A few days ago, I went to a Piano Recital. One of my grandson's was performing in it. Being a grandmother during concert season is a full-time job. I have been to several band and chorus concerts and parties where family members were entertaining. I have also sung in my own concerts. So, it has been a busy, but beautiful Christmas concert season.
Going to piano recitals at Christmastime can be fun because the kids usually play Christmas music. But you have to go into a special patience mode. Listening to beginner students takes stamina. I am used to it, though, because I have been a piano teacher for many, many years. You could tell at this recital which kids actually practiced their pieces and who got stage fright. You could also tell which kids probably never practiced but were coerced into performing anyway. Thankfully, the older students generally played quite well, so those of us audience members who stayed 'til the end were rewarded by some very nice performances.
Stage Fright is a real thing!!! For any performer, it takes strategy, practice, and experience. Even then, getting comfortable when performing is difficult. I applaud any students who brave the effort to get on stage before an audience. Sometimes it helps having a support person with you. That's when playing duets can be steadying and fun.
During the time of COVID, I decided to write some Pop Christmas pieces for my students and grandchildren. These are on the simple side for the student-- basically staying in one hand position in the Primo with very little shifting accompanied by the teacher playing a fancier Secondo accompaniment. But they are also versatile enough that the Primo part could be played by a more advanced student in doubled octaves.
Enjoy!
Going to piano recitals at Christmastime can be fun because the kids usually play Christmas music. But you have to go into a special patience mode. Listening to beginner students takes stamina. I am used to it, though, because I have been a piano teacher for many, many years. You could tell at this recital which kids actually practiced their pieces and who got stage fright. You could also tell which kids probably never practiced but were coerced into performing anyway. Thankfully, the older students generally played quite well, so those of us audience members who stayed 'til the end were rewarded by some very nice performances.
Stage Fright is a real thing!!! For any performer, it takes strategy, practice, and experience. Even then, getting comfortable when performing is difficult. I applaud any students who brave the effort to get on stage before an audience. Sometimes it helps having a support person with you. That's when playing duets can be steadying and fun.
During the time of COVID, I decided to write some Pop Christmas pieces for my students and grandchildren. These are on the simple side for the student-- basically staying in one hand position in the Primo with very little shifting accompanied by the teacher playing a fancier Secondo accompaniment. But they are also versatile enough that the Primo part could be played by a more advanced student in doubled octaves.
Enjoy!
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" made famous by Frank Sinatra
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis"
"Ding Dong Merrily on High" a traditional French Carol
"We Need a Little Christmas" from the Broadway Musical "Mame"
"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" from the movie "Neptune's Daughter"
"Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" made famous by the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York City
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" made famous by Andy Williams
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