Beginner Recital

[pianodeanne]

How soon is a good time to have a recital for beginner piano students?  I would like for them to experience exposure, no matter how great they can play.  In doing this, I also believe this might make them more competitive, or enthusiastic, in future lessons.  What do you think?

[louellen]

Include your beginners at informal recitals as soon as they have a couple of pieces that they are proud of and sure of.  They will be inspired by hearing the others, even more so when the kids perform spontaneously while the adults are chowing down afterward, and the parents of the advanced students will be reminded of how far their darlings have progressed.  

I always call my informal recitals "parties", and we do have a great time.  There is often at least one student who takes a giant leap as a result, and most of them at least pick up speed.

Show 'em off!

[djar]

I believe that early and frequent performance is very important for beginners.  Mine perform for each other at group lessons and at "recitals" that in homes and more like parties than recitals.  Of course there is always fun and festivity.  I have a rule that only those who wish to play, play.  Occasionally there is a child who takes a while to warm up to a situation, and I do not pressure them to play at all.  But usually, when they see all their friends playing, they want to play too.  I encourage my early beginners to play even if all they know is "Hot Cross Buns" on the three black keys, which they often learn at their very first lesson.