How to Prepare Kids for a Violin Recital

Giving your child the gift of music can provide enjoyment that lasts a lifetime. Once you enroll your aspiring violinist in music lessons, recitals are likely to become events that will occur at least once or twice each year. Although performance recitals can create feelings of angst and nervousness in your little musician, with preparation and encouragement, she should pull off a star performance.

Instructions

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      Get the details about the recital from your child̵7;s violin instructor to help your child prepare, including date, time and the formality of the recital. Optimally, you̵7;ll receive at least six weeks of advance notice to allow for ample preparation and you can expect the teacher to help your child select a performance piece.

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      Arrange for your child to perform her recital piece informally for people in your household every day, called a ̶0;crate concert,̶1; according to the Moravian Academy Instrumental Music Program. Some days, this impromptu recital might involve just family, but whenever you have friends or extended family drop by, encourage your youngster to get out her violin to play her piece. The more your child plays with others watching, the more comfortable she will be at the recital.

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      Encourage your child to spend time daily playing her recital piece to increase her comfort level and familiarity with it. She might play in her bedroom with dolls and stuffed animals gathered around, if she desires.

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      Provide recital details if your youngster hasn̵7;t performed in one before. If possible, visit the auditorium or the recital venue to enable your child to see where she will be performing. Show her where the audience will sit, where she will stand to perform, how she will get to the stage and back down again. It̵7;s possible that your child̵7;s violin teacher will schedule a rehearsal to give students an opportunity to gain familiarity with the recital process.

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      Prepare your child for feelings of nervousness and performance anxiety. Avoid programming your child to experience these emotions; it̵7;s possible she̵7;ll sail through without one qualm about performing in front of an audience. But, if you sense that your youngster has a little nervous energy, let her know that this is normal. You might say, ̶0;If you feel a little jittery and excited before or during your performance, that̵7;s okay. Most people feel like that when they perform.̶1; Mention the importance of continuing to play, even if she makes a mistake.

    • 6

      Help your child learn how to play through feelings of adrenaline. Suggest that she run in place for about 10 seconds or do a few jumping jacks. After she elevates her heart rate, encourage her to play her recital piece, advises professional musician Cristin Patterson, with MusicianTip.com. This practice simulates the nervousness she might feel during the recital and helps your youngster learn how to play despite a thumping heart, increased breathing and shakiness.

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