The other day an Instagram post from a piano teacher popped into my feed and left me speechless. It showcased a recital that is the most amazingly awesome studio event I have ever seen. In my excitement I messaged the teacher immediately, asking “Will you share this with our readers?!”, to which she enthusiastically responded, “Of course!”.
Meet Cammie Titus; a piano teacher from Utah who did something truly incredible with her spring piano recital this year. As a result, her piano students practiced more, her piano families begged for this to become an annual event and people in her community sat up and took notice of her studio. What made it so awesome? For starters, take a look at the video below…
What A Way To Start A Piano Recital!
There’s cheering, cow bells, air horns and yes, even a “bust-through” banner stating “PIANO ROCKS!” Cammie had read our post titled, “Why My Next Piano Recital May Include Hot Dogs, Foam Fingers And ‘The Wave’. In this post we asked the question: “How can piano teachers harness the enthusiasm and feedback that kids get when they play sports and transfer it to piano lessons?”
Cammie faced this challenge head-on, ran with the idea of creating a “Piano Fan Environment”, and turned her spring recital into an experience her students will never forget! Read on as she explains how and why she turned her recital on its head.
A “Piano Fan” Recital – One Teacher’s Story
When chatting with Cammie about her spring recital, we knew that other teachers would want to know how and why she created this event. We asked her if she would be wiling to share the “nitty gritty” of planning her recital. Here’s our interview with Cammie:
What inspired you to hold a “Piano Fan” Recital?
Really, it was your article titled, “Why My Next Piano Recital May Include Hot Dogs, Foam Fingers and the Wave”. I read that blog post and it hit me like a ton of bricks! I have children who also participate in sports, so I really could relate to what I was reading. After finishing the article, I knew I had to do something exciting for my spring recital – and your blog post was the catalyst! Some of the ideas from the article, just really got my mind moving in a major way and our “Spring Musical Celebration” was born!
How did you communicate this variation on a “normal recital” to parents and students?
I composed an email to my piano families and included a link to your article so that they could feel the spirit of what I was trying to accomplish. I wanted the weeks leading up to the recital to set the tone for the final performance. I outlined what I hoped our next recital would FEEL like. I wanted excitement, I wanted a real sense of pride, and I wanted every single student to feel like they had scored the winning touchdown – from the piano bench. 🙂
I hoped that each family would take inspiration from the article and really apply it in their homes. Within minutes of sending the email, I got feedback from several parents who had read the article. They seemed just as excited as I was to change the tone around daily practice and started to get excited about helping to prepare their children for future performances in a little bit of a different way.
What was your students’ reaction to your new take on a piano recital?
I did not entirely tell my students what was going on. I wanted it to be a bit of a surprise and celebration for them and their accomplishments. I did tell them that our recital would be quite different than any of the others they had played in and made sure they knew that they could wear anything they wanted! They were excited to not have to dress up, some of their reactions were so funny! Several students looked at me in disbelief when I told them that they could even wear shorts and a t-shirt to the recital – GASP! I think they were excited about the recital for that reason on its own.
Explain your recital to us – how did you create a “Piano Fan” Environment?
This recital was held in my backyard, thank goodness the weather cooperated! It turned out lovely for both recitals! I encouraged my piano families to bring noise makers of any kind… pom-poms, foam fingers, and homemade signs. I told them to paint their faces with their family initials, wear their old cheerleading uniforms (haha) and anything else they wanted that would create an exciting environment for our recital. I had one family show up that had made “Team Keyes” t-shirts for their whole family. I loved it!!
Families showed up with air horns, trumpets, and many other kinds of noise makers. I also had some extra cow bells etc. on hand just in case. I gave a little pep talk and we practiced our cheering right at the beginning of the recital to help set the tone. After corralling my students on the patio, and a “Let’s get ready to rumble!” shout, the students ran through the “Piano Rocks” sign and out onto the lawn. It was a fun way to start the recital, and definitely a departure from any recital they had ever experienced before!
Each family brought their own camping chairs to sit on, and some brought blankets for the kids – we just spread out on the lawn. It was casual and fun. Instead of serving refreshments after the recital, I served Cracker Jacks, licorice ropes, packets of sunflower seeds, and cans of soda during the recital. The treats were a HUGE hit! Several adults commented that they loved having something to snack on while the kids played.
