GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND AUDIENCES

Standard concert etiquette entails appropriate behavior while viewing or performing a live musical performance. Good classical concert etiquette shows respect for the conductor, performers, other audience members, and the music that is being performed. Teachers of students performing in any of the EVMTA recitals are responsible for instructing their students on appropriate concert etiquette.

REVISED JUNE 2017

  1. APPEARANCE
    1. Should be neat and in no way distract from the performance.
    2. Boys should wear a dress shirt, dress slacks and nice shoes; baggy pants and those that reveal underwear are not acceptable; avoid tennis shoes and baseball caps.
    3. Girls should wear a formal dress, skirt or dress slacks; skirts and dresses should be knee-length when seated and without side slits.
    4. Tops should cover the midriff completely, no showing of cleavage; sheer/revealing garments are not appropriate.
    5. Dress shoes are preferred for recitals; flip-flops and similar casual styles are not appropriate.
    6. Jewelry that interferes or distracts should not be worn.
  2. PERFORMANCE ENTRANCE
    1. Approach the performing area graciously, arms at sides.
    2. Acknowledge any applause with a smile and a nod.
    3. For more information, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhOXgzYZF2o
  3. PERFORMANCE
    1. Take time to prepare before performing. Adjust the bench to a suitable position. Use the correct pedal. Think of the music you will perform before engaging.
    2. No candy or gum chewing while performing.
    3. Remain expressionless if errors occur.
    4. If memory lapses occur, try to go on, skipping ahead if necessary. Do not keep up fruitless efforts if recall is gone. Simply exit as gracefully as possible.
    5. No unnecessary movements of mouth, head, hands, etc.
    6. If reading a piece, store all sheet music in a black binder.
    7. If more than one number is performed, take adequate time between pieces.
    8. For more information, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY9g-KKJaTc
  4. PERFORMANCE EXIT
    1. ALWAYS acknowledge your audience. Acknowledge any applause with a smile and a bow.
    2. Leave performing area graciously.
    3. For more information, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx2w_SrvpJo
  5. CONCERT ETIQUETTE
    1. Out of respect to the audience and performers: refrain from flash photography and mute all electronic devices.
    2. All performers and/or parents must stay for the entire duration of the recital to support other performers.
    3. When exiting the concert, please do so between performances.
    4. Please hold your applause until the conclusion of each performance.
    5. For more information, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etKMvzjASFk
  6. IN ADDITION
    1. Arrive early to the venue in order to get situated before the performance.
    2. If a student would like to play on the performance piano ahead of time, please make arrangements with the facility to schedule a time to do so. This will have to be on a day prior to the actual performance or recital. This is not to be done while the audience is gathering.