We’re gearing up for our spring recital here.  I always get excited to see my students perform.  Most of them get incredibly nervous (of course), but end up positively glowing after a job well done.  Recitals are a huge rush for me!  (Even with all the stress).

Planning this recital is bringing back memories of my first studio recital as a teacher.  My students were all brand new- the longest any had been taking lessons was probably about 3 months!  Every single one of my 9 or 10 students was in the primer level.  I borrowed folding chairs and thoroughly cleaned the house so I could cram all of my students and their parents into my tiny living room.  I spent hours making refreshments.  I arranged for a babysitter since my husband had to work.  I agonized over what to wear, and spent hours making sure I looked dressy and professional since I would be meeting several parents for the first time (i had only met one parent of each child at that time). 

And after all that preparation, the recital, refreshments, and pictures were over in less than 15 minutes!  Each student’s piece took 30 seconds or less, and there was very little “dead air” for walking back to seats since the seats were all right next to the piano!  I even played a part of my piece twice because I was so nervous, and that STILL didn’t add much to the total time!

It was quite possibly a little ridiculous, but it was also a lot of fun.   Even though my students were all fresh little newbies, I think it was great to get them out performing in front of people.  They had something to be proud of and were able to receive lots of praise and encouragement!

Have you ever had a ridiculous recital?  What about a disaster of a recital?