What kind of planning and set-up did this kind of recital require?
Not a whole lot more than a regular recital. I normally have my studio recitals in my home – so that requires moving some furniture around and setting up chairs. I usually have some kind of refreshments and, of course, programs as well. For the Spring Musical Celebration, I had refreshments, and a program to make, but no chairs to set up since I had everyone bring their own chairs this time around. I did have to take two digital pianos into my backyard for some ensembles that were to be performed. I had two separate recitals, so I made two giant signs on butcher paper that said “Piano Rocks!”. But, really, it was not a lot more work than any of the other recitals I have done in the past.
What kind of feedback did you receive after this recital?
At home, leading up to the recital, I asked my families to cheer their students practice on, in really sincere ways, and I had almost immediate feedback that new attitudes were being formed on the piano bench. How exciting is that!?!? I had piano families that were figuring out that practice could be fun and something to cheer for.
I have never had a recital that my piano families were more excited about. Parents, grandparents, siblings and many students commented that this was, by far, their favorite recital. I had many families ask me to make this a tradition, which is amazing, because who needs one more thing to do in the month of May? I even had siblings of students that asked to take piano lessons after seeing the fun that we had at the recital. It was a great success – and I am planning on making it a yearly event. I cannot wait to see what new things my piano families will come up with in future years!
What benefits did you observe from hosting a piano recital like this one?
The general excitement and energy from this recital really carried over into lessons in the following weeks. It was a great way to gain some momentum going into the end of the school year when students can get a little lazy in their practice.
Also, this recital definitely created a buzz in the community! I have had comments from people at church and the grocery store who had heard about the unconventional way that I celebrated my students this spring. As piano teachers, we can all use a little more recognition in the community!
Having planned this yourself, what are some tips you would share with piano teachers who might want to try this?
Go for it! This was such a great experience for me and my students that I really can’t wait to do it again. Try not to take yourself or your students too seriously. I loved it when students hammed up their performances with costumes, and silly end-of-performance bows. The audience ate it right up!
Thinking Outside The Box…
Incredible, right?! Thank you so much to Cammie for sharing her enthusiastic approach to piano recitals! What do you think about this idea of holding “Piano Fan” recitals? Share in the comments below.
Have you done something incredible at your studio lately that you would love to share with our readers? Email andrea@teachpianotoday.com and you could be featured in an upcoming post!
You can follow Cammie on Instagram at @cammielouteachespiano
Love this! For the last 2 years I have had “studio recital” t shirts made and we did a name that Tune contest to win a t shirt. This year it was improv to win a t shirt. Everyone played so much better, and my parents all enjoyed it. I like the ideas of noise makers, cow bells, and banners, perhaps next year we’ll head outside too
Hi Amy – sounds like a great time! Love the idea of improv to win a T-shirt 🙂 Thanks for sharing your ideas!
One year my students did a parade for their parents. They came from on the deck next to my piano room playing guitar, violin and sax and flute while three students played the march on the piano! Lots of good feelings all around. Loved the piano recital ideas here!
That sounds like so much fun, Betty! Thanks for sharing the idea 🙂
Looks like fun! My only worry would be the weather. Did you have a backup plan, such as a rain date for the recital? Also, I was wondering if the pianos needed amplifiers to be heard outdoors.
Hi Sherrie!
Good question! I actually did not have a rain date – but I’m the future I will have to plan that. My idea to head outside didn’t come until quite late in the planning stages, so the date had been set. I just crossed my fingers and it worked out! But, in the coming years, I will for sure have a rain date. The weather can be unpredictable in Utah in May for sure!
We have a couple of amps that I had on hand if they were needed, but the clavinova speakers seemed to do just fine on their own!
Sorry,absolutely is not agree! Music is art. Parade,hot dogs, t shirt,noise -for different events! I am teaching kids to listen and play classical music, to understand difference between Mozart and Bach, Rakhmaninoff and Tchaikovskii. In my Recital we do not have time for noise,we have fun from real SOUND of Music!
It might not work for you, but it doesn’t make it not right. All piano teaches are not the same. What works for one might not work for another. Let’s cheer on all teachers that are doing what works for them and encouraging a love for music. I love and play and teach classical music but I have to say that the pretentious attitude that comes with playing classical needs to be challenged.
