Adding Performance Classes To Your Studio
How to Elevate Your Piano Studio with Performance Classes
As piano teachers, we're always looking for ways to enhance our students' learning experiences. Today, I want to talk about something that has been a game-changer in my studio: performance classes. These classes offer a fantastic opportunity to address areas that may not get enough attention in private lessons, such as ensemble practice, performance experience, and musical camaraderie. If you haven't tried incorporating performance classes into your studio yet, you're missing out on some powerful benefits.
Why I Love Performance Classes
I’ve been holding performance classes for over a decade, and I can’t imagine my studio without them. Here’s why they’re so beneficial:
Beyond Private Lessons: Performance classes provide opportunities to practice ensemble playing, perform in front of peers, and see what others are working on. This environment fosters a sense of community among students and can boost their confidence as they realize that they’re all on a similar journey.
Increased Practice and Accountability: Many students practice more diligently for performance classes than recitals because they know they’ll be in a more intimate setting with their peers. This peer pressure is a healthy motivator and often reveals areas they need to focus on.
Teacher Perks: Performance classes can be scheduled during weeks with Monday holidays or other breaks, giving you a chance to take a breather while still providing a valuable experience for your students.
What is a Performance Class?
Before diving into the structure, let’s clarify what a performance class is. While definitions may vary, I view a performance class as a less formal setting where students play for one another with little to no critique, maybe just some public praise. This is different from a master class, where there’s more in-depth critique in front of the class. Performance classes are more about practicing performance etiquette, listening skills, and building confidence.
Structuring Performance Classes
Over the years, my approach to scheduling performance classes has evolved. Initially, I held them twice a year before our holiday and spring recitals. Now, I schedule them almost monthly, providing regular opportunities for students to perform and learn together.
Scheduling Tips:
Collect student availability at the start of the school year and group them based on similar schedules, personalities, and ages.
Assign each group a consistent time for their performance classes (e.g., Sally has a lesson on Monday at 5 PM, but performance class is always on Wednesday at 6 PM).
Share the schedule with parents well in advance and use tools like My Music Staff or Fons to send reminders.
What Happens in a Performance Class?
A typical performance class in my studio is one hour long and packed with activities designed to make students comfortable, engaged, and focused. Here’s a breakdown:
Welcome and Warm-Up: As students arrive, they find a small activity to ease any initial awkwardness—think coloring sheets, word searches, or symbol hunts. I also play background music to create a positive atmosphere.
Icebreaker: An icebreaker is essential to set the tone. I like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Would You Rather” questions. This helps students relax and connect with each other.
Listening Sheets: I use Amy Chaplin’s visual listening guide, which includes cues for discussing meter, tonality, dynamics, articulation, tempo, and mood. This not only sharpens their listening skills but also encourages them to think critically about the music.
Student Performances: Students practice introducing themselves, perform their pieces, and take a bow. Meanwhile, the other students use dry-erase markers on their laminated listening sheets to note what they hear, which we discuss briefly afterward.
Games: We always end with a game. Musical Uno and Go Fish are favorites, but the classic Bang game from Joy Morin’s blog is an absolute hit across all ages.
Beyond Performances: Other Types of Classes
Performance classes aren't just for recital prep. I also schedule ensemble classes, rhythm-focused sessions, and other creative projects throughout the year.
Ensemble Classes:
Students receive copies of their level-appropriate ensemble pieces and practice together on keyboards.
I pair students up to work on parts, creating a collaborative learning experience.
Some of my favorite ensemble resources come from Susan Staples Bell and Nicola Canton’s Vibrant Music Teaching Membership.
Duet Classes:
Students can prepare their parts ahead of time and then try them out with their partners during class. This can lead to lots of giggles and a deeper understanding of the music.
Performance classes are a dynamic and rewarding way to enhance your piano studio. They offer students the chance to learn in a supportive, communal setting while also providing you with some well-deserved breaks. Whether you're new to performance classes or looking to expand how you use them, I hope this gives you some inspiration to try something new in your studio.
Here are some beneficial links mentioned to help you get started:
Music Teacher Master Mind Podcast where I speak specifically to Performance Classes: Performance Classes for Private Students
Amy Chaplin’s Visual Listening Guide: Free Guide Here
Susan Staples Bell “At the Gym Ensemble”: Free Sample Here
Joy Morin’s BANG! Rhythm Game: Blog Post Here
Rhythm Cards Compatible with Piano Safari Rhythm Animals: Rhythm Cards Here