Recital and Awards Ceremony

Author: admin

20 May

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How do you handle awards?

I have a few students receiving awards for participating in MTNA programs this year. I want to hand those awards out at our recital a couple weeks from now. I feel those students deserve public recognition. I also hope that other students will be more interested in participating in programs next year when they see their peers getting awards.

My concern, of course, is this: What about the kids who will receive no award? Will they feel bad? Will their parents feel bad? Should I make up some studio awards- such as Most Improved, Excellent Sight Reader, etc. so that every student gets some sort of award? But will that cheapen the “real” awards?

What is your take on handing out awards publicly? How have you done it in the past?

Filed under: Problems- Help me!

4 Responses for "Recital and Awards Ceremony"

Laura May 20th, 2009 at 7:15 am 1
I do awards, too. I give certificates to everyone that say something like “Great Performance on Spring Recital 2009.” I explain that these certificates are no small thing – they represent skills learned and achievements made over an entire year of piano study. I give pins to all of the students who reached a certain level of points in my incentive program. My plan is that all of the students will reach this, but I had two boys this time who didn’t make their points. I told them in advance that they wouldn’t be getting the pins at the recital. They were so far behind on their points, that it was no surprise. When I started the “awards ceremony,” I explained to everyone what the certificates and pins were for, but when I called each student up, I didn’t say what they were getting – I just handed them either a certificate or a certificate AND pin. I had two students who absolutely outdid themselves with the incentive program, reaching the goal points long before the others, and doing lots of extra work beyond the assignments. They each got a medal.

I worried for a while about my two boys. But, then I decided that it wouldn’t be fair to deny the other students their deserved moment in the spotlight because they had been slack. They understood, and their parents did, too.
Leslie May 20th, 2009 at 10:11 pm 2
I also give awards at the piano recital. Each student gets a small trophy for participating… after all, every student did have to work alot on their pieces and it takes courage to perform in front of others! But I also give a certificate and ribbon to those who qualify for “Outstanding Student”. Several students may receive this award, but they have met a list of requirements throughout the year (basically a student who is very well prepared each week…observes dynamics, tempo, hand positions, looks at music – not hands, etc.) I find this extra award and recognition encourage some of my students to do better.
Leslie May 20th, 2009 at 10:19 pm 3
P.S. My previous post is how I handle MY awards, but if I were you, and you don’t usually give an award to each student – I would give only the students who participated in the MTNA programs their award at the piano recital as you planned. I think this WOULD encourage other students to be in the programs/festivals.
piano music lessons June 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 am 4
Giving an awards to the students is a big honor for them. They see the result of their hard work when they practicing and they really challenges them. And so many students will inspire because they see whats the feeling of being one of the most outstanding student.