Recently, I sent my students to the SPG piano festival in which only Registered Piano Teachers can apply for their students. All of my students who played at the festival got either first, second or third in their classes. I’m pleased with their accomplishment. However, what attitude should teachers, parents and students use when facing a competitive piano festival?
As a piano teacher, I always make sure my students are well prepared. Memorize the pieces correctly and be expressive. Enjoy the moment when you’re making your lovely music. Share your enthusiasm in music as if you wanted to tell a story or express an emotion through playing.
As a parent, be supportive by providing a good environment for practicing. Be positive no matter what happened during the performance. Don’t focus too much on the marks or ranking or the trophy. Focus on the whole experience rather than the marks. Praise your child(ren) after performing as children often have to bravely step out of their comfort zone to do it.
As a student, treat it like a precious moment to share your music to someone you don’t know. Persuade the audience that the piece that you picked is the best in the world. For students, it’s a good opportunity to experience the difference in playing out of your familar settings (either at home or at lesson). It’s an opportunity to learn how to control their nervousness before and during the performance, learn how to cover up their mistake(s) if there’s any. It’s also a great opportunity to listen to other players at the same level. Students also get comments from the adjudicator. So as a whole, students always gain something from this experience regardless of the marks.
