5 Recital Etiquette Tips: Performers and Audience Members
For those of you new to Austin Arts Academy in Austin, Texas, joining the recital scene for the first time or just want a quick refresher… below we describe our Recital Experience and share our Top 5 Etiquette Tips for Performers and Audience Members
The Glamorous Austin Arts Academy Recital Experience
As I sat at my first recital with Austin Arts Academy in December of 2021, I couldn’t help but think about how much more GLAMOROUS the recitals were compared to what I experienced when I was taking lessons during my childhood.
Seriously…the recitals I took part in were in the dark basement of my teachers house with folding chairs and an upright piano against the wall.
As I write this, recitals for Austin Arts Academy are being held at the Hill Country Bible Church in Steiner Ranch and the experience includes a Grand Piano on stage, a sound and lights guy, beautiful seasonal decorations, and students art work displayed in the lobby, where a reception of cookies and punch follows the performances.
Former recitals were held in the studio space that was formerly Trevelise Musique, and future recitals are being dreamed about in our very own commercial studio space.
There have been a lot of transitions in the past year, including the sale of the old studio space, pivoting to comply with health and safety protocols, and expanding and rebranding as Austin Arts Academy.
5 Etiquette Tips for Performers & Audience Members Below
For those of you who are new to Austin Arts Academy, joining the recital scene for the first time or just want a quick refresher, here are our top 5 Etiquette Tips for Performers and top 5 Etiquette Tips for Audience Members
5 Recital Etiquette Tips for Performers:
5 Recital Etiquette Tips for Performers at Austin Arts Academy:
Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time wearing Recital Attire (See Recital Attire Suggestions Below)
This allows you to check-in, find a seat, get tuned, and familiarize yourself with the recital space. You may also want to check in with your teacher if they are able to attend. Download the Program with the QR Code and review when you are performing.
Have Music and Instruments ready
You will sit with your family in the audience until it is your turn to perform. (See Audience Member tips below).
Walk up during the applause from the previous performer
Look at the program to see who performs before you so you know when it is your turn. Walk to the piano or other instrument and take a deep breath and smile.
Perform, Have Fun and Stay Calm
Perform your piece and don’t worry about mistakes. We all make them! Just remain calm and keep going. If you have more than one piece, pause at the end to give audience members a chance to applaud, then continue with your next piece.
Smile and Bow.
The audience will applaud, then you can quietly walk off the stage, taking your instrument and music with you (if applicable), and return to your seat in the audience.
5 Recital Etiquette Tips for Audience Members:
5 Recital Etiquette Tips for Audience Members at Austin Arts Academy:
Arrive Early and Download Program with QR Code
If you or guests arrive late, please enter between performances when you hear the audience applauding.
Find a Seat and Turn off All Electronic Devices
Excess noise is distracting and we want our performers to feel comfortable.
Listen attentively and quietly
Respect the Performers on Stage and Give them Your full attention.
We invite you to take crying or fussy children to the reception area and return between performances.
Please refrain from eating or drinking during performances. A reception with cookies and punch will follow
Avoid switching seats or moving around during the performance.
Enjoy the performance and Applaud
You are welcome to take pictures and videos, but please avoid any flash during the performance. Performers are encouraged by your support and clapping shows your enthusiasm!
Please stay until the Recital is Entirely Finished
You, your family, and friends are the audience for not just your child, but for all of the students performing. Your presence is an important part of the recital. Thank you for empowering the next generation of musicians and artists!
Recital Attire Suggestions:
Boys/Men: Collared Shirt and Dress pants with nice, clean shoes (such as vans or dress shoe)
Girls/Women: Dresses, Skirts, Dressy Top with dress pants, sandals or dress shoes. Be mindful that you are on stage and people are looking up at you or you may be sitting to play your instrument when determining the length of your dress or skirt.
Want to be a Part of the Recital Experience at Austin Arts Academy?
Rebekah has a vision and drive to change the way the students at Austin Arts Academy experience lessons and believes all students should have the freedom and joy to create and share their art for a lifetime.
She is passionate about empowering, training, and equipping the next generation of teachers so they have resources and tools to use for every style of learner.
I have a bit of an outsider’s perspective, as I’m not a lesson teacher or student, but I can see her vision in motion.
Recitals are one of the experiences that makes Austin Arts Academy so UNIQUE and showcase this vision! You aren’t sitting in a stuffy old basement with a smelly old teacher that drills lessons over and over and over! Can you relate?
Check out the website for classes and lessons that change the way you learn and showcase your Music, Art, & Dance skills. If you want to read more about the lesson experience, read The Top 5 Benefits of Classes and Lessons with Austin Arts Academy.
We hope these tips are helpful and encourage you to come take part in the recitals yourself, either as a performer or an audience member.
It is complimentary for family and guests of the performers to attend!
Watch our Spring 2022 Virtual Recital on YouTube CLICK HERE
Want to Participate in Recitals? Book Now and enjoy two recital options per year. Course Catalog
If you want to read more about my connection to Rebekah and her family, and my role with Austin Arts Academy, feel free to read It’s Nice to Meet You
Written by Melissa Wolken
Contributing Writer, Culture Curator, and Admin Team Member
At Austin Arts Academy, we change the way you learn Music, Art, & Dance from rigid or boring to fun and engaging-an experience students will love at any age.
Course Catalog
Don't Know Where to Start? CLICK HERE
Watch our Spring May 2022 Virtual Recital HERE
We invite you to stay connected with us on social media where we share videos and posts every week showing what our students are learning, both in private lessons and in our group classes.
