25% of you (who voted) DO require memorization at recitals
50% DO NOT
25% require memorization for some recitals but not others

65% of you (who voted) DO perform at your students’ recitals
24% of you DO NOT

Do you think these numbers are a good representation of what you have encountered in your years of teaching?

If you never voted, go here and here to do so!

She’s one of my best students- always practices, always on time, always has her books, always is polite and well mannered. 

It was such a reward to hear from her own mouth that she loves piano lessons!

My own mother “made” me take piano lessons.  I desperately wanted to start lessons to be like my older brothers.  But after a year or two, I was DONE.  I wanted to play with my friends, not go sit in the house and practice.  Thank goodness my mom forced me to stick with lessons.  The piano is now one of my greatest joys!  (As well as a source of income!)

Did you want to take lessons as a child or were you forced?

I have decided, for the first time, not to require memorization at this recital.  I know it will take pressure off, but I wonder if it will mean that pieces won’t be as polished.

I know this subject has been discussed in many forums before, but I am interested to know how Piano Teacher’s Retreat feel about memorization at recitals.

Feel free to leave a comment about your reasoning behind your decision!

I am working hard on my Brahms piece you all helped me choose!  (Thank you, by the way!  I LOVE this piece).

I know many teachers don’t perform at their students’ recitals.  My teachers always did, so when I began teaching, I just assumed it was my responsibility as a teacher!  I didn’t realize I even had an option!  However, I am supremely happy I made my decision to perform at recitals.  My reasons are many:

1. I think it is good for my students to know that I can play the piano.  Oftentimes, I think they think I don’t know what I’m talking about when I ask them to do certain exercises.  Hearing me play reminds them that I’ve been there, done that, and have succeeded.
2. I think students need something to aspire to.  Hearing advanced music helps them with that.
3. It’s also good for my students’ parents to know that I can play the piano and they are getting their money’s worth.
4. My students get very energized after hearing me play. 
5. As selfish as this reason is, performing at recitals helps my abilities!  Performing forces me to practice and keep on top of my technique.

I know many teachers don’t want to steal the thunder from their students, so they choose not to perform.  However, I don’t think it steals the thunder if a teacher performs at the end of a recital.  It’s a nice way to close the recital, and also give students something to work towards. 

I watched a video the other day of a flamenco dance performance.  After the performance was over, the teacher performed alone while the students stood around her.  I was happy to see her abilities, and did not feel it took away from the students’ performance.

I still remember the recital where my teacher performed “The Flight of the Bumblebee.”  I went to my next lesson begging to play it.  Her performance gave me something to aspire to, and in no way took away from my good feelings about my own performance that day.

Even though I have my opinion, I would love to hear yours!

Feel free to leave a comment explaining your reasoning!