Thoughts on Recital Etiquette

by Kathy Morrison, Director

Each year we offer recitals in the Fall and Spring to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Not only is this an opportunity for students to practice being good performers, it's also a great time to practice being a good member of the audience. 

As our next recital approaches, take time to consider how you or your family can practice being a good performer or a great audience!  Read through the tips below to learn more.

PERFORMERS

• Tune your instrument before the program. Take care to keep the instrument stable so that tuning will not be needed again before your performance.
• Review the program to discover when you are performing. Notice who comes before you, so that you will know when it's your turn.
• Be ready to move to the platform when your teacher introduces you.
• Take a bow when you reach the platform, then take your place as practiced.
• If you are using a music stand, make sure the stand is set where you can see the pianist (if needed) and that your back is NOT to the audience. We want to see your face!
• If playing more than one selection, pause at the end of the first selection to give the audience a chance to acknowledge and applaud. Take a short bow. Continue with the next selection.
• After your performance and final bow, walk off the platform quietly and quickly. Be sure to take your music with you (if using music).
• Wear something special to acknowledge that the recital is an important occasion.

AUDIENCE

• Recitals are a special occasion! It is customary to dress nicely for audience members, too.
• Please arrive early in order to find a comfortable place to sit.
• Make sure all your invited guests understand the importance of arriving on time. If they arrive late, it makes it difficult for those performing.
• Please invite as many friends and family members as you’d like. Our recital hall has plenty of room.
• Turn off all cell phones and any electrical devices that may produce sound.
• Once the recital begins, practice listening out of respect for the performer. We invite you to take crying babies outside the hall in order to provide comfort and then return in a few moments between performers. 
• Please refrain from eating or snacking during a performance.  The movements and sound are often distracting.
• If you arrive late, wait to enter the recital hall between performers when you hear applause for minimal disruption.
• Do not enter the recital hall or switch seats while someone is performing.
• Avoid whistling, yelling, or other loud methods of congratulations, especially prior to the performance. The best way to show appreciation for the performance is with applause, and an occasional “bravo” at the end of an especially great performance.
• Compositions that have movements or suites are, in general, performed without applause in the middle.  
• Respect the performers. Unnecessary noise from whispering, talking, candy wrappers, etc. during a program is not acceptable. Give each performer your full attention.
• Please stay until the performance or event is completely over.
• Avoid Flash photography as it is distracting. You may videotape and/or take flash photography as the performer is approaching or leaving the platform.
• Enjoy! Your presence is the greatest affirmation!