Posted by Lindsay B:
I teach as part of a larger academy with several teachers working together, so this might not apply if you have a smaller studio, but we have 4 recitals/year. Students perform only when they're prepared (memorized and polished). Most of them only perform twice a year, but it gives us more flexibility to take a little longer on a difficult piece or if something unexpected comes up. I let the parents know when recitals are, and usually they encourage their kids to prepare for recitals - I rarely have to worry about a student not moving forward with their recital piece(s). Beginner students with shorter pieces or highly motivated older students can and do perform at all 4 recitals. We usually hold them in February, early May, July, and November. Not traditional times but that helps avoid the craziness of holidays, etc. and if a student isn't ready for one recital, we just plan to do the next.
I teach as part of a larger academy with several teachers working together, so this might not apply if you have a smaller studio, but we have 4 recitals/year. Students perform only when they're prepared (memorized and polished). Most of them only perform twice a year, but it gives us more flexibility to take a little longer on a difficult piece or if something unexpected comes up. I let the parents know when recitals are, and usually they encourage their kids to prepare for recitals - I rarely have to worry about a student not moving forward with their recital piece(s). Beginner students with shorter pieces or highly motivated older students can and do perform at all 4 recitals. We usually hold them in February, early May, July, and November. Not traditional times but that helps avoid the craziness of holidays, etc. and if a student isn't ready for one recital, we just plan to do the next.