Sharing Talent 3

(part 3 of 4 from the article Sharing Talent with Others)

 How can I help my student enjoy performing?

Some kids will always enjoy the spotlight while some will always avoid it, but there are a few things that can make playing for other people a little easier.

• Keep practicing review songs carefully so the child always has something to play that is comfortable and “safe.”
• Provide some warning or preparation time before you expect the student to play for others.
• Give your student some input or control.  Your child could choose which song to play, when to play it (e.g. before dinner or after dinner), or who they would like to play for (e.g. grandma’s visit tomorrow or a friend next week).
• Provide lots of low-key performance opportunities—playing a song for dad each week, making a tape recording to send to an aunt, taking turns playing music with another friend taking lessons, even setting up a stuffed animal audience!
• Perform with them—encourage other people to share their talents too: singing, playing the piano, or even telling a joke.
• Unless you feel your child is being deliberately disobedient or defiant, don’t force them to play against their will.