“Amen, Sister!” to that last statement! Lol
I agree with Ludmila. The value of music for its own sake is being significantly diminished by turning it into a “circus” and focusing on rowdy things that have nothing to do with good music. I want my students to appreciate music for itself. I want my piano recitals to be formal, sophisticated, civilized, polished, refined, and elegant. In my opinion, society is degrading into an unrefined mess, and its good that we still have some culture in the form of quality music being well-played by youngsters. Where else do they have an opportunity like that? Why take that away from them? They already have sporting events to cheer at.
I think the important thing to remember is that what works for one teacher may not work for another. Teachers have different styles and different approaches and there isn’t only one “right” way to enjoy or share music. I liked the idea of this recital as it helped Cammie’s students to connect with their music and to feel celebrated. In my opinion, anything that makes children feel excited about the piano and gives them positive feedback about their involvement in piano lessons is a bonus – no matter what form that may take. Remembering that this was just *one* performance opportunity in a years worth of lessons, I don’t see it as being harmful in any way – there are plenty of times for a more serious, standard approach… shaking it up once in awhile and having fun can really do nothing but good 🙂 To each their own – but supporting other piano teachers, sharing ideas, and lifting each other up will accomplish such great things for our profession – as will being flexible and open to meeting the needs of our students in a variety of ways that may be somewhat unconventional.
Another interesting thing to note is that classical music concerts were not always formal and serious as they are now. In one of Mozart’s letters he notes “when riotous clapping and shouting broke out during the final Allegro of one of his compositions, was so delighted that he “went right after the Sinfonie to the Palais Royale—bought myself an ice cream, prayed a rosary as I had pledged—and went home.”
When performing, Liszt used to take requests from the audience by doing a “draw” from a hat and would delight in jokes that people wrote to him on the pieces of paper. It is well-documented that he had the stage presence of a rockstar with fans who contributed to a frenzied stated they coined “Lisztomania”.
I think if Mozart and Liszt enjoyed a less-formal, enthusiastic audience than those who play their music today can feel good about liking the same 🙂
This is a good read on this topic 🙂 http://www.curatormagazine.com/alex-miller-jr/liszt-we-forget/
Thank you for your comment about my recital. You are right, that kind of setting and tone would not be appropriate for all recitals. I do have a couple of recitals each year that are much more professional. For my studio recital in March, the focus is on classical music and I do require my students to dress up and play on a grand piano. It is a much more formal affair. I also have a Christmas recital in December that we play ensembles and just enjoy the music of the season. I did this particular recital as a fun celebration of music. I let each student choose a piece that they really loved to play. At the recital, we listened to a lot of Jazz music, a few Scott Joplin pieces, and even a Beethoven Sonata movement. Most of the music was fun and light-hearted, so the music was appropriate for the setting. The kids were their own bosses for this one!
I agree that our students should be listening to and learning to love classical music and I do plenty of that in my studio, but the goal of this recital was just to let go and have some fun! I think it worked! Everyone had a great time. I cant wait to do it again next year!
Not every student wants to be a concert pianist or even study the piano at a university level, if they do, my students will be prepared for it, but most of my students will never do that. They will play in church, for the school choir, they will someday be able to accompany their own children and play for their own pleasure. And, hopefully they will pass their love for all kinds of good music on to their families and communities.
I feel like I am helping my students to love playing the piano and to love music of every kind. I feel like as a piano teacher – that is my most important job, and I take it seriously! Playing the piano is fun! I want to make it my mission to spread that joy to as many people as I possibly can.
Beautifully said… Can’t wait to try something like this! Thank you for having a spirit of joy and fun, as well as celebrating the accomplishments of your students. How awesome.
My students’ favorite recitals are in May and we play at the adult day care center. They do dress up sort of, and the precious people truly celebrate these students… sometimes clapping and/or singing along. Afterwards we head to the restaurant of their choice (usually pizza).
Our recital theme this Spring was Celebrating Music We Love. I handed out noise makers to audience and I was really surprised at how enthusiastic they were with blowing horns ! I attached students names to helium balloons and random members of the audience picked a balloon ,pulled it down and read the name of the student who would then be the next performer.
