(Above is pianist Yosuke Yamashita…..you can read about that here…..)
Recently I’ve received a number of recital and concert questions, so I’ve answered these below. Also see “Piano Recital Etiquette, or What do Do When You Attend a Classical Music Concert”
What should I wear to a recital/ classical concert?
If you are an audience member attending a recital and you’re not sure how formal it is, it’s always safe to wear something that’s nice but still casual; think “Sunday clothes.” But if you are attending an evening symphony orchestra concert, you should wear dressy clothes — a suit for men, a dress for women.
If you are performing in a recital, ask your teacher about appropriate attire for the performance, and here are some additional guidelines in choosing what to wear:
Your clothing should be comfortable whether you are standing, sitting, or walking. Check to make sure you can actually play your instrument in the clothes you have chosen. Tight sleeves can restrict your arm movements, skirts can hike up inappropriately, and high heels can make you walk awkwardly. These are the kinds of things you don’t want to be worrying about when you are about to perform, so it’s best to wear something sensible that fits well!
Girls and ladies: Don’t wear short skirts, sleeveless dresses, plunging necklines, or dresses with thin straps. I have witnessed a number of “wardrobe malfunctions” such as a spaghetti strap that keeps falling off the shoulder, underwear showing, etc. These incidents embarrass the audience as well as the performer, and can be avoided altogether by dressing modestly.
Should I give a gift to the performer after the recital, and what is an appropriate gift? What about teachers?
Gifts are not expected by the performer, but they are a great way to encourage the musician if you feel obliged to do so. Flowers are a traditional gift, but any small thing the performer enjoys would be equally welcome. A “congratulations” card, a trip to their favorite restaurant, a small toy or trinket are all nice recital gifts. Boys may not enjoy receiving flowers, so consider their personality in choosing a gift for them. More important than gifts are your words to the musician afterwards. Tell them specifically what you enjoyed about their performance.
Likewise, teachers certainly do not expect gifts, but any given are considered by the teacher to be recognition of the extra effort and time involved in preparing for the recital and coaching the students. If a recital goes well, the teacher should be congratulated!
When am I supposed to clap? What about a standing ovation?
For formal recitals with one performer, it is customary to clap when they first appear on stage and at the end of each piece (but not between movements of a piece). It is usually pretty obvious, and when in doubt, just follow what the people around you are doing. Standing ovations are reserved for performances that are particularly moving, virtuosic, and spectacular. Once while I was in college, I went on a date with a man who had never attended a recital before, and he took me to a so-so symphony concert. At the end, he clapped enthusiastically and stood up for a standing ovation, and he was the only person in the entire audience to do so, and I almost died of embarrassment. If you are new to attending recitals, don’t start a standing ovation—again, it is best to just “follow the crowd”.
Should I bring babies or small children to recitals?
No, not unless it is a very informal recital. The performers onstage can hear every cough, rustle of papers, whisperings, cell phones, key janglings, and every other sound that occurs in the room. Crying and cooing babies, and restless young children are a distraction to the performer who is trying to concentrate, as well as to the audience members.
Can I take pictures or videotape during a recital?
It is best to avoid taking pictures during the performance because most cameras make sounds and have flashes, and these are a total distraction when one is performing (especially the flashes!). Instead, consider taking pictures before and after the recital. Videotaping is allowed at some venues, and not at others, so find out ahead of time by contacting the teacher, director, facility, etc.
