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!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

I do something similar to you, Beagle, but I put out the programmes on the pews, using the front rows to discourage people dispersing themselves all over the church, but reserving the two foremost rows for my pupils. The donations so far have covered the cost of hiring the church, plus surplus for charity. I issue tickets, which I number by hand so that I know roughly how many to expect. I do these on Word, using the columns feature, and fit nine into an A4 sheet of card - sample below.

A New Year Concert

by Suepea's Music Students
will be held on

Sunday 17 January 2009 at 2 pm at
St M’s Church, Church Road, Musicford

Entry free, but retiring collection for church funds and the Shooting Star Hospice.

I do this in a fancy script and centred, but I can't show this here as it will neither space nor alter the font.

Does your church charge by the hour? I'm lucky that mine is a flat rate for the afternoon. I usually split the donations down the middle and last year they received £30.00 each. Is there anywhere else that you could hold it? I know this can be a problem as you do need a decent piano - in fact, I'm thinking of changing my venue for that reason (and because it's never warm enough for the performers, eventhough the heating is on).

At the last student concert I organised, I had one young pupil who was very nervous, but the promise of home-made cakes and biscuits after the concert did the trick!

Yes. I'm thinking I might bribe my adult students with mulled wine haha

Thanks so much to everyone for their comments. I think I might write a little letter to the students, asking about who's provisionally interested and available, and then I can work out what to charge. I like the idea about putting the surplus towards a charity: I didn't want to feel like a con for taking money off them!

I put on my second ever student concert yesterday! So relieved it's over, and very proud of my students. I found adult students were far more nervous than children, and playing duets with the little ones helped them to play better.

Having a warm-up time of 30 minutes actually wasn't enough for 19 performers, mainly because not everyone arrived 30 minutes before. They all came late and was trying to get their children to try the piano at the last minute. 1 hour was enough for 19 performers with introductions by me, in fact I ran slightly over an hour. I played at the end which I wasn't sure about initially but I got a standing ovation! Not many students have seen me play and some students have said it has inspired them to practice so that was a good thing.

There was one aspect that I think I might have to be more careful with in the future, and that is charging an admission fee. The church cost £65 per hour (I know, it's horrendous but this is London and the piano was a steinway grand...) and the tea room £35 per hour, to cover costs I asked for £4 for adults and £2 for children including the performers. Some people were miffed at this although I thought I explained in advance, and they were scowling the whole time which put bit of a dampener on things! Also I underestimated how many people would come so didn't print enough programmes, and my husband who was the usher kept on running out of change to give to people and had to dash off to get change several times and ask people to come back later.

I also had a team of helpers with me, who were my friends. I found it very difficult to do all the talking, the organizing, the socalizing, the playing and even the serving of tea all myself, and my friends at least helped out with tea. Some parents were sweet enough to bring home made cakes and they disappeared very fast! More cakes were needed, and more variety of drinks. I'll have to ask most parents to bring something next time.

All in all, a learning curve, and very good for the students. It's hard work though, and I'm hoping it'll get easier every time.

Good luck to everyone else preparing for their student concert, have a great time

Well done Beagle! I'll bet they will be even more eager next time. I'm glad you played - not only do you give inspiration to your students, but also confidence in your ability to their parents/spouses.
Mine grew from a smallish hall to a large one and it does take some organising. I divide the cost of everything between an anticipated number of audience members and tickets are sold in advance. Only last minute (extra) tickets are sold on the door, by prior arrangement, and we request them to bring the exact money. We hold a raffle in the interval for charity with donated raffle prizes. Someone from the charity usually attends and tells us about it.
I'm lucky to have a team of helpers - my husband, two daughters and their fiances, four students and some friends who help set up the hall - putting out tables and chairs, inflating balloons, etc. One fiance's mother is a chef and she produces a buffet.
In my first concert everyone who wanted to sang a solo, and I sang at the end. The feedback was so good that we moved to a bigger hall and we now also have duets and group items. I know you can't do this with pianists, but we have group medleys to open and close, and the children, men and ladies do separate group items. And we also work some comedy into the night.
Some students are now buying 8-10 tickets for their families and friends. My tickets are currently £8. This is non-profit making. Any excess, usually small, is carried forward to the next concert. This time I am able to buy some Christmas gifts for the under 18s, which will be given out on the night by one of my students dressed as Santa.
As you say, ideas grow. I don't find concerts get easier, although I've managed to remove some administrative issues by being more organised, but they involve more organising because they get more involved. That said - they get more enjoyable too!
So congratulations! Word will get around and you may find you pick up some new students. I have two prospective ones coming next Saturday to mine. It's a good advertising tool too!

