How to Get Ready for Your First Piano Recital [Infographic]

A good piano performance takes plenty of patience, practice, and persistence. And your first piano recital can be nerve-wracking, on top of that! Here, music teacher Liz T. shows you exactly how to prepare…

If you’re new to playing piano, your first piano recital is a wonderful opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned in front of family and friends! However, performing can be nerve-wracking for kids and adults alike. Here is a suggested timeline to help you perform at your best!

Prep Before the Recital

3 Months Before

• Start planning your repertoire (the songs you’ll be performing) with your teacher. Having your songs picked out at least three to four months before your recital gives you plenty of time to practice.

2 Months Before

• In your lessons, work with your teacher on improving your rhythm, as well as mastering the melody and chords.
• In between lessons, practice your pieces! Work on the left and right hand separately, then practice with both hands together.
• Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to learn entire songs in one sitting. Break it down: work on 16 measures at a time, or one page at a time.

1 Month Before

• This is the most crucial time before the recital, so make sure you’re not slacking off!
• If you feel prepared, try challenging yourself by memorizing your piano pieces.
• Try recording yourself playing, so you can identify areas you still need to work on.
• Listen to professional recordings of your pieces.

Week Before

• Make sure you know the logistics of the recital: What time should you arrive? How should you dress? Will the recital be indoors or outdoors?
• Put on a mock recital in front of your friends and family.