Recital Opportunities for students

[puggiebabies]

I'm new to this forum, please bear with me if this has been discussed before.

As a part-time teacher with only 2-3 students, or I should say a new teacher in the process of building up my network of students, I find my students disadvantaged by my lack of resources. My own piano teacher was very resourceful and through her connections, I had opportunities to perform in numerous recitals all through my study. I found opportunities to perform very important in my learning process and I think most pianists would agree with me on that.

Any ideas, from the wealth of knowledge in this forum, on how to enrich the learning experience for my students?

[abell88]

How about a joint recital with another new teacher (I did that once; we just mixed the students up, so it wasn't all hers and then all mine). You can even have a mini-recital with just your students and maybe a guest artist...I had one for seven students once; I had a former student who had gone on to study flute come and play a  duet with me. You can also perform at the recital...this will make the recital a little longer and also demonstrate your pianistic abilities, which of itself could lead to more students.

Are there any festivals your students could perform in...if not, maybe you and a few others could start one...start small, rent a church hall with a decent piano, get someone who knows what they're talking about to adjudicate (doesn't have to be competitive)...who knows how big it could get?

[sonatainfsharp]

At the studio where I teach, many teachers only have a few students. They solve this issue by having a combined recital. Kids love it and so does the audience.

[puggiebabies]

These comments are great.
I guess I should've clarified my conditions a little bit better. I've just moved into my neighbourhood about 4 months ago from the opposite coast of the country (4hrs plane ride), so my piano teacher and all my piano-teaching buddies are all 4-hrs-plane-ride away. I guess my next question would be, how do you hook up with the local piano community ?!

[abell88]

Hang out at a music store, call local churches or community centres and ask if they have/know anyone who teaches piano (or even know anyone who's taking lessons), check local advertising...I guess the same things you would do if you were looking for someone to teach you.

[maryruth]

If you're in the USA join a local chapter of the MTNA (Music Teacher's National Association). 

[maryruth]

Even with just a few students you can put together a pretty good recital.  I just started teaching in September and thus far only have 11 students.  I just had my spring recital with 5 students who were ready and just those 5 students generated an audience of 45--that's a pretty big audience for a hand full of first year K-6th graders.  Plus, each child played 1-2 songs plus did 1-2 duets with me.  So, we had a 35 minute show plus cake afterwards.  It was a nice event.

Also, look into putting on a recital at a local Retirement Center.  These places often have pianos and are looking for entertainment.  You can also get a little publicity if you contact the local paper--often they'll publish your "free" recital in the "What's Happening" section---Advertise as follows  "Jane Smith's Piano Studio will be performing a free recital at the Old Folks' Home this weekend"

It's just an idea.

[puggiebabies]

Those are all great ideas and they're all very much appreciated.
I'll post updates when I put these into action  .