fast. Playing fast will train your fingers to play the notes and rhythms wrong. Take each section and practice it by itself slowly until you can play it up to speed without making a mistake. Then move on and practice the next section slowly. You can practice just playing with the right hand or the left hand. Don’t worry about playing the whole piece all the way thru when you are practicing. Wait until you are ready to perform it for someone before playing it all the way thru.
           
2. Perform

Now it is time to start performing your piece. Find a family member or friend to sit down quietly and listen to you perform your piece all the way thru (or record yourself). Treat it as a recital. Bow for them when you are done and have them clap. If you make a mistake while performing for them, don’t stop! Keep playing!
 
3. Pick Out Your Outfit
 
When playing in a recital, you want to look sharp and to be comfortable. There is nothing worse than trying to play piano with pants that are to tight or to play the violin with earrings that get caught on the tailpiece! Once you find an outfit you thing you would like to wear, try playing all the way through your piece to make sure you are comfortable.
 
Girls – please wear a nice dress or dressy pants with a nice top. Be sure to practice playing through your piece in your outfit to make sure you are comfortable playing in it. Large or very long sleeves, necklaces, dangly earrings, high heels, tight tops or pants may make it difficult or uncomfortable to play. You don’t want to worry about what you look like while you play. You want to be comfortable and relaxed.
 
Boys – please wear dress pants with a nice button-up shirt. Tuck in your shirt so you look sharp. A tie or a suit coat is nice but optional.
 
Everyone – Please do not wear jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, anything with holes, or funny hats, capes, or costumes. Remember, you are performing. You want people to look at you like you know what you are doing.
 
4. Listen
 
Before and after your turn to perform, there are other boys and girls who are going to perform. Take the time to learn the proper way to listen to others perform their pieces.
 
Sit quietly – performers can easily be distracted and lose their place in their piece if someone makes a big movement or loud sound while they are playing.
                       
Turn off all devices that may make a sound during the performance (phones, tablets, etc.)
                       
Be considerate of those sitting around and behind you. If you have to leave, try to move while people are clapping or the next person is getting ready to play.
                       
Be careful where you hold your recording device, if you are trying to record the performance. You may accidently block the view of someone behind you if you hold your phone up!
 
Clap for each participant as they bow after they finish their piece.
 
Think about how you would want the other people in the room to act when you are playing and then do those same things for them. If you go through these few tips, you will be well prepared to enjoy your recital!