Recital Etiquette & Instructions

We hold recitals to celebrate each student’s progress in a supportive environment — turning private practice into proud, shared moments with family and friends. Recital performances build real presentation skills (focus, stage poise, recovery, listening) and give students clear goal to work toward, which accelerates learning and confidence.

Here are the steps from preparation, to performance, and to preserving your recital:

1. Select your songs and pieces early. Always be developing a repertoire or set of music you can play anytime, anywhere, for anyone. Add music that celebrates the season or theme of the recital. Choose your favorites and the ones you play best. 2-3 is a good goal, but it can be less or more as you wish. If you are going to play a large number of pieces from memory, write down the titles in order on a small piece of paper and bring it up with you.

2. Strive to memorize! Work toward playing all music from memory; this is best for you and the audience. But use sheet music or music books when you need to. If you use music, consider using a black binder or something attractive so things don’t look messy on stage. Put only the music you will play in the binder so you don’t have to turn as many pages or struggle to find the correct page during your performance.

3. Vocal students and singers should say something about your songs. If there is a story behind your music, share it with the audience! Other instruments can speak to the audience, too. If you will talk about any of your repertoire, or give any speeches, be sure to write a script and practice it so you know what you are going to say! 

4. Invite family and friends. Tell people about your upcoming recital! You can even create invitations and send the invitations to your family and friends in advance. Be creative and be sure to include all the information (date, time, location, etc.)! You can make physical invitations or send them electronically online. 

5. Choose your clothing. Dress up! Costumes are sometimes appropriate and fun. Dress in a way that will look great for your audience and also in photos and on video if you record your performance. Avoid shorts, t-shirts, and sandals, unless it’s a beach theme! Themed clothing and accessories are wonderful! Concert blacks are always appropriate.

6. Practice your entry and exit, including bowing. Work with your teacher and practice walking on stage and off stage. Some performance practices to consider:

How you will enter the stage and sit at the piano or prepare yourself and your instrument to perform. 

How you place your hands (for example, in your lap or at your side) after each song or piece. (Don’t rush through, and, take a breath between each number! Setting your hands in your lap for a moment after each piece is a great idea.) 

When you will bow and acknowledge the audience. (Definitely bow at the beginning and end, and sometimes in between, as appropriate. A head nod toward the audience might be appropriate at certain times in certain situations.) 

How you will exit the stage. Will someone be recording your performance? Taking pictures? Be sure to work this out in advance.

7. Perform your recital! Enjoy yourself up there on stage, and smile! If there is a program, be sure to know the order, and when it will be your turn. Follow instructions if students are asked to sit in a specially-designated area, or if it is okay to sit with your family and friends.

8. Spend some time with members of the audience after the show (mingle). Be sure to tell everyone how much you appreciate them attending! 

9. Help clean up (as needed) and make sure you don’t leave anything at your seat. Stay neat and organized! At home, add the certificate, invitation, program, photos, and other artifacts to your memorabilia or scrapbook!

10. Watch the recording (if you made one). You can learn a lot of things by watching your performances!