MSM RECITAL
ROLES | REQUIREMENTS | PROCEDURES FOR TEACHERS

ROLES

All Teachers at MSM are expected to be active leaders and participants in the recital. All teachers are assigned to two main roles – Lead Teacher and Facilitator.

As the name suggests, Lead Teacher leads the recital from start to finish. The role includes proper representation of MSM through a well-thought-out opening and closing remark, management of overall flow, time management, and any “filler” exchange as needed.

The Facilitator’s primary duty is to support the Lead Teacher. The role includes, but not limiting to, ushering, role calls, arrange sitting arrangements for students, announcing student names, etc.

REGISTRATION

Recital Registration at Moon School of Music follows an intricate process between student and teacher, which demands careful attention.

All registration is done by students and parents at MSM. However, it is vital that you give your professional input on whether the timing for the recital is suitable for the student based on the student’s growth and ability at the time of registration. If the student is a minor (under 18), all matters should be discussed with the parents, and the parents must consent to the decision to perform (or not) in the recital. 

Students receive an online registration form via email and have the option to choose their time based on their schedule. 

Once the registration is confirmed, teachers submit program details for each student through a separate online form.

 

PROTOCOL FOR WITHDRAWING STUDENTS FROM RECITAL

All teachers are expected to prepare students to perform well at the recital unless the student AND parent aren’t cooperative with your lessons. 

Let’s be very clear. Parents EXPECT their children to perform and perform well. Recital reflects their progress and provides time in which they evaluate you as a teacher. However, if the student is not listening or following your instructions despite numerous conversations with them and their parents, their performance shouldn’t reflect you as their teacher.  

At Moon, the teachers ultimately determine whether students perform or not and have the power to remove students from the recital. This decision should be made carefully – we require written communication records between you and the parents to validate whether proper communication preceded such a decision due to negligence and inconsistency. 

 

REQUIREMENT

All Students, regardless of level, must prepare (2) songs/pieces. These songs/pieces should be recital material – stay away from method books.

Recital songs/pieces should be challenging and carefully considered before selection. The selections must be age-appropriate and non-political, and teachers must filter the content and language. 

All performances must be performed from memory (No music on the music stand), unless common practice allows it, such as in chamber music. In case of accompanying the student, the song/piece should be absent from the stand.

Non-piano students must be accompanied by a teacher or backing track with clear counts to the entrance of the song. If the student is working on a melody, the backing track should provide harmony/rhythm. The backing track should provide the melody if the student is working on chords. 

Teach/review proper recital etiquette in class.

HOW TO BETTER PREPARE

Here are some helpful tips to better prepare students for recitals:

  1. Coordinate with other teachers and perform in-front of each other during lessons.
  2. Do a complete run-through in class and do it more than once.
  3. Be creative! (costumes, skits, duets, collaboration with other teachers)
  4. Ask questions and bounce ideas!