SPRING RECITALS 2024

How long does each recital last?

We plan for approximately 14-24 students/adults to perform at each recital time. The goal is for each recital to last approximately 45-60 minutes. Out of respect for all performers, please stay until the end of your recital before leaving.

Where is the recital?

Recital venues can change from season to season. Please see the description above to learn more.

What do students wear?

We invite students dress in nice clothes appropriate to the occasion avoiding jeans and sneakers when possible. Recitals are celebrations so feel free to dress up!

When do I need to arrive?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your recital. Keep in mind that each recital lasts 45-50 minutes, so entrance into the venue will not be permitted any earlier than 10-15 minutes before the start of your recital.

Who can attend?

Your family is invited to attend and celebrate your accomplishments. At the time, we do not anticipate any capacity limits for our music lesson recitals.

What if the student needs to work with an accompanist?

Students who need an accompanist for their performance will be notified of the rehearsal time 2 weeks before the recital. The rehearsal takes place the Saturday before recital. Each student is given a 15-minute slot for rehearsing with the accompanist. Rehearsal with the accompanist is required ahead of time.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your instrument in its case, along with your recital music if the selection is not memorized. You do not need to bring your music bags, practice planners, or music stands.

How will I know when to perform?

Our teachers will introduce each students before the performance and invite them to come to the front. The recital programs will be posted on our website the day before showing the order and recital selections for each student. Be sure to take a bow before and after you perform.

PERFORMERS

• Tune your instrument before the program. Take care to keep the instrument stable so that tuning will not be
  needed again before your performance.
• Review the program to discover when you are performing. Notice who comes before you, so that you
  will know when it’s your turn.
• Be ready to move to the platform when your teacher introduces you.
• Take a bow when you reach the platform, then take your place as practiced.
• If you are using a music stand, make sure the stand is set where you can see the pianist (if needed) and that your back is NOT to the audience. We want to see your face!
• If playing more than one selection, pause at the end of the first selection to give the audience a chance to acknowledge and applaud. Take a short bow. Continue with the next selection.
• After your performance and final bow, walk off the platform quietly and quickly. Be sure to take your music with you (if using music).
• Wear something special to acknowledge that the recital is an important occasion.

AUDIENCE

• Recitals are a special occasion! It is customary to dress nicely
  for audience members, too.
• Please arrive early in order to find a comfortable place to sit.
• Make sure all your invited guests understand the importance of arriving on time. If they
  arrive late, it makes it difficult for those performing.
• Turn off all cell phones and any electrical devices that may produce sound.
• Once the recital begins, practice listening out of respect for the
  performer. We invite you to take crying babies outside the hall in order
  to provide comfort and then return in a few moments between performers.
• Please refrain from eating or snacking during a performance.  The movements and sound are often distracting.
• If you arrive late, wait to enter the recital hall between performers when you hear
  applause for minimal disruption.
• Do not enter the recital hall or switch seats while someone is performing.
• Avoid whistling, yelling, or other loud methods of congratulations, especially prior to the performance. The best way to show appreciation for the performance is with applause, and an occasional “bravo” at the end of an especially great performance.
• Compositions that have movements or suites are, in general, performed without applause in the middle.
• Respect the performers. Unnecessary noise from whispering, talking, candy wrappers, etc. during a program is not acceptable. Give each performer your full attention.
• Please stay until the performance or event is completely over.
• Avoid Flash photography as it is distracting. You may videotape and/or take flash photography as the performer is approaching or leaving the platform.
• Enjoy! Your presence is the greatest affirmation!

To the performers: Remember that the audience is there for your support! They are all there cheering you on and wishing you the best. So, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy playing the piece you have worked so hard on to learn!

To the audience: Please be the best support group possible for these students! They greatly appreciate your enthusiastic clapping and attentive listening. Show them that you care and that you are proud of their work!

We provide an accompanist for students playing selections that require a piano accompaniment.

Accompanist rehearsals will be held Saturday, May 11th at the Mt. Lebanon Studio. An email to book a specific time slot will be sent May 1st to families who request an accompanist.

As your student prepares for recital, check in with your teacher to learn more about whether piano accompaniment is needed.