There is nothing as sweet as little ones in party dresses and miniature tuxedos playing the piano! It’s Christmas recital season for many piano teachers, and your WunderKeys students are sure to steal the show!
Here’s some tips for including your WunderKeys students in your recitals:
1. Introduce Duets Early and Often
The WunderKeys duets (found in the member’s section of this site) are designed to be a regular part of your WunderKeys lessons. Be sure to introduce the duets early and to use them often in your lessons. The duets give your students a positive early experience in collaborative music-making and also serve to strengthen their ear, their rhythmic awareness and their ability to play in time. Invite Mom or Dad into the end of lessons frequently for a mini duet performance and revel in the fun that is making music together.
2. Send Home a Copy
Each WunderKeys duet includes engaging lyrics that serve to help even non-musical parents practice with their child at home. Singing the lyrics can replace the teacher’s piano part, while still giving your student the needed cues for when it is their turn to play. Regular practice of these duets at home strengthens those connections and results in a confident performance at your recital.
3. Encourage Singing!
Each of my WunderKeys students proudly (and adorably!) sang along with their duets as they performed them in my recital. Encourage your students to learn the words and to sing along if they are comfortable doing so. It helps with memorization and creates an unforgettable performance.
4. Take Attention Span into Consideration
If you have a large studio and a long recital program consider having your WunderKeys students perform first before a mini intermission. This way their performance isn’t spoiled by a frustrating wait for their turn with plenty of shushing from Mom and Dad. If your studio is quite large, you may consider having a WunderKeys recital or a young beginner recital where your under 10’s perform.
5. Teach Proper Recital Etiquitte
A first recital experience is the perfect time to learn how to properly announce your piece and bow after playing. Have your students practice announcing their piece in a confident voice and teach them to bow politely during the applause. Encouraging these good recital habits early on means that they’ll be second-nature by the time they’re 6 and 7. Plus… no one can resist a 3 year old bowing!
Finally, be sure to spread the duets around so you’re not listening to ten performances of the same piece. There are 3 duets per method book level plus several holiday-themed bonus duets to choose from!
Have Fun!
