Unless you’re brand new to the piano teaching profession, you’ve probably thrown your fair number of recitals. And while students change and pieces change (sometimes!) recitals can be pretty… normal.
So today, if you haven’t already, we’re daring you to jazz up this year’s recital with a couple of cool tips shared from the Teach Piano Today IdeaSwap.
Tips For Tuning Up Your Piano Recital
1. Float Your Praise
Preparing for a piano recital and having the courage to play at a piano recital are two very praise-worthy accomplishments. As a fun way to say, “Thank You”, write a special note to each of your piano students and place it inside a helium balloon. Write their name with a Sharpie on the outside of the balloon. At the end of your piano recital, send each student home with a note that will fill them with pride.
2. Then and Now
This is a fantastic recital idea for showing progress. If you have the time, have each of your piano students play two pieces; one should be the piece they are currently working on, and the other should be the very first piece they ever played in a recital. This is really cute and a whole lot of fun!
3. A Family Affair
Children love to spend time with family and friends. And what better way to spend that time than at the piano? This year (or sometime in the future) consider having a special Duets Concert in which every student performs with a loved one. Even non-piano-playing loved ones can be included with a simple little ditty.
4. A Ballot Box of Giving
Many piano teachers use their recital as an opportunity to collect for their local food bank. This year, place 3 baskets each labeled with the name of a famous composer. Then, have your piano students and their families vote for their favorite composer by placing their food donations in the corresponding basket. One of your senior students then performs the winning composer at the end of the show (make sure that the student has been given all three to practice in advance).
5. Recital Programs of Praise
Kids love positive piano performance feedback. On the back of your recital program, consider putting a feedback form, where audience members can write positive praise for 3 performers of their choice. Collect these responses and pass them along to your students. Keep the praise anonymous, so that you can fill in the gaps for students who may not receive as much praise as others.
Wanting to make your piano recital program more than just a list of pieces and performers? Get some ideas here!
6. Music Fun for the Little Ones
Piano recitals can be a lot for really young siblings to sit through. If you are holding your recital in a venue with several rooms (like a church) set up one distant room with some simple rhythm instruments that little ones can explore. This way, if younger siblings need a break from the recital, Mom or Dad can take them to the “music room” to help them unwind. As a parent of young kids myself, this seems much nicer than rocking back and forth at the back of the venue attempting to keep those big little voices quiet.
Now You Just Need Great Music!
A great recital needs great music… and for your Level 1 piano students, you can find that in WunderKeys Level 1A and 1B. We’ve carefully crafted a mix of original solos, traditional tunes, and teacher/student duets meaning you have a big selection of music to choose from! Find it on Amazon here.
Rebekah says
These! Are! AWESOME! Thanks so much!
Christina says
I love the idea of “then and now”. I think I just may use this idea for my June recital. Sounds like fun! Thanks!
Jennifer says
Love these ideas. I think I might use the then and now idea for my spring recital and the balloon idea for Christmas
. Thanks!
Ann Casey says
Love the idea of them playing their first recital piece and a current one. I will use this for my spring recital. I also loved the Ballot Box of Giving. I will use this one for my Christmas recital. Thank you for all the great ideas. 😀
Gina Sprunger says
Why not add Sleigh Bells to the ever present “Jingle Bells”? One student can “jingle” in rhythm with the performer. Add a Triangle to “Carol of the Bells”. Another student can play the triangle on each downbeat. Bongo drums (or empty shoe box) sounds great with “Little Drummer Boy”. Or you can buy my book, “Christmas With Friends” that has the added rhythm parts. Great for siblings! http://www.lorenz.com/product.aspx?id=289165
Linda says
Thank you for these ideas! I will use some at my Dec 6th recital and the blooms for spring. I appreciate you so much!
Andrea says
Wonderful Linda! Best of luck at your upcoming recital 🙂
Sandy Marks says
Thanks very much for the positive and creative ideas! I am hosting an informal piano concert end of July and then a formal Christmas-themed one as well ,25th November, I look forward to incorporating some of these great suggestions , Thank You!
Andrea says
We hope it makes your recitals fun and memorable, Sandy! 🙂