I love this idea of getting families involved ahead of time,and having snacks DURING the recital. Definitely a “goal”for our next one! Thanks for sharing !!
Sounds fantastic and fun Jeanette! 🙂 Love the balloon idea – thanks so much for sharing!
I like the creativity! We have done versions of this but nothing like taking the pianos outside! My two daughters and I teach piano and the students play/practice on both of the pianos which my mom and dad played on as kids (both of my grandmother’s pianos). One is downstairs and one is upstairs. For recitals, kids come in, RUN upstairs to run through their songs one last time before sitting on the stairs which are in full view of the ‘recital piano’ in the family room. Sometimes we have two recitals and sometimes we move it to our elementary school where I teach, for lack of enough space… We have done many versions of ‘name that tune’ during which the program has the child’s name but not the song name and the audience fills in the blanks. That’s most fun at Christmas of course! Also, it’s great to see the older folks light up when the kids play songs from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s! Sometimes we have a professional (we have two in the neighbornood) come in and play something crazy hard and amazing. We have also had programs where we give the kids’ biographies, had students introduce each other, have sing-alongs, etc. It is fun to be creative with the recitals because it is HARD for some kids to play before an audience.
Your recitals sound lovely and enjoyable, Jeanne! Thanks for sharing your ideas (love the idea of program biographies!)
These are wonderful ideas! I love the idea of having some advanced piano players come in to share their talents.
This is a nice modern take on recitals. I can understand what Ludmila said, it might not be right for all styles of music, but it definitely seems great for encouraging kids and families who can benefit from this venue. So many kids have weekly softball, basketball, or soccer practices etc… competing with their piano lessons…. Or they attend football games or baseball that they see families cheering for their siblings. THIS is a great way to include them to feel encouraged. 🙂
Hi Anna – exactly – each teacher has their own style and that’s what makes our profession so lovely! So many different styles – if everyone was the same it would be awfully boring 🙂 Yes, this idea of cheering for musicians as enthusiastically as we do for athletes is something I think is really important! Thanks for your comment.
Ludmila, I understand. But after having students choose to play unscheduled soccer games instead of playing at their recital, I have gone with the “Team” idea also. It was the parents that had actually made the call that their children’s soccer team was depending on them. I understand. But the students have gotten to know one another, and actually root for each other’s success. In my
communications with the parents, I am nudging them toward supporting their Piano Team. Recitals are getting larger audiences. Three cheers for the team approach. And, maybe next time, the Team can appear in wigs and lace!
Hi Robin – thanks so much for your comment! I’m so glad that you’re experiencing success with your recitals. Wigs and lace would be so much fun 😉
I don’t think it is appropriate for a recital. If you observe classical concerts from professionals, competitions such as the Van Cliburn, and serious performers, this is not preparing your students for a future as a classically trained professional. I try to have all my recitals on acoustic pianos, preferably grands, and teach on the same. I think learning the culture of classical music as an art which IS refined and quiet and formal will prepare my students for other professional etiquette needed in other areas of life. That said, I think having a separate event that is casual is a fun idea. I have plans for an outdoor recital but with a rented piano and set up more formal. And I always have siblings request lessons after every recital, and often parents too.
Hi Marie – thanks for your comment! Your outdoor recital sounds lovely. Learning performance etiquette is important – especially if your students are destined for a career in piano performance. For some teachers (whose students may have different “piano goals”), this may not always be the case (perhaps they will one day be in a group like The Piano Guys where less-formal performance skills are required!) 🙂 I’ve found it interesting to read about how classical music concerts actually used to be quite rowdy and exciting – Liszt’s concerts especially were notoriously “Rock Star-esque” – perhaps a return to this occasionally is actually a good music history lesson that can be interesting for our students!
