Hello forumites!

I've finally got round to arranging a concert for my students, after several years of wanting to do so. I've found a nice venue (church hall type place), and am just checking with my pupils which date would provisionally be best, before I book.

I have just over 30 students, aged from about 8 to 55, at various levels from complete beginner to Grade 6. Ideally I'd like all of them to contribute something to the program. Some of the adults, though are very scared. To me, these are the students who'd benefit most from playing in front of people: they're so self-critical but in fact all of them are quite musical and dedicated. If they managed to play something (even something very basic) in front of an audience, I know it'd really boost their self confidence, and perhaps shift their perceptions a little, with regard to learning. I want them to truly realise that learning is to be celebrated, no matter where you're at; I want them to be pleased with what they CAN do, not embarrassed about what they CAN'T do!

How do I coax the adults into playing? I thought for a couple, they could play an easy duet with their son/daughter, but not all my adults have children who play. I had a vague idea about playing a couple of musical games as a group, before the concert, to maybe break the ice? Or do you think this would increase the nerves by delaying the performance?!

Also, has anyone got any more general tips about how to best put on an informal concert like this?

Thanks! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

Have you considered having a separate concert for your adult students?

I think that you have to be quiet firm, but sensitive. You and I know that they will all enjoy once they've done it - I think the reality is that you won't get all of them - even if you could get a few to play, try and encourage the others to come and watch - they might take part next time. I think that it's important to mix adults and children - when it comes to something like that, age just doesn't matter - it is the one think my adult pupils say - they all enjoy the mix of age groups.

Are you having a rehearsal for your concert? We have an afternoon rehearsal followed by tea (where they can chat and get to know each other) followed by the concert. This works very well. The first one is the hardest, but you'll find that the next one is easier - once people have done it once...

Play a duet with them yourself.
As an adult student I find playing a duet with my teacher the least stressful way of performing. I trust him to be able to make the piece sound like music even if I mess up my part completely, which is a very reassuring thought.

I like the idea of a rehearsal beforehand - I haven't tried that before. Some sort of ice-breaker is a good idea. I sometimes talk about the importance of creating a performance by coming up smiling at the audience, announcing the piece, checking the height of the stool, starting and finishing well, bowing and smiling at the end ad so on - all very important. Perhaps you could practise bowing and smiling together! I like to take a photograph of the group as a record of the occasion, and produce a small printed programme. I have occasionally had a raffle for a musical item, or given out some small prizes for effort or attendance. My little ones are now collecting stickers for each performance, leading to a bronze certificate for 3 performances, silver for 6 and so on.

These are must do in my opinion:

- Have a rehearsal at the venue on cocnert day, make sure everyone is told they need to turn up to this.

- Make a printed programme. I like seeing my name written down and I always keep programmes from concerts I play in so in the future I can say "I played in that concert". My collection may soon fill up an entire desk draw.

- Make sure studets have a chance to meet each other and have a nice chat. It's not all about music, it is also a social event.

- Make sure students tuen up in good time for the concert, at least 20 minutes beforehand would be ideal.

Is there a piece you could play with many hands together at the piano that some of the reluctant adults could join in with? You know, like a relay race where they take it in turns? Actually the kids will want to do this too!

Maybe a multi-verse Jingle Bells with chorus in many octaves?

Hi Twinkle! Congrats on putting on your first concert! I do an annual concert every spring for my private pupils (around 30 like you). Will there be just the 30 or will relatives and friends be coming to watch?

I have a number of adult pupils - aged from 22 up to 65 - all are much more nervous than the children. For the first concert, I encouraged them all to give it a go which most did and loved it. If they really don't want to, they could come along and watch for the first time and I'm sure they will go for it after that.

I agree with Violin Hero - give them chance to socialise & have a coffee half way through the concert. It gives a sense of community as gradually they get to know each other. I have 2 retired lady pupils who have now got to know each other and regularly go for coffees & chat about piano progress and of course other things too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have a few suggestions but depends whether there will be an audience so let me know & good luck!

Thanks for these suggestions so far. The rehearsal is a good idea, as is the break halfway through for people to socialise. But the problem is the cost of room hire. It's going to cost £27.50 per hour. This includes a £10 per hour fee for a 'caretaker' because I'm planning the concert Mon 21st December, when usually nobody would be at the church hall.

It would cost just over £40 and so I was thinking I might charge something like £1/ £1.50 for tickets to cover the cost. Is this reasonable? I don't know how many people will come. I am inviting parents/spouses/friends as well as students.

I was thinking I'd hire the room from 6:15, ready for the concert to start at 6:30 until 7:30 (maybe with a 10 minute break in the middle?) and then allow 15 minutes for tidying up. Now I've read this page I realise perhaps I'm being a bit stingy and should allow more time either side?

I'm so nervous! It's ridiculous! I've performed bigger concerts than this, myself, and I have a great relationship with all my pupils, but I'm scared of mucking up!

I can empathise with that...I get very nervous for my pupils! I haven't played myself as I think that might tip me over the edge!!! I have had anything from 12-30 pupils play at mine. They are usually around 40 minutes long and I only book the hall for an hour (for the same reason as you...it costs money!) I have to buy insurance for the hour too and what I do is ask for students to pay between €3 and €5 to play, which pretty much covers me.

