Learning to play an instrument can have many solitary sides to the experience – the student practices by himself, listens to music by herself and sees the teacher for private lessons, for example. A big part of playing an instrument, though, is to share music with one or more listeners and to make music with other musicians. Music recitals offer a great opportunity to do both.

Music recitals also help with goal-setting. I rarely have seen students practice more than before an upcoming recital. It also helps the student to grow as a person, not just a musician. Most students are quite nervous before a recital, even if they have performed in front of an audience before. I have a good rapport with the students and can help them feel more comfortable and also perform with some of them, which makes them feel more at ease.

A nice, comfortable setting is also important in my view. At private music lessons LA, we use the Martin Luther King auditorium at the Santa Monica Library, a bright, small, yet comfortable Theater-like space, which features a PA and a Steinway piano. I bring all the other instruments with me – guitars and bass, amplifiers, and drums. As a security guard said to me: “This is not a recital, this is a show!”.

What does a recital look and sound like?

Every recital is different, and every performance within a recital can vary. Some students, who play at my recitals, have studied their instrument for five weeks, some for five years. Some play by themselves, some with recorded music, some perform with me and, at times, a whole band of students takes to the stage. Here is an example of the latter: Kimmie, Jacob, Ryan, Sam and Atticus playing “Cough Syrup” by Young The Giant at the last recital in October 2012.

A Win-Win

Every student experiences a boost of confidence after a recital, learns a lot about his/her instrument and about interacting with other musicians and an audience. Seeing other students perform adds an impetus to further studying and naturally accelerates the learning process. It also gives the parents a chance to see their children in a different light and offers a chance to observe their progress over time. I am looking forward to seeing you at one of our recitals in the future!