Perform, Experience and Learn

Hello there, I hope you are well!

We have just completed our annual Music Academy Recital, and we have once again noticed a significant improvement on their skills on the instrument.

They pick up songs a little faster, they become more vocal on what they would like to learn, some learners say things like "next year I will practice more" or things like "next time I will sing louder".

After every performance, we learn, and we grow. Here are 3 reasons why.

1. Performance gives learners a reason to practice

Our children's schedules are packed, and that is not even mentioning our schedule as parents. This means that we constantly have to prioritize how to spend time with our children.

When signing up to perform, we give not only the children, but ourselves a project deadline. Children find themselves practicing more, and as parents we make sure that they practice by reminding them, and many times sitting together with them. For a while, the performance project becomes a priority.

It is motivating knowing that the time spent practicing leads to a performance. It consolidated everything that we know and all the best skills that we have to try and present our best selves for the song that we chose to perform. All of this time invested to practicing immensely improves our skills.

2. Performance encourages mastery

During usual instrument lessons, we learn a variety of skills: technique, coordination, rhythm, pitch, and many different songs. When there is a performance, it encourages us to embark on a project and use everything that we learn and master the song as much as possible before the day on the stage. Learner are highly motivated to spend a lot of time mastering a song, and understand the importance of working on details such as dynamics, emotions, stage presence. The song mastery process increases their skill greatly.

3. Performance experience becomes a benchmark on learner's ability

We practiced, and we mastered the song to the best of our abilities. The time on stage may be short, but it becomes a core memory and something we look back to.

Learners experience a significant improvement in their skills after performance because they understand that the song they presented on stage is a representation of their current ability. It is a benchmark of their skill. Anything learnt after the performance is naturally of a higher level.

What we can do to support our children

We all know of the potential hiccups during any performance: stage fright, forgetting how to play, stiff fingers, forgetting the lyrics...

These are great learning experiences and a fantastic opportunity to sharpen our skills in public speaking and presentation. Here is what we can do to support this learning.

Focus on personal improvement

Every learner is different, grows up in different environments and improves differently. We take care to focus on personal improvement, NOT constantly comparing to others. Learners will continue to grow to become better versions of themselves, in a way they are comfortable in. We always reflect and ask, "Did I improve? How can I improve?"

Every improvement each learner makes marks a step forward. Over time, they will only get better as we only look ahead.

Provide a supportive environment

As parents and educators, it is essential that we provide a supportive environment to help children grow, and children feel safe to learn. The stage is a chance for children to present their work. If they get nervous, we encourage them. If they forget their song halfway, we encourage them to start again. If they do not perform as well as they wanted to, we look ahead to do better next time.

We set the tone to help learners feel safe to make mistakes. We all know this: the faster you can fail, the faster you can succeed.

Provide more opportunities for performance

The more we practice performing, the better we get at presenting our work. Performance comes in many forms, and here are some examples:

BIG STAGE PERFORMANCES

These can come in the form of recitals, school festivals, and showcases. They require the most effort from everyone supporting the child's learning, and helps improve their skill the most.

At Minim, we understand the importance of big stage performance, and we do our best to bring unique opportunities and collaborations to make this happen. Some upcoming events are:

December: Group ukulele class filming of Christmas song before year end
January 27-28 : Minim x Orchestra Mumuse Experience
May-June: Group Ukulele Class showcase at end of class
June 29 - July 2: Good Vibes Ukulele Summer Camp
November 9: Annual Instrument Recital

PLAYING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

When friends and family come over, get the children to play something for them. Celebrate upcoming festivities with festive music. For example, Christmas is coming, and we can learn some Christmas songs to share with friends and family.

Playing for friends and family is great practice to sharpen our presentation skills!