Piano Recital Protocol

[rgh55]

I was curious as to how other piano teachers structure recitals.

Do you announce the student and the piece they perform?
Do you hold a reception afterwards?
In what order to the students perform?

Thank you!

[ramseytheii]

From my distant past this is how we did it.  The students performed in ascending order of approximate level of accomplishment, though it was usually tied to age.  So for instance, child beginners would play first, and adult beginners would usually be fit in later. 

For the youngest the teacher announced the student and piece.  For others, the teacher wrote or typed on a card what they were to say.

Receptions were always held afterwards.

Walter Ramsey

[Bob]

I think it's good to announce things.  Not everyone gets a program and you can't always read the program with the lighting.

[anfauvelle]

I do about 35-45 minutes before the reception then 35-45 minutes after.  I start with the beginners and move up to advanced in each half.  I also put siblings in different halves to force them to stay the entire recital (hehe). 
I like to announce the kids myself.  That way, if anyone is drifting off, I can do a Beethoven and get suddenly loud as I introduce.  (Plus, I enjoy being the center of attention. ; )
This year I'm asking parents to bring goodies.  They've offered and since these kids can really put it away-there aren't even crumbs left!- I'm loving that idea.

[dan101]

I would try to keep things under an hour for a student recital. In the past, I announced pieces and made a lot of small jokes to keep things fun. However, parents do find it cute to hear their little ones announce. It's a tough call.

Definately give them a small reception after (perhaps a price-club cake). Anything is appreciated.

Good luck.

[Bob]

Yes, I agree on the hour thing.  Or less.  I don't think I've ever heard a parent complaining that something was 45 minutes.  Over an hour, yes, they complain.  30 minutes might be a bit short and make them wonder why the drove out.

If it's too long, you can always split it and do two (or more).  I've seen a few teachers rent out a space for the afternoon and do recitals every two hours (or whatever their schedules were). 

I have never been more nervous than when having students perform.  It must be a control thing, but I didn't expect that.

[anfauvelle]

Our  recital is in two weeks.  I've asked my older students if they want to announce their own songs and the results was an overwhelming, enthusiastic "YES!".  One even went on to tell me how he would explain his composition.  (It's about a power plant with a faulty valve that allows pressure build up causing the plant to explode-and it does too-with a crashing, dissonant chord at the end. )

Good thread, hadn't even really thought about letting the students do it until I read this. 

[slobone]

Receptions aren't mandatory, but they're always nice. It should only start after the playing is over, so the students can relax and enjoy it.

I think it's a good idea to make some sort of announcement between pieces to cover the awkward gap while one student leaves and another enters. If the students want to do it themselves, all the better.

But please, as a longtime student who's suffered through many recitals -- is there anything that can be done to make them less nerve-wracking? Everybody knows these are students, not professionals, so why should they feel the same pressure as Evgeny Kissin performing at Carnegie Hall? I'm sure many students have quit taking lessons because recitals are such torture...

[karenwatts]

Hi. I've held recitals for five years now as I feel they are important for lots of reasons- it gives the children a chance to display their talents to their parents and friends/peers and by starting young (even my beginners perform) in a small non-threatening environment, hopefully I try to alleviate the nerves at least a little.
I keep them under an hour as everyone gets restless. The children know the routine now- I print up a list of names so they know the order, and each child announces their own pieces, bow, performs,  bows again after and returns to their seat. That way I can sit on the side (trying not to stress out too much!) and watch the parents watching their children. I hold drinks and nibbles afterwards where the parents bring a plate and I provide soft drink for the children.
Have fun and good luck