Recital rehearsal is a very important part of piano lessons. The student rehearses how to walk to the piano, face the audience, state name and piece if there is to be no printed program, sit, wait until completely ready to play, then play, then wait again, then stand and bow. The readiness to play includes waiting with hands on keyboard and listening to the beginning in their mind before starting to play. Students also learn how to continue playing, even if making a mistake. Sometimes a student learns how to deal with a total mess up, and that’s important too. I once had a 12 year old boy student mess up so bad that tears rolled down his face, but he finished. I was more proud of him than any other student. He grew to be a great young man. It takes a great parent to notice that their own child is incredible no matter what level of performance is achieved. It’s so easy to appreciate those who obviously excel, but much more valuable to appreciate those who do not excel. I love it when a parent is thrilled with their child’s performance – whatever level it may be. My own teacher and parents made me feel I was exceptional on the piano, and it wasn’t until years later I realized I was an average performer.
Recitals and rehearsals are all about developing attitudes that will encourage confidence and the ability to accept mess-ups. Of course there is always the plus that a student has a purpose to practice, which helps to develop ability in so many areas of life. (The most important, in my opinion, being the ability to notice the positive both in self and in others)
