I had a great Students Only Recital this past week. 

My aim in doing a recital just for students was twofold.

1. To make performing less stressful.  The students were slightly nervous when they got to my house.  They would be performing, after all!  But as they walked in, I handed them a number.  They then were allowed to sit wherever they wanted.  Both these factors eased fears, since students are used to sitting in a designated spot and holding a program at regular recitals.  I allowed each student to start with one piece.  When everyone had finished their pieces, I asked if anyone wanted to play another.  Two non-shy hands shot up right away.  Motivated by those successes, several shy hands raised into the air as well.  Mostly everyone ended up playing two pieces- one they had prepared for and one they had not.  These spontaneous performances helped my students feel comfortable around each other.  They were able to actually experience the FUN of performing!
2. To create a cameraderie amongst students.  I’ve said this before.  I think it’s important that students have friends in music.  There are many reasons- they can motivate each other to keep going, they can help each other aspire to be better, they can create music together.  So a large part of my recital was devoted to meeting each other and getting to know each other’s names.

After everyone performed, we sat in a circle on the floor.  We started tap/clapping a simple beat: Hit legs, clap, hit legs, clap… We then went around the room, and said each person’s name in rhythm.

Rebecca

Hit legs, clap

James

Hit legs, clap

and so on.

Everyone did a good job.  My youngest student, a 5 year old, had a little trouble keeping the beat.  However, I anticipated this, and sat next to him so I could help.

After we played that game, we played another silly name games that had the kids literally rolling on the floor in hysterics.  I’m sure you’ve heard this game.  Each person chooses an animal that starts with the first letter of her name.  I was Rebecca Rabbit.  Then, each person goes around the room taking a turn at trying to remember everyone’s name and animal.

Such a simple game, but the silly laughs everyone shared really brought my students together!

I have asked each student this week if they can name everyone who was at the recital.  Everybody (even the 5 year old) has been able to do it!

Have you ever done a Students Only Recital?

I know this isn’t original.  I’m pretty sure I read this in a forum somewhere.  So I am totally stealing somebody else’s idea.  But it’s been SO effective in my studio lately that I MUST share it here!

When introducing eighth notes, tell your student to say “apple” instead of “1 and.”  Quarter notes will also now become “pear.”  This is much easier for a child to do.  Instead of counting “1 and 2, 3 and 4,” they say “apple pear, apple pear.”  Surprisingly, this does not seem to confuse them in the slightest.  And they actually get the rhythms right!  Even successful “1 and” counters tend to get choppy rhythms.  But “apple pear” counters don’t have that problem!

Plus, it’s fun for their families to hear them saying such sill things while they play the piano!

Do you do this already?  Do you have any other silly words you use?