Performance is an essential aspect of music education, particularly for music students in Toronto. As one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world, Toronto boasts a rich music scene with numerous opportunities for students to showcase their talents and develop their skills. At Greater Toronto Music School, we also offer two performance opportunities for students each year in our Summer and Winter recitals. All of our students, no matter their skill level, are encouraged to participate in the recitals and it also offers a great opportunity for parents to see what their children have been working on.

We frequently see performance contributing significantly to students’ growth and progress. Here are some reasons why performance is important for music students in Toronto:

Development of skills

Regular performances allow music students to hone their skills and develop a deeper understanding of music theory, rhythm, and tone. They get to put their skills into practice and receive valuable feedback from experienced musicians and instructors. Practice is essential to prepare for a successful performance so students who have an upcoming concert or recital will inevitably increase their skill level while getting ready. Lessons with a top Toronto music teacher will be helpful as well!

Building confidence

Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, but it can also be incredibly empowering. Students who perform regularly build confidence and learn to manage their nerves, making them more confident and capable musicians. The confidence gained through performance will transfer to other areas of their lives, making them overall more confident humans. Our top Toronto music teachers have much experience helping students to prepare for performances and to help them feel calm and confident, even if it’s the first time.

Exposure to different styles

Toronto is a melting pot of different cultures, and its music scene reflects this diversity. By performing in a variety of venues and events, music students can gain exposure to different styles of music and learn to appreciate the unique sounds and rhythms of different cultures. At Greater Toronto Music School, each recital showcases about 25 students on different instruments so in addition to performing, students will have the opportunity to hear and see their contemporaries playing various styles. This is quite an inspiring experience which motivates students to work harder in their Toronto music lessons.

Networking opportunities

Music performances are an excellent opportunity for students to network with other musicians, instructors, and industry professionals. These connections can open doors for future opportunities and collaborations. Even if students are only looking to pursue music more casually and are not seeking professional opportunities or musical collaboration, music teachers in Toronto can be a great source of mentorship to help students achieve goals in all areas of their lives. Being surrounded by peers with similar interests also opens students up to new social groups and creates the opportunity to make more friends.

Creating memories

Performing music can be a deeply rewarding and memorable experience. Students who perform regularly can create lasting memories and connections with their audience and fellow performers. A successful performance will also give a student a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, something that they will remember forever! Students enrolled in Toronto music lessons with GTMS are invited to perform at our recitals and will receive photos and videos to help commemorate the day!

In conclusion, performance is a crucial aspect of music education for students in Toronto. By regularly performing, students can develop their skills, build confidence, gain exposure to different styles, network with industry professionals, and create lasting memories.

Performing in front of an audience for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are some tips and insights that may help students who will be performing for the first time at the upcoming Greater Toronto Music School Summer Recital:

Practice, practice, practice

The more you practice your piece, the more confident you will feel when it’s time to perform. Make sure to rehearse your piece in different settings and conditions to simulate the recital experience as closely as possible. Also make sure to talk to your Toronto music teacher about how to practice. It’s important to spend your practice time efficiently, working on the things that you need to improve. For example, it’s better to work on one small section of a piece that is difficult instead of playing the entire thing over and over, repeating the same mistakes.

Visualize success

Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself performing your piece flawlessly in front of a supportive audience. This can help you feel more confident and relaxed on the day of the performance. You can watch the greats performing on YouTube to help you visualize successful concerts as well. In the words of the great boxer, Muhammad Ali, “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it”. Visualizing a successful performance will inspire success and confidence.

Focus on the music

Remember that the audience is there to enjoy your music, not to judge you. Focus on the music and let your passion for it shine through. Also remember that you are your biggest critic. A small error will likely not be noticed by anyone in the audience, as long as you quickly recover and move on.

Breathe deeply

Taking deep breaths can help you calm your nerves by increasing the supply of oxygen in your brain. When performers are feeling calm, they are able to remain focused. Our top Toronto music teachers always recommend that prior to performance, students take a few deep breaths and try to relax your body. This is especially helpful to those who are feeling nervous or anxious.

Arrive early

Arriving late to an important event is a huge source of stress for most. Everyone has experienced rushing frantically to an important appointment and the stress that accompanies it. Arrive early to the venue so you can get comfortable with the space and prepare mentally for your performance. This will help you feel more confident and in control.

Stay positive

Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay. If you make a mistake during your performance, don’t dwell on it – just keep going and stay positive. Learning to handle mistakes is an extremely valuable skill for musicians. Most audience members will be unaware of a mistake if the performer quickly moves on and doesn’t allow a small mistake to derail the entire performance. Talk to your Toronto music teacher about how to handle a mistake and remember, even the most skilled and prolific musicians make mistakes. In the words of the great bassist, Marcus Miller, “There are no mistakes, unless you decide it’s a mistake….. That’s not what I meant to do, but that’s kind of cool. That’s not what I meant to do, but I’m gonna make something out of that.”

Have fun

Performing music should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Remember to smile and enjoy the moment, and your audience will too! No doubt, learning an instrument and preparing for a performance is hard work. Performing in front of an audience, especially for the first time, can be a source of stress and anxiety as well. But it’s important to remember that learning and playing music should be fun!

In conclusion, performing for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but with practice, visualization, focus, deep breathing, arriving early, staying positive, and having fun, students can overcome their nerves and deliver a great performance at the upcoming Greater Toronto Music School Summer Recital. Good luck!

Source: https://www.greatertorontomusic.ca/post/toronto-music-lessons-tips-for-new-performers