Virtual Recitals — A Little Differently

As you might have noticed from how I’m currently teaching distance lessons, sometimes I like to do things differently than the norm. I mean, I have touted myself as a “renegade harpist” (as demonstrated in this awkward channel trailer) & I enjoy open source resources (more on that to come, hopefully!) as opposed to the usual programs, so I guess that’s not a huge shock.

I recently assigned a few of my students a “virtual concert” assignment. It’s not uncommon during this coronavirus pandemic for studios to host similar concerts, but for my students (at least right now), this is something for each of them to do (sort of) on their own & invite whomever (whoever? I think it’s whomever) they wish.

A few benefits of these individual concerts:

• The student, family, & guests can schedule a time that works best for them.
• You don’t have to fuss with students not showing up/participating (I touched on this in this live stream).
• Students can use whichever platform they prefer.
• By preparing & presenting a solo concert, students can take ownership of the project. Students & parents also get a feel for the work required to present a performance beyond practicing & performing.
• Finally, audience members generally want to hear who they came to hear. While it’s very important for students & their families to learn & practice performance etiquette, this is a time that they can just enjoy their student’s performance.

So, how do you help your student prepare a virtual recital? Try emailing a version of the sample instructions below, tailoring them to your studio & student(s).

Use & adapt these sample instructions to each student:

• Host a virtual concert for your grandmother (and any other family members or friends you want to invite!).
  • You may use any platform you wish.
  • You should perform 3 songs: [the most recently finished or almost finished book piece], and two pieces of your choice (one can be improvised on the spot if you’d like).
  • Be sure to introduce each song before you play it.
    • For example, “This is [song name], & I’ll be improvising based on [insert subject],” or “This is [insert title] & once I perform it, my mom will draw a beautiful star on the top of the page showing that I’ve completed the piece!”
  • Once you’ve completed your recital:
    • Younger students: hand write (student should write this, but can get some help from Mom & Dad) your favorite thing about this performance in your lesson notebook with the date at the top of the page. Optional: print out a picture or screenshot from the performance, & attach it to that page!
    • Older students:
      • Submit one written or typed paragraph (3-5ish sentences), including the following information:
        • the songs you chose & why,
        • your fact about each song,
        • which platform you used,
        • who you performed for.
      • You can also have your older students add more reflection to this over several assignments.
      • Of course, it would be nice for older students to print out a picture or screenshot from the performance with the date to glue or tape in their lesson notebook too!
  • Optional: encourage everyone to dress up, & have a virtual reception with tea and cookies together after you play!

It might be helpful to break the steps down into a few assignments to make it a little more manageable, especially if you’re doing more than one assignment/check-in per week. For example, on Monday the student is assigned to choose a tentative recital date & 3 pieces; on Wednesday, the student finds one fact about each piece or writes out the introductions; etc.

Your students can also design a virtual or snail mail invitation, or you (or they) can grab this free virtual recital invitation available on the Fischarper Teachers Pay Teachers store (while you or your students are there, check for some other fun home activities…there are a variety of freebies too)!

If appropriate, invite students to tag you (& me! I’d love to see how it goes!) on social media. Just remember to keep student safety in mind.

If you try this out with your students, be sure to let me know how it goes in the comments or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! This is an adjustment & learning opportunity for all of us.

-Barbara

P.S. Check out some past recitals & tips here (if you want, of course).