With summer fast approaching, many studios are gearing up for end-of-the-school-year recitals. An important aspect of a successful piano recital is the observance of proper recital etiquette. Below are the top ten rules audience members must observe when attending a recital.
The audience:
(1) Arrive on time, or a little earlier. When audience members arrive on time, it provides the best opportunity for the presentation to start on time. Arriving a few minutes early will also give you time to get a program and sit down. In fact, those who arrive early usually get the best choice of seats.
(2) Limit perfumes or colognes. While perfumes, colognes, and scented body lotions smell good, it is NOT considered appropriate to wear strong-smelling scents at a recital/concert. Many people have allergies to perfumes. Therefore, out of respect for other members of the audience, it is considered proper etiquette to limit or refrain from applying scented items to your body or clothing.
(3) Sit quietly and listen to the performances.. The role of the audience is to provide appropriate support and encouragement to the performer and enjoy the performance. As such, audience members are expected to follow a few basic rules:
* No talking, loud whispering or humming during a performance. Also, loud candy or cough drop wrappers should be avoided! This can be very distracting for the artist and can (especially for young students) cause performance problems. It’s also pretty distracting for audience members.
* Remain seated during the performance (without moving or walking), and only go out between pieces if absolutely necessary.
* No chewing gum. Whipping and chewing noises can be distracting to other audience members. And, gum dropped at a recital can create a “sticky” mess. Instead, it’s best to use (quiet) breath mints.
* No whistling, shouting, or other loud methods of congratulations, especially before the performance. If a performer is focused and ready to play, but gets distracted by “whooping” and “whooping,” this can really ruin her performance. While boisterous congratulations are meant to show support for the artist, they can actually cause unwanted problems. The best way to show appreciation for the performance is with thunderous applause and the occasional “bravo” at the end of a particularly good performance.
(4) Go to the bathroom BEFORE. If it is absolutely necessary to leave the room during the recital, it should be done quietly and between pieces rather than in the middle of a piece.
(5) no flash photography. If photography or video is allowed at the recital, it’s best to stand in the back and be as discreet or loud as possible. And, the cameras must have the flash turned off. Random and/or unexpected flickering from cameras (along with clicking noises) can really distract an artist.
(6) Turn off your cell phone or other electronic devices. It’s pretty obvious that the phone ringing and beeping is distracting to both the performer and the audience. It is necessary to save the text messages and talk for after the recital is over.
(7) Attend the entire recital. Leaving early is not considered proper etiquette. All of the artists have worked hard to prepare for the event and all deserve the same respect and courtesy (ie a packed recital hall).
(8) clap appropriately. In addition to providing applause at congratulations, it’s also important to remember to only applaud at appropriate times. For example, a multi-movement piece should only receive applause when all the movements have been played. Also, in piano recitals it is NOT considered appropriate to clap after a particularly brilliant passage has been played. Instead, the applause is reserved for after the performance is over (or when the performer first takes the stage).
(9) dress appropriately. Unless otherwise noted on the invitation, the general rule of thumb for recital attire is that it be clean, free of holes or tears, and dressier than a tank top or casual T-shirt or other oversized clothing. casual (such as short jean skirts or Bermuda shorts). A good practice is to dress as if you were going to church or an interview.
(10) The most important thing of all is to enjoy the music.. Creating an environment that allows all audience members to hear the performances without hindrance will result in an enjoyable and valuable experience for all involved. After all, music is fun! It must be enjoyed.
There are many benefits to learning, teaching, and applying proper recital etiquette. Recital etiquette is an important social skill for audience members to know and practice.