Piano recitals are a valuable tool for helping piano students achieve their musical dreams. Too frequently, however, parents mistakenly believe their childs upcoming piano recital is some kind of an initiation test, and sadly project this attitude to their children. But nothing could be further from the truth. Here is the real truth about piano recitals parents need to know.

Piano Recitals are a Valuable Tool for helping children succeed in piano, because they establish a goal that gives students power and direction. What would it be like if your child could walk up to the recital piano and play their best simply because they know they can? Of course It would be wonderful! So why not let them?

Here is the most common explanation parents give for not wanting their children to participate in piano recitals, and an alternative to this perspective.

Im afraid my child will be embarrassed if they dont perform well.

Okay, so youre afraid. Thats understandable, but is it a reason? Heres a better way to look at it. As a parent, what is your goal? By attending piano recitals, children have the opportunity to become more confident, and to learn from their mistakes. Do you want your child to grow in confidence and learn to fly, or stay wrapped inside a psychological cocoon? If your goal is to help your musical child learn how to fly, and overcome their worries and fears about performing, follow through with effective parenting habits that support this goal.

Having a successful piano recital is all about planning and perspective. Piano students learn planning by setting goals that create a map to success that will achieves their piano dreams. Following through with good habits that support their piano goals is how students can prepare to play well at their piano recital.

There are strategies parents can use to help their children in piano learn to set goals. But first, here is a good way not to help your child overcome worries about performing. Never try to scare your child into practicing with hyperbolic failure stories about what people in the audience will think of they bomb at the recital! Stick to the facts; and dont give this monster permission to live in your kids head. Fear isnt a good piano teacher.

Instead be positive and show your child how to gain perspective and overcome their fear. If they are worried, redirect their focus by asking how they would like to feel at the spring recital? For example, Would you like to feel confident about playing in your recital? Follow up by stating the facts clearly. You know, Jeremy, you dont have to be afraid. You have a choice. There are things you can do. What do you think you could do to ensure that you play the way you want to at your recital? If your child hesitates, get them to use their imagination by asking, Well if you did know, what do you think it would be?

You can follow up further by asking, How would your life be different if you werent afraid to perform in front of an audience? And, Do you think there will be other times in you life when youll need to share what you know in front of a group of people?

In this way youll be empowering your child with valuable tools for success. Instead of caving in to fear, use this effective plan for helping your child overcome piano recital worries. I guarantee your childs confidence will grow as they begin to use their piano wings!