From time to time I've tried to encourage students from the college where the Leeds concert is held to come along, but very few have done so. I've done posters but whenever I've sat in reception, I can see that most people don't read the notice board. I've given leaflets to the teachers, together with lots of slips for them to give out to their pupils but no success. It's sometimes been mentioned in the college newsletters, and also put on their web site sometimes. I've offered to meet anybody who's interested, to tell them more about what happens and put them at their ease. My piano teacher has one student who he thought might be interested this time but nobody's contacted me.

Has anyone any ideas as to what else I can do? In the new year, I'm going to be organising something like Solari's "do", and I wondered whether to combine it with some orchestral playing as well. So the first half of the afternoon we'd all play together, then after the interval, play solos and duets. Might this be more attractive to students who have never played in front of anybody before? Any other ideas much appreciated



I think that's a really good idea, to have three different types of performing opportunities. And a good idea to put on your web site how much has been donated to charity, I do this as well.

Wow, sounds like your concerts are a big event AnnC! It sounds fun, I wish I could incorporate some ensemble into my concerts.

I'm still a bit worried about students complaining about the admission fee, I was going to send out a group email detailing how much the church costs and how much we've managed to raise for charity. I was too busy to explain properly during the concert although it was written in the program. Would this be better than doing nothing as I don't want people to think I'm ripping them off, or would it just look defensive? It seems some parents were more bothered than others, I guess I'll find out in the coming week!

When is the concert Twinkle? Hope all goes well - let us know!

Don't be. I just explain that it's non-profit making - i.e. ticket price covers costs. They don't ask to see the accounts of any other show they go to see, so why should you explain yours? It's easy for them to forget the (unpaid) time you put in organising it.

Yes, I thought they'd appreciate the time I put in but my husband told me a few grumbled about having to pay when they're also playing in the concert themselves. (I teach the whole family in some cases) I guess you can't please everyone! My poor husband had to bear the brunt of parental complaints as he was the usher while I was running around making sure everybody had a go on the piano before the concert.

Sorry, but are you saying that pupils who were playing had to pay to go in? But perhaps you didn't mean that.

To be honest that is how I do it! There is no entrance fee but a small payment towards costs for taking part. This means everyone who plays gives me €5 and they can bring as many friends and family as they like at no extra cost. From twenty eight pupils I have had close to eighty in the audience!

Also it means I usually get the money in advance and so don't have to man the door or anything. I usually nab a pupil to give out programmes.

Mind you my insurance is enormous and they all know that. There is no MU or union insurance here, so it costs €150 to put on a one hour recital!

The most anyone pays is €15 (if I'm teaching three kids, which is unusual) and no one has ever complained.

Yes, because a few mums learn from me too and I thought if no one else in their family came to the concert I won't be able to afford the hire costs. I asked for donations last year for a much cheaper venue, less than half the price of this year's venue and just about covered costs as many people chose not to donate or donate 2 or 3 pounds.

However the fact you're so shocked makes me rethink. Maybe I shouldn't have charged for the performers although I would be slightly out of pocket with no money to give to charity. I'll ask everyone this week whether they were offended or not!

All my performers pay too. With an audience of say 180, out of which there are approx. 45 performers it's the only fair way. Some buy 8-10 tickets, others come on their own. As I supply a substantial buffet and they get the services of the accompanist who has a set fee to include an (all day) rehearsal, it's the only fair way. There are no concessions for children either - if they occupy a seat they pay the ticket price. How else can I be sure of covering costs as there is no profit involved? As expenses are well over ?1000 it would be a huge financial risk for me and I couldn't afford to do it - I already lose two Saturdays' teaching (busiest teaching day of the week) - rehearal and concert day. This will be our seventh concert (two per year) and everyone is happy with the arrangement.

Sorry, but are you saying that pupils who were playing had to pay to go in? But perhaps you didn't mean that.
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To be honest that is how I do it!
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I don't this is unreasonable at all. The concert, after all, is a joint venture between all of you, and you shouldn't be expected to be out of pocket because of it. And it's most likely to be for the benefit of the performers rather than the audience, if you think about it! When they are in a position to charge others to hear them play, then that's different!