I totally agree! I don’t find this kind of an idea impressive at all. I think that way too many things get “dumbed down” for children as it is. How will they ever be ready for the real world if every single activity and situation is devised to make them ‘feel good’? I’m a young adult, and I am very thankful that I was given a formal and professional setting to perform in. It prepares you for life far better than hot dogs and t-shirts will. I understand that some teachers would rather have a fun and positive theme. In my opinion though, you can be positive but still challenge kids to be professional and ‘refined’ (as Marie said). 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Cheyenne! It’s very true that there are all kinds of different ways of teaching piano and I for one am thrilled that there is such variety in approach – how boring if we were all the same 🙂 I suppose I’m in the “camp” that believes there is plenty of time for children to be in the “real world” – childhood is fleeting and so I try to make it as magical and as positive and “feel good” as I can while they’re young. I certainly understand the opposing opinion, but personally I lean in the opposite direction. Cammie does do more formal recitals as well during the year to prepare her students for a more subdued performance environment. I think having a chance to let loose and have fun isn’t dumbing anything down – but instead giving kids a chance to just be kids… which I think is also important. Hot dogs and t-shirts may actually be a part of their musical life at some point – you just never know! I’m sure Jon Schmidt’s piano teacher never imagined he’d one day play piano upside down for millions of dollars 😉 LOL Thanks for sharing your side – we appreciate it! The sharing of ideas is so important.
Last year I did a recital with movie songs and matching t shirts which I held at our church and turned on the light bars behind the students. I also had a guest pianist who was one of the student’s mother. This year I again had the parents purchase matching t shirts which were glittery if they wanted and we held the recital at the high school auditorium on stage with a full sized grand piano. Each student played a solo piece and then I played a duet with each student from the book from pianobookclub. I also interspersed little known facts about pianos and music and threw in a hole at the end. Everyone gave great feedback on both.
This sounds absolutely lovely Laura! Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas!
I have learned from your ideas, but I do not know what you mean when you say that you threw in a hole at the end. Please explain.
This is my second year to do a bit of a twist with my summer students. My summer session is June – July. Each student chooses a favorite song from their favorite musical, video or song on the radio. I make certain we can purchase it at the appropriate level for them. During these eight weeks, we focus not only on playing the song but all the theory that surrounds the song (i.e. key signature, tempo markings, intense note spelling and interval training). On performance evening, all children get to dress up as someone or something that applies to their song. Last year we had an Egyptian princess and Darth Vade with his light saber perform. The children loved it and the parents really enjoyed the recital because there was humor and fun involved. I also had a granddad play a duet with his 6th grader. This particular recital did not include students over 12 – unless he/she requested to be on this particular recital. I have a separate type recital for the 12-18 year old students that involves recital, refreshments and a movie. Summer is a time I get to really connect with my students on a personal level. It’s definitely a win-win situation.
Hi Charlotte – love your ideas! Thank you so much for taking the time to share 🙂
Haha the idea that it HAS to be “one or the other” is kind of funny.
The first recital I ever hosted was very formal. It was lovely. The parents were pleased, the kids were proud. Now that we’ve gotten a few “formal piano recitals” under our belts, I’m looking forward to doing a more fun and silly recital. This coming Christmas recital I’m contemplating having a “Carols & PJs” recital, where the kids get to wear Christmas pajamas and Santa hats and play one piece from memory, and one that is a sing-along carol.
Once in awhile it’s okay to have a performance that is preda reward for the kids. They can learn about composers and compositional forms and still have fun too.
Carols and PJ’s is SUCH a great theme! Love it 🙂
My students love our Halloween recital where everyone gets to wear their Halloween costume including me. I’ve had students who choose a costume that goes along with the theme of their piece. It’s so fun! We eat Halloween themed treats and witches bubbling brewed Rootbeer for dessert. It’s by far my students favorite recital; Halloween and minor music are a perfect fit!
Sounds amazing Teresa! The matching costumes to pieces is a great way to really connect students with their pieces as well! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I found the above comments really interesting! It goes to show how teaching styles and student goals have greatly changed since the last century.
It’s apparent that there are classical teachers here with the intent of raising up professional musicians. Kudos to you on your teaching style and and the excellence you bring to your profession. In today’s society, however, yours is a rare studio, with even rarer students. It is important that you extend grace and understanding toward those of us who teach students that you may not consider for your studios. We teach the majority: students from busy families, with multiple children and many interests. Their parents value music education and want it to be taken seriously, but in moderation as fits their families lifestyle.
