performance opportunities

Public performing is an integral part of the student musician's experience. The act of playing for an audience allows for growth in confidence both in musicianship and as a person. Much enjoyment can be had for the performer and the audience when a student shares their learning experiences with the public.

I require my students to take part in at least one public performance and one recital per year. More performance opportunities are recommended but not required. All performances are to be given professional consideration, meaning that the student should dress nicely and will introduce themselves, the name of their piece, and it's composer. Below are the performances offered:

Student recitals

Three student recitals a year will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. These are informal performances meant to showcase a student's best current work. All pieces are to be performed memorized unless otherwise decided upon by the teacher, and a piano accompanist can be provided to you at no cost. This may require scheduling a rehearsal with the accompanist at a time other than your lesson time. The scheduling of this rehearsal is to be the student’s responsibility.

While only one of the three provided recital opportunities are required, it is recommended that the student take part in all three. Please plan to take part in all three recitals unless you have a prior commitment as all performance opportunities are significant to facilitating ownership of one's progress throughout the year. 

These recitals include other student instrumentalists learning piano, guitar, voice, and brass.

Church performances

Students taking lessons at St. John Lutheran church are required to perform a polished piece for one Sunday morning worship service a year. Service times are Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 am (times may vary). An accompanist can be provided to you at no cost. This may require scheduling a rehearsal with the accompanist at a time other than your lesson time.  The scheduling of this rehearsal is to be the student’s responsibility. Please inform me of your scheduled performance and I will do my best to attend. If I am unable to attend, please document the performance so that I may review it later.

Students taking lessons at a location other than St. John are encouraged to perform for a worship service but are not required. These students will need to see below the requirements for other public performances.

Other public performances

Students who do not perform in a Sunday service at St John will be required to take part in another public performance. This can be at one's personal church, talent show, Senior living facility, etc. This must be as professional as possible, and must include an atypical audience (not immediate family members). Please inform me of the scheduled performance and I will do my best to attend. If I am unable to attend, please document the performance.