WHAT’S COVERED?

 These classes are a fun and casual way to help prepare for the recital! We plan these about a month before the actual recital so that students have time to work on their piece, build confidence and plan for a successful performance.

Attire

You can wear anything you like to the prep class. The attire for the recital is formal/dressy casual. It is a wonderful experience for the family to get dressed up to celebrate the student’s accomplishment. Please be mindful of girls wearing very short skirts if they are planning to sit and play guitar or uke. The stage is raised and many times parents were not aware.

Critique

Only positive and constructive feedback will be provided at this class. After the video is forwarded to the teacher, the teacher will work on any correction privately. We try to foster a warm and confidence-building environment so that the students know what the recital will actually be like!

Length

Performances should generally be around 3-5 minutes. However, someone is playing Fur Elise is encouraged to play the entire piece. Some other original pieces and tracks may be longer too. Younger students are welcome to play 2 shorter pieces in lieu of a longer piece.

Memorization

Memorization is not necessary but students are encouraged to memorize their piece for the following benefits:

  • Participating in memorizations develops the student’s memory and mental function, which in turn improves the student’s performance in school and other studies.

  • It frees the mind from reading and enables the student to fully engage with the music and connect with the audience.

  • Students can navigate a complex array of notes, dynamics, phrasing, etc using only their memory and muscle memory.

  • A piece that is played from memory can be performed with greater finesse and confidence.

  • A fun benefit is that they can play their song anywhere! When asked to “play something”- a pianist who has memorized a piece can simply sit and play something on the airport’s piano or at piano at a friend’s house.

Pianist who have memorized their piece need to remember to put the music stand down, whereas pianists who are using sheet music should put the music stand up.

Parent Presence

This is a student-only class. We want to keep the classes small and provide a stress-free environment. We tried allowing parents to sit in, and it caused a lot of stress to the other students and we want the kids to be at ease. Please drop off your child and visit the nearby Carlsbad outlets or relax in our lobby. If your child wants you to sit in, please let us know and we will end the class early and do a private session for you in the end.

Parent Questions

Prep classes are a time for our staff to work with students on recital preparation only. Please text the main line at (949)328-1131 with any questions regarding the prep classes or recital and we will get back to you right away!

Recital Etiquette

The following important topics are covered in this section such as:

  • CELL PHONES/DEVICES - Please be sure to have all electronic devices off during the entirety of the performance. If you have little ones/siblings that are bringing an IPAD to occupy their attention, please be sure to bring headphones.

  • NO TALKING - Students have worked hard to prepare for these performances. Please do not talk during performances.

  • RESTROOMS - Please try to use the restroom before or after the recital. If you can’t wait and absolutely need to go - please only go in between performances. Please do not enter during the middle of a performance.

Soundcheck

Doing soundcheck for students who are needing microphones, amps, tracks, etc. is a crucial part of preparing the student for a successful performance.

  • SINGERS - We need to balance the level singers vocals with the instrument. This will vary depending on the type of instrument that is accompanying the vocalist. For example, we need to adjust the volume of the track and save the settings so that it is perfect on recital day. Some singers need to have some settings adjusted such as increased reverb, etc. Other singers need to be told how to use the mic, since using a mic in a live large performance hall setting is different from a mic in a teaching classroom. Many voice instructors will not use a mic in a classroom since it is unnecessary to amplify sound in a private lesson.

Stage Presence

COUNT TO 5

  • Counting to 5 and breathing helps with nerves and to settle the performer.

  • It is important for students to wait until the stage hand has completely exited the stage.

  • Students should not start a performance until they are completely ready.

BOWING

  • It is important for students to bow as they walk onto the stage BEFORE their performance, and again AFTER their performance.

  • Bowing should be done slowly in the middle of the stage.

  • Remember to “check your shows” when bowing. Girls can curtsey too!

Student Seating

  • During the PREP class - students are encouraged to sit in the front audience row .

  • During the actual RECITAL - students are asked to sit in the performer section so that it is easier to walk on and off the stage.

Videos

Students will be recorded walking on stage and performing their song. These videos will be shared ONLY with their teachers as a lesson aid and NOT with the student. Teachers will give feedback on bowing, stage etiquette, tempo, musicality, etc. Teachers are advised NOT to share the video with the student. This is due to the fact that it has been videotaped almost a month ahead, and may not be ready. A student watching themselves play way ahead of the piece being finished may find it overwhelming and may be overly critical of seeing an “unfinished” performance. Remember - this is just for lesson purposes only. Teachers will not be at the prep classes since many of them teach during the week.