“If you have a Recital to do,
you have to memorize the songs.
I never use music when I do recitals.
It produces an instant barrier,
both for yourself and the audience.”
Recitals are a fantastic opportunity for musicians to perform with their peers, get over nerves, and play or sing a song they have been working on. Some students look forward to recitals, and some get nervous. Regardless of how students feel about them, they are always excited to take a bow after their performance.
We completed our yearly Spring Gala recitals in May, and over 350 students and teachers performed. All of our performers dressed up, performed their songs, took a bow, and in the end, were simply ecstatic about their performances.
The wonderful memories and the anticipation of performing and doing well in a recital lasts a lifetime. Music recitals provide a springboard for further development as a musician to perform in bands and gigs as well as instill confidence and courage.
We can all agree that recitals are beneficial and do more than entertain family and friends; they also stimulate personal development, develop integrity, and trigger student motivation and commitment.
Here are our top 3 tips and reasons why Recitals are so important.
1.Overcoming Stage Fright & Gaining Confidence
While this may seem impossible, many students get over it after their first performance. For many people, including me, stage fright is an intense anxiety that seems insurmountable. Performing regularly helps tremendously. Students who perform regularly have more confidence, which directly correlates to gaining confidence within other life activities.
2. Seeing Others Perform & Staying Motivated
When we experience others performing and make mistakes, we realize the world doesn't end! We all make mistakes. If one happens, keep going, but when we see it first hand and see that the audience claps even louder, we learn that recitals are more about fun than perfection. Recitals give students a goal to reach and work for, which keeps them motivated and engaged, and they are crucial to have as a reason to practice harder and continually stay focused.
3. Showing Hard Work & Tracking Progress
Goals are essential to have in life. In school, we have tests, report cards, and graduating…In music, we have performances, recitals, and gigs. Performing what you've learned gives a sense of accomplishment and provides growth opportunities that will last a lifetime. In addition, looking back at previous performances helps you track progress and feel growth.
Recitals inspire family members and also help the continued lifelong study of music. They also generate a sense of wholeness between students and staff and create a musical community. Students do not get to meet other peers until at a recital. Students who get to know their musical peers feel they belong to a community, which ultimately leads to greater motivation and belonging!! And we think that just ROCKS!!!!