Continuing to Perform

I desire that all of my students love to make music and to continue to use the skills they have learned long after they leave my studio. Yet, I realize that most music students won't become concert pianists, famous singers, members of a prestigious orchestra, or have any sort of career relating to music. So how can I encourage my students to use their gifts?

1. They can volunteer for their church worship group.
2. They can play in public venues, such as music stores, libraries ect. During the Christmas season, these places may be looking for people to volunteer to play quiet music for their patrons.
3. They can host a recital/concert at a retirement or nursing home. They could collaborate with friends who play different instruments.
4. They can play at a benefits concert. The more adventurous performer could put one together to raise money for the charity of their choice.
5. They can host their own post-lesson recitals.

This is only a sample of things that our students can do to keep using their musical education. No matter whether they do one or all of theses things, we should encourage them to do it for the glory of God.

Why Do We Dress Up?

Why are dress clothes appropriate for a recital or concert? For a concert the answer might be obvious, but why would someone put on semi-formal attire on for a recital performed mostly by little kids, and why should the kids dress up? The answer is: Respect.

The reason for wearing nice clothes to any kind of performance is respect.  This respect is for the performer and, in the case of a recital or concert, for the music being performed.  This is why both the performer and the audience should wear nice clothes. When the performer wears nice clothes, it shows those in attendance that he has a respect for the music he will play and that he enjoys learning and performing the music.  When the audience wears nice clothes, it shows that they also respect the music and the performer for all the effort that has gone in to produce a wonderful performance.