Top 10 Recital Rules for Audience Members

With summer fast approaching, many studios are gearing up for end-of-the-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 should 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 schedule and sit down. In fact, those who arrive early usually get the best choice of seats.

(two) Limit perfumes or colognes. While perfumes, colognes, and scented body lotions smell good, it is NOT considered appropriate to use strong scents at a recital/concert. Many people have allergies to perfumes. Therefore, out of respect for other audience members, 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 the appropriate support and encouragement to the performer and to enjoy the performance. As such, audience members are expected to follow some basic rules:

* Do not talk, whisper loudly or hum during a performance. Also, noisy candy wrappers or cough drops should be avoided! This can be very distracting for the artist and can (especially for young students) cause performance problems. It’s also quite distracting for audience members.

* Remain seated during the performance (without moving or walking), and only go out between pieces if absolutely necessary.

* Without chewing gum. Slapping and chewing noises can be distracting to other audience members. And, chewing gum dropped at a recital can create a “sticky” mess. Instead, it’s best to use (calm) breath mints.

* No whistling, yelling, or other loud methods of congratulations, especially before the performance. If a performer is focused and ready to play, but is distracted by “yelling” and “screaming”, this can really ruin her performance. While boisterous congratulations are meant to show support for the artist, they can actually cause unwanted trouble. The best way to show appreciation for a performance is with thunderous applause and an occasional “bravo” at the end of an especially 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 noisy as possible. And, the cameras must have the flash turned off. Random and/or unexpected camera flickering (along with clicking noises) can really distract an artist.

(6) Turn off your cell phone or other electronic devices. It is quite obvious that the ringing of the phone and the beeps are distracting for both the artist and the audience. Texting and talking need to be saved for after the recital is over.

(7) Attend the entire recital. Leaving early is not considered proper etiquette. All of the performers have worked hard to prepare for the event and all deserve the same respect and courtesy (ie a full recital hall).

(8) clap appropriately. In addition to clapping for congratulations, it’s also important to remember to only clap at appropriate times. For example, a multi-move piece should only receive claps when all the moves have been played. Also, at piano recitals it is NOT considered appropriate to clap after a particularly brilliant passage has been played. Instead, applause is reserved for after the performance is over (or when the artist first takes the stage).

(9) dress appropriately. Unless otherwise stated 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 overly casual clothing. casual (such as short denim skirts or 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 members of the audience 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 that audience members need to know and practice.