Planning a piano recital

[tdurfey]

I have 11 piano students, the oldest one is a sophmore in high school and would like to begin preparing them for a piano recital to be held in June.  Only a couple of them are at a level to work on more classical style pieces.  Many are young beginners.  Would appreciate any advice on what pieces to assign them for the recital.  Is it necessary to have a theme for the recital or just pick some favorites everybody knows and recognizes?  Should I pick something familiar to them from the current books or try to find pieces of recital sheet musc?  These pieces are often so short that they last only a minute or so.  Specific pieces you would recommend would be helpful.  Also, how much time should I have them prepare for the recital-when should I assign these?  Thanks for all your help.

tdurfey

[pianoannie]

There are no specific "right answers" to your questions, but I'll be glad to share some of my opinions.  I've only done a theme recital once, and though it was fun, it was more work, and I wouldn't recommend it for your first recital.
For younger, beginning students, they could make a lot of progress between now and June.  I'd suggest that 4-6 weeks before the recital, just have them choose a couple of their current favorites to play for the recital.  Avoid the temptation to choose a piece that is beyond their level in order for them to sound more impressive at the recital--it will probably backfire.  I often play a duet part with young beginners--my presence with them at the piano gives them extra confidence.  And yes, their pieces may be quite short, but that's fine for their age and level.
If you can be more specific about some ages and levels of your students, I'll try to suggest some of my students' favorite pieces that might be suitable.

[tdurfey]

Thanks for your advice pianoannie.  This is actually the second recital we will be doing.  Last June we had one. and it went pretty well.  I have three students who are in the Primer books of the Bastien series, three in Level 1, and then a mix in levels two, three and four levels.  Youngest is 6, oldest is 16.  Any additional advice-anyone?

[pianoannie]

Here are some of my favorite sheets, that students always love.  You can look them up in the publishers catalog to find out levels.  I'll put an asterisk by my very favorites, but these are all pieces I have used in recitals, and should fall within the range of your students' abilities. (nothing past early intermediate)

Alfred Publ:
Chimes
Dream Echoes*
Ladybug Boogie*
The Kangaroo that Almost Flew
Melissa's Melody
Morning Dew*
My Cat Bill
Old Daddy Longlegs*
Reflections in the Pool
Rocking Horse Rag* (a great beginner piece with teacher duet)
Rondo Capriccio*** (I think this is Alfred; composed by Lynn Freeman Olson)
Strawberry Sundae Rag* (another great beginner/teacher duet)

FJH:
Evening Promenade
First Winter's Snow*
Jazz Pizazz*
Marshmallow Rag
Plurals
Prelude No. 1*
Snowflakes Dancing*

I forget the publisher for these:
The Midnight Horseman*** by Millie Eben, fantastic duet, especially for boys!
Detective Belvedere* by M. Springer

Also, some books you might want to look at, that are filled with great pieces are:
Contest Winners, bk 1,2, 3 (Alfred)
The Best of Martha Mier 1,2,3 (Alfred)
Solos in Style (I think there are 2 levels; the first level is great for beginners because they have such nice teacher duets)
Jazz, Rags, & Blues 1,2,3,4 by Martha Mier (Alfred)
Simply Silly (Early elem) FJH
Spotlight on Piano Solos bk 1 (early elem)

Hope some of these books and sheets work out for you!
pianoannie

[crotchet]

tdurfey:  For the very early beginner students I usually let them pick their favorite piece from the method book they are studying from and because they are short I put repeat signs at the end.  This way, they play it twice and if they are able the repeat can be an octave higher.  For 2nd year and up, students, I buy a suitable piece of sheet music for them.  Having a 'special' piece for the recital instead of the regular lesson book is more appealing to them and makes the recital a special event.  This Sunday I am having a Valentine recital so I have picked pieces with 'love' , 'heart' or whatever in the title.  Waltzes also come under this category.  I have one student even playing the wedding march.  Hope this helps.