Beginner's Corner: Recitals

Spring recitals are coming soon. They are a great time to show your friends and family what you have been working on. As you prepare, your focus is probably only on your playing, but recitals are also a great time to improve another area of your music training - listening skills. A live performance on your instrument is a special opportunity to experience music. It might not be perfect, but it has a special kind of energy and sound that you don't get with recorded music.

As you listen to other students performing, try not to just sit there anxiously awaiting your turn or for the recital to be over. Instead, see what you can observe about the music. Here are a few tips:

1. Look at the name of the piece and the composer. usually, there is a printed program or an announcement of the work. The title is the first clue to what the music might sound like. Some programs give the dates of when the composers lived.

2. Pick something in the music to pay attention to. Listen for dynamics. Notice repeated melodies and rhythms, or unusual scales. You can even look at a performer's posture.

3. Think about how the music makes you feel.

4. Rate the pieces in your mind. Think about which ones you might like to play someday and why. One might have a catchy rhythm while another has a beautiful melody.
Find ways to be an active listener and notice details about the music. This will keep you interested and help you become a better musician. Take advantage of any performances near you!