Whether or not you’ve had spring break, now is the time to get those May and June recitals and programs outlined and planned. Whether or not your students select a piece they have been playing for several months, or you are learning duets, it’s not too early to outline your final program. A parent with piano skills can often play a secondo part for a younger student. These opportunities to allow family members to perform together can provide wonderful memories for families. Spring events come very quickly and year-end school events can make schedules tight. Students can have a difficult time navigating all the year-end activities. By now you have likely scheduled your date many months ago. It’s always best to schedule where the other activities are not. Planning a date too close to the end of the year can play havoc with student attendance and preparation.
Consider some festive touches to your program. Perhaps a reception with a cake decorated with piano keys or musical decorations can be prepared. Another idea is a student raffle with appropriate gift cards or musical items can be interspersed with the musical performances to add a celebratory feel to the occasion. Another idea is to have additional awards planned. In past years I have given trophies or composer busts for most repertoire learned, best sight reader, most theory completed, etc. This encourages participation for all levels of students. Perhaps a student wrote a composition as an extra assignment or a student participated in a school musical function or talent show. These events can offer opportunities for you to acknowledge the efforts of students that may not be your strongest players.
Encouragement and a positive recital experience can help kick off your summer program. Think our of the box and jazz up your year end celebration! Perhaps you can play a short selection yourself that would inspire students and allow parents to see your gifts as a performer. As your students have their next lesson, consider how you can make the finale of the year a special memory for your student. It’s worth the effort and positive experiences build on each other and make for stronger student and parent support of your program.