As a teacher, I, like so many other teachers here, want my 21st century students to learn to love music in a way that resonates deeply within them and builds into their lives. I have students that love classical, while others love jazz and improv so much that it becomes their “reward” for practicing well during the week. I have worship students learning to play and sing with chord charts. Yes, they play classical and a variety of other genres, and yes, I care deeply about their theory, technique, and performance ability, etc…But! I teach to their interests and strengths as much as possible. Along the way, we develop deep trust and caring relationships which are just as important as the musical training. It may not be as lofty or “professional” as training someone to play at Carnegie Hall, but it is just as worthy to the children who’s lives we build into.
I think that no matter HOW we teach or how many degrees we have…how stuffy or lax or creative or basic our teaching styles and recitals are, we need to applaud and respect each other as teachers in this most worthy profession.
And Cammie…. Wowee! Way to be creative! You spoke multitudes into the lives of your children and their families. They may forget what piece they played that day, but they will never forget the teacher who turned their recital into a joy-filled experience. Thanks for the inspiration!!!!
Very well stated Jennifer! There is room for every approach and I applaud teachers with the creativity and bravery to try whatever it takes to encourage and motivate students to stay with piano. And, truth be told, sometimes am a bit envious of the apparent seriousness, commitment and ‘discipline’ of some teachers’ students (I applaud the hard work that goes into that as well!)
Sometimes students just simply go through a rough patch and need that extra bit of fun to keep them going. I have one student, who comes to mind immediately, who most likely would not be at all interested or involved in the more ‘serious’ music today if not for much fun & games getting her through some rough spots of distractions and attitudes earlier on in her musical development. She loves her classical music, but that isn’t the only food-group on her plate… she is now composing and improvising and collaborating with friends all the time.
There are still many opportunities for the more quiet performance settings with festivals and exams and…
Cheering for all piano teachers everywhere!!!! Regardless of HOW you choose to do your recitals 😉
Great comments, Penny! Thank you 🙂
I love her creativity and think it’s something very relatable for families. I would have to give it some thought in my case, as I have some families who strictly want a classical approach and value the formal recitals very highly. Still she is to be commended for a very original idea and so happy it worked out so well!
Hi Paula! Yes, Cammie has a formal performance opportunities at other times of the year as well to satisfy that part of her studio – I thought this was a great idea to bring some balance. I’ve often been surprised at the delight that I personally see from families who I assumed were “strictly classical” when we do something out of the norm!
Every recital I try to do a different theme. One time we did it at a retirement home for elderly folks. This spring it was Movie Night and I told the kids they could dress up like characters in the movie song they were playing…I try to make them less “formal” and more fun and dramatic. I also always put something in the program about the kids: their favorite movie, their Christmas wish, etc…..then the parents have fun looking at the program and trying to figure out which kids said what.
Sounds like so much fun, Jennifer! What a creative idea 🙂
A few summers ago I did an outdoor “gig” I called
“Go Play Outside!” Similar to some others that posted, kind of an outdoor cafe atmosphere….in my backyard, digital piano on the deck, tip jar, food and drink, lawn chairs, blankets, conversation. The students came up at will to play something from their prepared repertoire. Some played many, some played one or two. There wasn’t really any lag in the music. I live by the commons area and so there were some bikers/walkers that stopped to listen now and then. It was so nice. The hardest part was deciding on a date since summer is family vacation time! Also had to hope for nice weather! I’d love to do it again, though. (ps. I split all the tip money evenly and paid each student at their next lesson!)
Oh, wow! This is great! Thanks so much for sharing. Now, I live in South Carolina, and we don’t even walk our dogs without bug spray and antihistamines! I sure would love an outdoor Recital, but has anyone achieved this sort of theme indoors?? If so, can you share your ideas, please?!
I love thinking outside of the box! I’m glad there are teachers for different kinds of students. I have a teacher friend that is a very formal classical teacher. I am more of a recreational teacher. My students just want to have fun and be able to play songs they love. I don’t think we can deny them that if it is within our power to do that. When I do get an inquiry about a serious classical student, I usually refer them to my teacher friend. I’m glad there are different strokes for different folks. Some students would definitely miss out if teachers only offered rigid classical piano training. Other students would miss out if teachers only offered a more relaxed learning approach.
Hi Cammie! Would you be willing to share the letter you sent to parents explaining the recital and how you wanted it to feel?
I too would be very interested in the email you sent to parents.