Recital 6

(part 6 of 6 from the article Recital Time)

 How can I help my student prepare for the recital?

The best preparation is confidence that comes from knowing the recital pieces very well.  Help your student practice them every day, several times if possible, especially in the week before the performance.  Having the student practice on a different piano, in a different environment, or with unusual distractions can add to his/her feelings of confidence.  On the day of the recital, the student should play through the pieces once or twice but don’t try to make any major changes or practice too intensely.  Talk with your student about what the evening will be like and what is expected of them.  Dress nicely, try not to be in too much of a rush to get to the recital on time, and enjoy the results of all that hard work!