When my eldest child was about 8, her piano teacher had a Xmas concert/show and at the time I was quite miffed that I had to pay for admission. However on the back of the program she had explained where the funds raised were going after deducting the cost of hiring the venue and other expenses. The following year she included free mulled wine for adults and squash for the children and parents brought home made cakes and mince pies all of which were included in the entrance fee. It grew into a lovely regular part of our Christmas events.

She continued to add this information at the bottom of the program every year, including also how much was raised at the concert the year before and the charity that it was dontated to. So much so that some attendees will say "keep the change", or add a bit more to the collection box at the end of the show. I think it works quite well.

At Christmas I have a rough idea of how much I want to donate to Charity and attending concerts like these is also part of my charity giving in the season of good will.

[quote name='Dulciana' date='Dec 3 2009, 02:37 PM' post='901250']
Sorry, but are you saying that pupils who were playing had to pay to go in? But perhaps you didn't mean that.
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To be honest that is how I do it!
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I don't this is unreasonable at all. The concert, after all, is a joint venture between all of you, and you shouldn't be expected to be out of pocket because of it. And it's most likely to be for the benefit of the performers rather than the audience, if you think about it! When they are in a position to charge others to hear them play, then that's different!
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This is my thinking...it is an experience for the benefit of the kids and also another thing to aim for, instead of just an exam. It encourages kids to do a little more practice too!!!

My students are predominantly below grade 5 and bring several members of their families with them. If I charged the audience I don't think I'd get much of a crowd.

That's a nice idea - I put on my programme how much we raised at the last concert for the charity (the chosen charity is on the programme anyway) and also the running total. After tomorrow I hope to announce that we have raised over £3000 to date.

For the record, I wasn't suggesting that parents & other family members shouldn't pay - I charge £2.50 for all adults, but children don't have to pay, and that includes the performers.

I had 18 performers, 14 children and 4 adults, and maybe 20 audience members, both children and adults. If I only charged the audience members or didn't charge anything for the performers, I wouldn't have been able to pay the £135 hire fee of the venue. If the venue was much cheaper it would be a different story, but as it was I couldn't find anywhere cheaper.

Poor you - that's crazily expensive!! I pay £16 for 2 hours in my local church, with a good piano. After I'd paid the hire fee last time, I was able to give £100 to my chosen charity.

While the hire of my hall is cheap, €20 an hour, the insurance for my recital is €153.

I never completely cover my costs, but am only ever €20 or so out.



Don't want to be argumentative but my point was more that as I charge per performer families bring lots of members (grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles etc) and the atmosphere is always good as a result. I think if I asked the adults to pay something they might not come, that's all!

You might be surprised - I find that parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles & friends all come along and they're all quite happy to pay, especially as it's such a small amount and nearly all of it is going to charity. I get a 'full house' every time and the atmosphere is very positive.

I think there are many ways to organise the cost-issue. There are certainly no rights and wrongs here, everyone has to see what works best for them.

There's just one point I'd like to bring into performers' and their families'/friends' minds:

It is not very fair on the teacher to take up the opportunity of a performance/concert, but not be willing to help covering the costs in return ...

When I organised my first concert here, I also thought that I don't want it to be an issue how much one can pay or not - I thought everyone should have the chance to take part, no matter how much they want to give. I have to add however that I didn't have in mind that people give nothing: I told everyone about the expenses in detail (hire of the venue, cost for the pianist etc) and then said that they can leave a donation at the end to cover the cost. A few did, many didn't, and I had to cover almost the whole balance out of my own pocket. I was very disappointed and also a bit angry at that point. I was even more angry when I talked about it with one student, and she just said: 'Well, I assume you can set it off as an expense.'

I guess I can, yes, but that's not the point. Apart from that, it still comes out of my pocket for the rest of the tax year, and it's not that I get it back in cash either, it still lowers my net profit. It is simply thoughtless and very typical for this 'I only have rights, but no duties'-society we live in.

I then sent out a newsletter and said that there were three ways to solve this problem:

1. No more performance opportunities.
2. Every student pays equal amounts to cover the cost in advance.
3. Admission tickets.

The problem is now solved (although 2009 didn't have any concerts because I simply didn't have the energy to organise them after my mum passed away), but some people are still grumping about it. Well, we can still fall back on 1.

