Why Performances Are Awesome
There’s a reason teachers encourage students to participate in recitals, school concerts, and talent shows—performing can be a powerful and rewarding experience!

• It builds confidence. Standing in front of an audience and playing something you’ve worked hard on is an incredible feeling. Every performance helps kids feel more comfortable in front of others.
• It teaches perseverance. Mistakes happen, even to the best musicians! Learning to keep going, even after a slip-up, helps kids develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
• It gives a sense of achievement. Preparing for a recital provides a goal to work toward, and when they finally nail that piece, they’ll feel an amazing sense of accomplishment.
• It makes music more meaningful. Music is meant to be shared! Whether it’s a big recital or just playing for family, sharing music brings joy to both the player and the listener.

As wonderful as performances can be, they aren’t the only thing that matters in learning an instrument. Some kids love playing music but don’t enjoy being in the spotlight. Others might feel pressured to perform just to make their parents proud, which can take the fun out of it. The truth is, music is about so much more than impressing an audience—it’s about self-expression, creativity, and the simple joy of playing.
If a child only associates music with the stress of performing, they might start feeling anxious about lessons or even lose their excitement for playing altogether. That’s why it’s important to remember that music can be just as valuable when played alone, in a casual setting, or simply for personal enjoyment.
Parents love seeing their kids play, but from a child’s perspective, being asked to “play something for us!” at family gatherings can sometimes feel like pressure rather than fun. Kids want to feel in control of their music, not like they have to perform on demand.
Imagine if every time you learned a new skill, people constantly asked you to show it off—you might start avoiding it! That’s why it’s important to let kids share their music when they want to, rather than when others expect them to.
So, how can we help kids get the benefits of performing without making them feel like music is all about showing off? Here are a few ways to strike the perfect balance:

• Make performances a choice, not a requirement. Encourage kids to participate in recitals, but don’t force it. Some might feel more comfortable performing in smaller settings or recording a video to share instead.
• Celebrate the process, not just the performance. Applaud their effort, progress, and dedication—not just how they play on recital day.
• Let them enjoy music for themselves. Remind them that playing just for fun is just as valuable as playing for an audience.
• Create low-pressure ways to share music. Instead of formal recitals, try casual family concerts at home, playing duets with a friend, or even just having fun playing for pets!

At the end of the day, learning an instrument is about so much more than getting on stage. Whether a child loves performing or prefers playing just for themselves, what matters most is that they enjoy the journey. Music should be a source of joy, creativity, and self-expression—not just applause. So if your child isn’t a big fan of the spotlight, that’s okay! Support their love of music in a way that feels right for them, and they’ll keep playing for years to come. 🎶😊