Right now my life is BUSY, with a capital “B”! Over the next two weeks Trevor and I will have:
1. Sold our old house
2. Continued to build our new house
3. Temporarily moved in with Trevor’s parents
4. Attended a wedding (in which Trevor was a Groomsman)
5. Cried our eyes out as Lexi heads off to Kindergarten
6. Had surgery to repair damaged inner ear bones (Trevor’s, not mine!)
7. Scheduled and invoiced 350 music students for the new school year
8. Corralled a 10 month old who is getting frighteningly close to walking.
9. And… started work on our newest Teach Piano Today resource! (Stay tuned)
So, with all of this in mind, it certainly does seem insane to decide to throw a piano recital into the mix. And yet, that’s exactly what we are about to do!
The Too-Often Forgotten Recital
Every piano teacher throws a winter recital. Every piano teacher throws a spring (or end-of year) recital. Some teachers even throw a summer recital. But very few throw a September recital. And for good reason; many students have just sat down at the bench after a long summer break. Obviously a September recital may be a little… rusty.
Which Is Why the September Recital Is a Little Different
The September recital is not really a recital at all… it is a piano showcase. It is an opportunity for your “ringers” to perform for your new students, and for members of your community.
It is also an opportunity for you!
First, during the September Showcase, your new students and their families will get to actually “see” where piano lessons with you will take them. They will begin with the end in mind and get excited about learning piano! The showcase will help your new students feel like they’re part of your piano studio community… a crucial factor in your success.
Second, during the September Showcase, you will be able to directly market your services to members of the community who I am certain will be “soon-to-sign-up”. Parents are always seeking new activities for their children, and if they happen to stumble upon your super-exciting showcase, you can bet they’ll come calling.
So… We Have 2 Requests
1. Wish us luck… that list at the start of the post is frankly making me feel quite sick, AND
2. Give the September Showcase a whirl
For more help growing your piano studio, check out the book every teacher should be reading this September, Piano Hands Shouldn’t Flip Burgers.
suzy reiser says
I always have a September recital and make it a duet recital. Sometimes 2 students but more often a student and myself. I serve black and white cookies……..and milk.
Kim Wright says
Your posts have really been a blessing to me as I start back teaching after taking 14 years off to homeschool and teach my own 4 children. I pray the Lord Jesus will bless you in all you have going on in September and beyond. Jesus is the reason I do what I do. He died for me, as He did for you, too. Thank you again for your posts and your resources. I have read your book and given Fearless Fortissimo to a new student just last week. Exciting!
Lauri Bernet says
Very intriguing idea. We are doing a community outreach performance at some assisted living facilities in October and hope for the same and additional outcomes. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you have so much going on it sounds overwhelming!!!!
Stacey says
What a great idea!!
Jennifer Foxx says
Wow! All that in 2 weeks?! You need to borrow my “BREATHE” shirt. LOL! I wear it when I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. 😉
Andrea says
I do need that reminder Jennifer! The end of this all will come eventually 🙂
Chrissa Brown says
All the best, Andrea! It sounds like a great idea, though! I’m in Australia so the end of year concert is drawing near but I’ll keep this in mind for starting the new school year next year!!
Amy Reiff says
I’m reading this for the first time nearly four years after you originally posted this blog entry. 😀
How did your September Showcase work out?
I may try this; I think it’s a great idea.