I expect to schedule recitals once or twice a year for all my current voice and guitar students.  Performances allow students to show their families what they’ve been learning and how they’ve been growing as musicians.  They also help the students to deal with their fears and become more confident.  These musicians get to hear and watch others perform, which can be encouraging and inspiring.

I once had a parent tell me that her daughter loved watching another girl perform at a recital, not because the other student had it all together, but because the courage she displayed helped this young woman with her own fear.  A high school boy was “on cloud nine” after he sang.  Why?  Because he made it through without fainting and actually did pretty well!  A young guitar player was more motivated to practice in the weeks leading up to his performance, which resulted in him experiencing the positive results of consistent, regular practice.

I really don’t want the recital to be stiff and scary!!  I will ask the students to play or sing music that they feel comfortable with.  It won’t necessarily be the latest piece they’ve been working on.  Families will be able  to enjoy the progress that the students have made, and the students will have a great, fun (yes, I did say “fun”) experience!