Recital Preparation for You and Your Students

The steps to execute a top notch recital!

Monet Payne

Community Manager

TakeLessons.com

Topics to be covered

• Imagine…

• Definition: Top Notch Recital

• Five “Ws”• Technology

• Follow Up

• Recital Challenge

Imagine

• If you were told that you would never have an opportunity to perform again…

• How would that make you feel?

My Experience

How do we define a top notch recital?

• An outlet for a student to find their way in the world through music.

• Bigger is not necessarily better.• An opportunity to give your students a

voice – very important!

• They’ll stick around, and they’ll love you even more!

• It’s easier than you think…

Why• FAQ –

“Does the teacher provide recitals for their students?”– Advertise on your profile

• Retention– Provides proof of where their

money is going– Provides a “WOW” experience

• Self-Confidence– Opportunity for recognition

What

Open Lesson = Instant recital!

• Gives students a chance to perform and show what they have accomplished in front of their friends and family.

• Simple to execute, and just as effective!• More intimate than stuffy recital• Showcase student progress• Chance for learning and growth

WhoDon’t call it a recital…get creative!

• Adults– “Open Mic Night”

• Kids/Teens– “Soiree”– “Gig”– “Open House”– “Showcase”

Where

Your Home Studio:• Free performance space

If you don’t have

a home studio:• Student’s home

• Discuss with parents

When

Communication & Action Plan• 3 weeks out:– Discuss performance with student & parents• Which pieces• Expectations about memorization• “Stage” presence• Introduction of pieces• Attire

– Give student clear instructions for what to prepare

When(Action Plan)

• 2 weeks – Send Evite (electronic invitation)

– Evite Template

Dear Jones Family,You are cordially invited to attend Jimmy’s Showcase! This is a

very special opportunity for your family and friends to watch Jimmy perform. Host: Monet Payne, Jimmy's voice teacherPhone: 555-555-5555When: March 17th at 4:00 pmWhere: Monet's Home Studio Address, City ZipPlease RSVP to let me know how many will be attending by <date>.

Refreshments will be provided

When(Action Plan)

• 1 week – Dress rehearsal– Start to finish

• Introductions

• Run through pieces without stopping

• Video

– Discuss• What went well, what to work on

• Constructive criticism– Positives and negatives

– Remind parents• In person/phone/email – just make sure to confirm!

When(Action Plan)

• Day of Performance– Viewing area– Comfortable environment– Set up and have technology ready to go

before the family arrives– Have FUN introductions created to intro

each student on to the “stage”– Give yourself more time than you think

you’ll need– Refreshments

Technology

• Record• DVD • CD

• Stream it live• Ustream • Family members can watch who cannot make it

• Weezic• Student can perform with an orchestra, for free!

Follow Up• Personalized certificate

Follow Up

• Teacher to Attendees: After the performance– Discuss student’s improvements and

accomplishments– Pride for your student, passion for teaching– Relationship building

• Teacher to Student: At the next lesson– What went well? – What could have gone better?– How can you help your student better prepare for

next time?

What are you waiting for?

Recital ChallengePut on an informal recital!

– Schedule a recital–CC me on the invitation email:

mpayne@takelessons.com– TakeLessons T-Shirt provided!

• Send me pictures and/or a video!– I’ll feature you on the TakeLessons

Facebook page– You’ll be entered in a drawing to win $50!– Deadline: April 15th, 2011

Upcoming Webinars

Topic: TBA• April 6th 7:30 am (California time)• April 7th 7:30 am (California time)• April 7th 3:30 pm (California time)

Q&A