Concert Time!

2020-10-23

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I Love Concerts!

For me, a major part of music is sharing your music with other people.

‎I like concerts, as they provide a safe, family friendly way for students to share their music, gain confidence, and perhaps give an exam piece a public performance before the actual exams.

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We welcome performers of all ages!

In previous years, we’ve had four-year olds, as well as adults (and two grandmothers) perform, which was very encouraging to everyone. We’ve also had Mother-Son duets, and sibling duets (great fun!)

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Until about 15 years ago, we ran our concerts out at Winmalee Public School hall. Students would come along and play some pieces, and it was enjoyable (and a good confidence booster) for everyone.

However, there are a few problems with a big concert. With 30 or more students, each playing two pieces - it's going to take at least 90 minutes. The length presents problems for younger siblings, how can't be expected to sit still that long!

Also, there are always popular pieces, so you can expect to hear Mission Impossible twice, “Struttin” 3 times, and this year “Unicorn Gliding” 3 times (several years ago, you would have heard “Let It Go” from “Frozen” perhaps 7 times!)

Lastly, sadly schools don’t always have the budget to tune their piano...

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The Solution: Small Friendly Concerts

The solution was to run several small concerts on the same day. Each concert has 6 or 7 students playing, and just family to watch.

Every student gets a beautiful certificate:

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There's an option for the audience to fill in “Encouragement” forms for student performances...

Here's one of mine (I love it!)...

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Some of these slips have been a powerfully emotional encouragement to students.

The concerts are as encouraging and stress-free (except perhaps for me!) as I can make them: they're small, personal (just family and a few other students), and there's the nice certificates!

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How It Works...

First, I take everything out of the studio (and give it a thorough clean!)...

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Then I put in lots of comfy Sebel Chairs...

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Then we have several morning and afternoon small concerts (and you can choose which suits you better).

Here are some students performing:

One of the guests took this photo, which I’ll include with apologies!

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What If I Get Nervous?

It’s important to know that concerts are NOT compulsory!

You do NOT need to perform in public if you don’t want to.

Some people are brave and fearless, and play in public so easily. I’ve been playing the piano since I was 6 years old, and I still get nervous every time I play: my hands and feet shake, and I get very flushed (it’s true!). But I’ve learned to cope with it.

Our concerts are small, and they’re only open to other students and their families.

We do NOT record the concert and broadcast it over the internet or on national TV or anything like that! No Way!

I love seeing people get up and conquer their fear, and develop confidence.

On several occasions I’ve had students (children, teens, and adults) come along to a concert, only to get nervous, and decide not to play. This is perfectly OK! No-one will mind at all!

I’ve had the same students try again next year, and despite nerves, get up and play.

Later, they are often beaming from ear to ear, and so proud!

I’ve had shy little students blossom in confidence, with this confidence allowing them to tackle public activities at school.

I’ve had adults thank me for the opportunity.

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So don’t worry if you’re nervous—most people are (including me!)

Remember: you don’t have to do it at all; you can do it another time; or you’re welcome to play (and get a certificate and a big round of applause!). It’s your choice (but I hope you’ll choose to play!)

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