Does anyone give 'favors' at recitals? I am having a recital next Friday and it has been suggested that I bring favors for my students. Nearly all are young pianists and violinists. I need some idea of what type of 'favor' would be appropriate. What about awards? What types, etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I took lessons for 15 years, have been playing for 32 years, and never participated in a recital. (As a side note, this is a TERRIBLE thing to do to a student -- never to have performance experience.)

Kristin Beckstead

-- Kristin Beckstead (kbeckstead@xmission.com), November 09, 2002

Answers

I don't give out things to my students at recitals. I do have refreshments. At the end of the year, I give certificates honoring various achievements (most improved, most consistently prepared, etc) and I give what I call the "Bach Award" for the student with the most achievement across the board. That particular award comes with a prize -- usually a CD -- to recognize their committment to music study.

Be careful. Whatever you do at this first recital will set a precedent for future ones. Do you want to have to think up a new favor for each recital? If not, don't even do it once. Otherwise you will have to do it every time. I prefer to think that I am giving my students the gift of music that will last a lifetime. Don't be sucked into the consumer mentality here.

-- Arlene Steffen (asteffen@fresno.edu), November 09, 2002.

I saw on another piano site where someone suggested purchasing cookie cutters in the shape of musical instruments (violin, piano, note, treble clef), then filling them with MandM's or something similar and wrapping them in colored celophane, secured with curly ribbon. The cookie cutters were about $1 each, so this idea is pretty cheap.

"www.foosecookiecutters.

-- alexandra (alidoremi@aol.com), November 11, 2002.

I have done two piano recitals so far for my pianists, and as incentives for them I offer participation ribbons. For my students who practice according my guidelines, they earn a small "Perfect Practice" trophy. These run about $3.00 and are a great way to get younger students motivated. Anyway, I figure that for the small cost, it is worth rewarding them for their hard work and dedication as well as praising their effort for their families. Hope this help!

Amy

-- Amy (moon_beam_22@hotmail.com), November 11, 2002.

I hold two recitals per year, and have always given a pencil and a pen (sparkly or green etc.) or drinking straws that have a curvy trumpet- like intersection, or little tiny paint sets from China. My cost is always uner $2.99, and often $1.99 Canadian (play money to you Americans)

I'm always so darn grateful that the munchkins keep returning for lessons when I think back to my first years of teaching and how hard it was to get students. Besides, I always get tons of gifts from them (bath gel,clock, pictures, chocolates) twice per year. I'm also grateful that they get up and perform without falling apart into so many little pieces. They deserve it!

-- Anita Greenways (anitagreenways@hotmail.com), November 20, 2002.

I so appreciate all these great responses. After it all I ended up giving each of the students a corsage/boutonniere. I made these out of silk flowers so the cost was small. The students were all very excited as for most this was their first corsage. I think it helped emphasize the importance of performing. Also, I had several parents off to bring refreshments. It turned out well and I was pleased with my decision. Thank you again for all the wonderful ideas.

-- Kristin Beckstead (kbeckstead@xmission.com), November 20, 2002.

I have been teaching piano for over twenty five years. I offer two recitals a year and strongly encourage all students to participate. As a reward for their participation, I started buying Wind up music box mechanisms purchased from a store called Wound and Wound. The cost is around $3.00. After 9-11, I purchased all patriotic songs, then at the holidays I purchased holiday songs. I also give them certificates of participation.

-- Diane Phillips (Diatonic3@aol.com), May 16, 2003.

Just as an update -- I held our second recital two weeks ago. I was surprised and pleased at how many of the students were excited to know whether or not they would receive another corsage at the recital. I had a mother volunteer to make the corsages. They turned out beautifully and everyone was pleased! Most of the parents have said they liked the corsages because it helps the kids 'want' to be dressed up and to feel like they are important. It also differentiates them from the other kids in the audience. The greatest thrill though was the kids. I had three little girls come to lessons the next week and all said, "I love piano! It's my favorite part of the week!" Hooray!

-- Kristin Beckstead (kbeckstead@xmission.com), May 16, 2003.