Pleased to report that at last night's concert we had 179 in the audience at £8 per ticket covering costs and £500+ going to charity . Everyone paid £8, including the 9-year old performers, and I was unable to help clear up because of a stream of people saying what a good time they had and that they were looking forward to the next one.
To put this into perspective - yesterday I started at 6.30am bringing things down from the loft and loading my husband's van - clavinova (not from the loft ), amp, apeakers, raffle prizes, crackers, music, stands, Christmas tree, 6 boxes of wine glasses, etc., - we fill a VW transporter. There is a team of 12 to set the hall up, bringing chairs down from upstairs, putting up tables, dressing them, blowing up helium balloons, putting Christmas lights around the stage, laying out the buffet, raffle table, etc., Then at the end, from 10.30pm to 11.45 when we have to be out, 15 dismantling and putting it all away, disposing of rubbish, sweeping floors, refilling transporter, offloading it at home, finishing at about 1am. Today I have a music room filled with all this which has to be taken upstairs and put back in the loft. Tomorrow I have to take the helium canister back to the shop.
Oh and I forgot the two stressful days when people were ringing in sick - apart from my 3 solos I was also in line to sing in three duets due to sickness - luckily I only had to do one, but I did have to ring around to get cover for small solo lines in group items.
The point of this is to say that, big or small, concerts take more organising than meets the eye, and, apart from the two Saturdays' lost teaching fees, I'm blowed if I am going to fund it as well! Did I say I am exhausted? Maybe that goes without saying!

Dugazon - you are absolutely right - I amalgamate your 2 and 3 - every attendee, performer or audience member, pays an equal amount to cover the costs in advance by way of ticket - my only exceptions are the superb team of people who help on the day, without whom my concerts just wouldn't happen, the person (student) who designs, prints and donates tickets and programmes, our chef and the charity representatives - who dug into their own pockets to buy raffle tickets to support their own charity!

I'm having my pupils first ever concert on the 18th. I've managed to persuade 19 of the 22 to perform and that includes 2 adults and a complete beginner who will all be playing duets with me for moral support. Each pupil is preparing 2 pieces, some festive , many not (thank god!) and by my rough timings I have about an hour and a half with intros in between.
I've hired a church hall which is not long built, which is great. Nice new Yamaha piano too. It's costing me £25 for the whole evening which is mega reasonable, and I'll be footing the bill myself. No-one will be paying to come in, but I'm asking everyone to bring some finger food so we can have a bit of socialising at the end. The parents are more excited than the kids I have to say. The adult pupils are hysterical with nerves though!

Same applies to some of the teachers who organise these things! When you think about it - no concert pianist would have to deal organising food, being available to reassure all the nervous participants as they arrive, compering the event, tuning instruments he/she doesn't play, and then sitting down to give a resounding performance himself with the parents of all his pupils listening. One piece of advice that I'd give, which is so simple, and which worked really well in abating my nerves last time, is to be organised before the doors open, have your own music somewhere safe where nobody will set theirs on top of it, don't let anybody seek you out to bemoan the fact that they've forgotten their music (There's nothing you can do about it at this stage anyway!) and in fact, as far as possible, hide yourself away in an adjoining room, or the loo, till the alloted time arrives and you have to do your official welcome spiel. Have a friendly older pupil or parent on the door to hand out programmes, take money, and direct people to their seats, and delegate as much as possible so you're not needed between the end of setting up the room and the start of the concert.

Good luck! I bet it won't be the last!

Thanks!

My pupils just did their concert and I am so proud! It is great to hear them all in succession and really appreciate how they have improved since last year. Those who have done a few have developed great "performance skills"...covering up any fluffs deftly and moving on. We had great variety; from Cowboy Joe (Tunes for Ten...) up to Scarlatti and Clementi Sonatas. Parents and pupils were really happy and I am on a little high.

It can be really stressful (I spent the last few days wondering why on earth I was doing it) but it is SO worthwhile.

And now I'm finished teaching for three weeks!!!

We just had our Christmas Concert too.

All adult pupils and I think I've found the winning format for this - it was pupils only (no friends or family allowed), and tea and cake were provided beforehand along with chat to break the ice. In particular I think they appreciated the no-program format - there was no list of who was going to play in what order and what piece - they eventually finished their cake and someone volunteered to go first. When they'd all had a turn they were so thrilled they decided to go round again, and then some of them a third time - one of them playing the same piece (to rapturous applause) three times, other's playing different things - one even had a go at a sight reading performance! I provided the venue and refreshments and a tidy sum was collected in a dish for charity.

That sounds brilliant. I don't teach any adults at the moment, but if I do in the future I will be trying something similar.

Cake is often the solution to life's problems

Congrats!