I find the talking aspect a bit nerve wracking, so what I do now is have pupils in groups of 4 or so. I call out the group of four and they come up one at a time to do their piece. They all get a big clap and lots of support. I find this helps it to flow more, especially if you have lots of kids who are pre-grade 1 or around there. (The pieces are so short!)

I ask advanced pupils or those taking Leaving Cert Music (like A levels) or in Transition Year (a non-academic year in secondary school, kids aged around 16) to play more than one piece. The TY lot this year will all play duets as well as a solo piece.

I always produce a programme, a very simple A4 sheet with everyone's name and piece made pretty with pics of Santa etc. A very kind Grandad films it every year and gives me a lovely DVD which I can then lend to the parents to watch back. He experiments with different screen wipes etc and they look really sweet.

I think a lot of the details will come down to who you are and what kind of atmosphere you want. I try to make it really relaxed and always offer to play a simple duet with someone who is taking part for the first time. Even if they are not doing a duet I will sit nearby in case they suddenly can't find middle C! After that I give them a bit of space to work it out themselves if they make mistakes etc.

It is invaluable experience for pupils...I really believe exams are easier and a little bit of healthy competition sparked by seeing little X from down the street can encourage some kids to try a bit harder. Advanced pupils also benefit from the near-superhero status they develop for the little ones! I have had several pupils ask to learn music they have heard at the concerts too.

Best of luck, it is a great thing to do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

My local church only charges me £16 for 2 hours. I ask all adults (parents, grandparents etc) to pay £2.50 entry fee, with no charge for children, and after paying the church hire fee, I give the rest of the money to charity.

Don't be nervous - you'll have a great time! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Great idea. Not only will they get performance experience but I'm sure that getting to meet each other will be a fun experience. I always used to wonder who was after me or before me in lessons.

Perhaps if some people are nervous about having to play'in front' of an audience, why not suggest they play when you're having coffee and chatting at the end? This way they will be playing, but it will just be like background music. Some people find this less daunting as the room isnt silent, people arent sat facing and string at you in lines, and mistakes are less likely to be picked up on! Of course people clap at the end of a piece, but it is just slightly less formal for the ones that might get phased in a concert situation.

I'm sure it will go well, and everyone will enjoy it. If some are really really nervous then hand out a glass of mulled wine to each performer..... before they play.....

EDIT- not the kids though!!

Is one hour enough to get all the students in to your prgramme?

Also you should charge £3 to adults to cover the costs. However for that price you should include a drink of their choice at the interval.

Also open the doors 30 minutes before the start, this is standard in all concerts. Allow 30 minutes at the end to allow everyone to get safely out and put chairs away etc... If you have just 15 minutes either side you will be rushing to get everyone in on time and out quickly at the end.

A couple more pointers - hope they're helpful ....

Timings:
I open the doors 30 minutes before and allow 15 minutes for an interval (maybe edges towards 20 once everyone has had a coffee & a chat & back to their seats - although I do tell everyone to "please retake their seats" with a little notice to get everyone ready. I have 30-35 performing & I allow 45 minutes each half which is plenty.

Numbers:
Send a little reply slip asking approx. how many tickets each pupil would like or put a maximum on it depending on the capacity of the hall. I had 180 people come to my first concert - don't underestimate how many people like to come & see their children, grandchildren etc etc!

Refreshments:
Try to get people to help you with tea/coffee & squash - parents & pupils will want to talk to you during the interval - you don't want to be stuck behind the drinks table!

Order of the concert:
I always group pupils in the concert starting with the pre-grade 1 group & all the way up. I ask for e.g. group 1, to come up to the front row & then I introduce a group of about 5, say a little about each person & then they all play & come back to the front row in turn & then at the end of the group they go & rejoin their families. I find this works in terms of time & also nerves as they feel part of a group & they don't have to walk all the way out to the front on their own.

Cost:
Again.. I agree with Violin Hero - I charge £3 ticket which just covers venue hire & piano hire.

Good luck with the planning - pleased to help if you have any more queries! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I know that feeling...I posted here asking for advice before my first ever student concert last year. I had 18 students play 2 short songs each and including warm up time of 15 minutes and people leaving at the end it took hour and 20 minutes with no interval. I was very nervous but it went well and parents have been asking for it again so am doing it again this month!

In terms of budget I asked for donations and it covered the cost of hiring the church, just. Some people didn't donate anything so I'm thinking of asking the adults for admission fee. I've also asked everyone to tell me how many guests they will bring so I can divide the costs between the audience members. The church I'm hiring is too expensive for me to have tea break there so I'm planning to ask one of the mums who has a big house and likes entertaining if she'd mind (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Also printed programmes last year which people pick up on their way in and the most difficult part was the public speaking on my part but I can't see any other way around it! I'm also planning to print out tickets (any ideas would be appreciated how I can go about doing this) and to use some of my teenage students as ushers.

Don't know if this was helpful or not but good luck!