Here are 3 reasons why I think studio recitals are a great idea for any music teacher:
1. Recitals give students a concrete goal.
Yes, students have method books with lessons each week, and it is great to conquer such skills as sixteenth notes, double tonguing, and vibrato. With a recital date in mind, students can select their favorite piece(s) of music and apply everything they have learned to make the song come alive. Or teachers may select an appropriately challenging piece at the beginning of the semester, with skills the student may not have encountered yet, in order to motivate students to reach the next level in their playing.
2. Recitals give students a sense of accomplishment
As musicians and music students, much of our progress is made alone, behind closed doors, usually with only a metronome and tuner as companions. Public performance gives us an opportunity to take what we have worked on and share it with those closest to us.
3. Recitals really involve family members in a student's musical journey
An invaluable part of a student's musical development is parental support and encouragement. Parents choose to make the investment, both in time and finances, in order to provide students with musical instruments, books, and private lessons each week. In addition, parents often trade their peace and quiet at home for the sounds of students practicing for this concert or that competition. Recitals are an opportunity for parents to partake in and enjoy their child's musical progress.
For these 3 reasons (and many more), I believe studio recitals should be a part of every music teacher's repertoire!