Mel Bay's Creative Keyboard® Webzine

THE SPRING PIANO RECITAL

Some piano students find their piano recital a frightening experience. Others enjoy performing in front of an audience. Whether a student has played in many recitals or it is their first recital, here are some suggestions to make playing in public easier.

Practice your piano solo in front of your family or friends.

Play your piece with your eyes closed.

Play your solo three times in a row perfect.

Study the music away from the piano and make sure you really know the structure of the piece.

Go outside or in another room of your home and mentally play thru your piano solo in your mind.

Think thru your piece and tap the rhythm of the treble clef, then, tap the rhythm of the bass clef.

Learn something about the composer of your piece.

Leave for your recital in plenty of time so you can relax before the concert.

Try to be relaxed and enjoy playing your piece.

Practice announcing the title and composer of your piece.

Imagine that you are the only person there and just do your best.

At the recital, before playing your piece, make sure the piano bench is close enough for you or far enough back. If it is adjustable, move the side roll to the position most comfortable. First place your hands in your lap. Next, place your hands in position over the first notes or chords you will play. Begin playing. Do not stop even if you make a mistake. Do not start over just keep playing, you will make it thru.

Stand up and take a bow.

Every time you play in public it will get a little easier. Enjoy listening to the other students play their pieces and perhaps you will hear a piece you would like to learn to play. Be a good listener.

Here's an example of a great beginning recital piece: