Piano Lessons vs. Piano Recitals: What’s the Difference in Etiquette?
Piano Academy recitals are TOMORROW, and we are making sure every student is prepared! Piano teachers are encouraging students to fill out their practice-performances sheets in preparation (see our blog post, “Pre-Performance Tips from Your Piano Teacher” https://utahpianoconservatory.com/3410-2/). As part of the practice performances, students make sure to observe certain patterns of etiquette. One of those patterns is making sure to bow after a performance. Another is making sure piano students say their name, the name of the piece, and the name of the composer before playing.
According to the dictionary.com, etiquette is defined as “a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances”. That code can include dress, behavior, and what you say. At the recitals, the etiquette is different than at piano lessons. This paragraph from our handbook explains the etiquette for dress expected at recitals:
“Students should wear ‘Sunday Best’ for formal Piano Academy recitals. Absolutely NO jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes, or casual sandals. Boys should wear a button-down shirt and tie (jacket optional), and girls should wear a nice dress or skirt and top. Please ensure that skirts and dresses are modest even when students bend over to adjust the piano bench. All students should wear dressy shoes that are comfortable to perform in. Students should avoid excessive or distracting jewelry or accessories. “
Here is an example:
This paragraph explains etiquette for behavior at recitals: “In addition to appropriate attire, students will be instructed in proper performance etiquette and should practice this at home. This includes speaking clearly when announcing a piece, maintaining good posture at the piano, and being respectful of other performers during the recital. No gum, food, or drink is allowed in the recital hall. Good stage presence, like music itself, is an art, a clear expression of the disciplined musician’s respect for the music, the audience, for other musicians, and for him or herself.”
Here is an example of posture:
Here is an example of good stage presence when announcing a piece:
Etiquette is an important part of a successful performance. Students at Piano Academy have been well-trained by their teachers, and we look forward to hearing their performances tomorrow!