How Hard Do You Push?, (to perform) Options

[Melody Amour]

I think it should be up to the pupil if they want to participate or not. One of my previous piano teachers forced us to play in concerts. No excuse was acceptable. If you said you had too much work, she merely said she would write you a note - how embarrassing - because concerts were important. I did play in one of them and must admit that I did enjoy it but would have preferred to have had the choice and did end up leaving that teacher the week before I was due to play in the next concert. If those who do not want to participate this time around are invited, they might be envious of their friends and all the praise they are getting and might want to play of their own accord on a future occasion. However, not all of us want to be performers, apart from maybe demonstrating to pupils when teaching how to play a piece. That is certainly my aim for the future.

[ad_libitum]

I had this situation crop up today. I have a talented 15 year old who I think would do well in one of the local music festivals.

I know from her mum she has a problem with nerves though. I showed her the syllabus earlier anyway, explained how it all worked and how I think she'd be more than capable of putting on a good performance, but the prospect seemed terrifying to her.

I left it at that really, but I wanted to give her the opportunity just in case.

One factor could be that she has never played a concert or festival before (she came to me a while ago from another teacher who retired) so just hasn't been used to it. She's happy just playing for herself.

Maybe the trick is getting them performing when they are young so they come to accept it as a normal part of learning an instrument.

I don't think I'd insist as I wouldn't want to make someone miserable if they were really against the idea.

[Rosemary7391]

I was never pushed to perform - I volunteered to do so the first time quite happily. By the time it came round I would have happily run away... I was so nervous I could barely hold my clarinet!! But I held the piece together (It was well within my capabilities) and now the first time is over I love it. Each time it gets easier - though I'm still a little bit nervous. If at all possible I think they should be encouraged to perform, at least once. It really boosts confidence, and how can you know you won't like it until you've tried?

[Aquarelle]

We have an end of year concert and I insist that everyone plays. But it is very very informal. I stay beside all the younger players and the nervous ones. I "chat show" it through if there are any disasters and I tell everyone in my welcoming speech that we are all learners and there will be mistakes. We are there to share our music, not to be judged. Every pupil plays and every pupil announces the piece of someone else. Over the years it has become a real fun event and I have never had anyone in tears.

We did come close to it once when an anxious teenager started her piece four times and couldn't go on. I got up and dusted the piano keys, telling the audience they were very sticky because of the heat and making some silly remarks about writing a book on the practical problems of musicians when I retire. This got a few laughs. I then asked another child to test the piano for stickiness and then the original girl came back on stage, completely unwound and performed very nicely.

However, I wouldn't insist on anyone playing in a formal or judgemental situation if they didn't want to. I might strongly encourage but Ithink I'd need to feel fairly sure there wouldn't be a disaster. It's very individual.

[jenny]

I was never pushed to perform - I volunteered to do so the first time quite happily. By the time it came round I would have happily run away... I was so nervous I could barely hold my clarinet!! But I held the piece together (It was well within my capabilities) and now the first time is over I love it. Each time it gets easier - though I'm still a little bit nervous. If at all possible I think they should be encouraged to perform, at least once. It really boosts confidence, and how can you know you won't like it until you've tried?

That's very encouraging to hear. It's always been my philosophy, but I've doubted it recently when I heard that 2 students had given up lessons because they were so worried about a concert. I still think that it could have been an excuse they gave to their parents, though. Most of my students really enjoy playing in our concerts, and expect to feel a bit nervous. I always tell them there would be something wrong if they didn't, but it should be mixed with excitement.