Don't Skip A Music Recital! Our Top Three Reasons They are Important!
“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.”
— Bryn Terfel
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 annual Spring Gala recitals in May, with over 350 students and teachers performing. 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 last a lifetime. Music recitals provide a springboard for further development as a musician, enabling them to perform in bands and gigs, while also instilling confidence and courage.
We can all agree that recitals are beneficial and do more than just entertain family and friends; they also stimulate personal development, foster integrity, and inspire student motivation and commitment.
Here are our top three 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 tend to have more confidence, which directly correlates with gaining confidence in other aspects of life.
2. Seeing Others Perform & Staying Motivated
When we experience others making mistakes while performing, 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 provide students to strive for, which keeps them motivated and engaged. They are crucial for maintaining a reason to practice harder and stay focused.
3. Showing Hard Work & Tracking Progress
Goals are essential to have in life. In school, we have tests, report cards, and graduation …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 your progress and feel a sense of growth.
Recitals inspire family members and also help the continued lifelong study of music. They also foster a sense of wholeness between students and staff, creating 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!!!!