December 2008 Ask the Piano Teacher

Fingering and the First Piano Recital by Georgia Zoe Schohl

Q. My teenage daughter has been taking piano lessons for about 3 years now. She tries to practice when she can but because of homework she can't practice like she should. Recently her piano teacher told me that her fingering was terrible because she ignores all the fingering on her music. I keep telling her to use the right finger numbers when she practices, but I am not sure she does. What shall I do about this as a parent?

S.L., Email

A. You might have to tell the piano teacher what is going on so she can talk to your daughter. Your daughter may believe that fingering isn't that important, so ask the teacher to talk to your daughter again about fingering. Good fingering is necessary for a pianist, because it makes playing piano a lot easier because it ensures smoother transitions in passages (especially in Classical music).

Does the teacher have her play scales? This would be a good way to concentrate on fingering.
If the teacher is good and if your daughter respects her as a teacher she may try harder to play with the correct fingering. It is important if she wants to be a proficient pianist.

Q. My 8 year old son is going to be playing in his first recital later this month. He's not looking forward to it and says he's too nervous to play in front of an audience. He knows his pieces well
so I don't know why he's so worried about this. What should I do? I really don't want him to miss out on his first recital!

Lorraine, Toronto

A. For some children, the first recital can be a milestone in their lives. It can be quite daunting for a child or adult student to play for an audience. You might want to have a talk with his piano teacher. Does the teacher know about his aversion to performing? Is there a dress rehearsal for the recital? Some teachers do this, other teachers don't do it because students' schedules are so busy nowadays.

With my own students, I make it a choice for them to play in a recital. There are some nervous students, but I always reassure them that they know their pieces. One suggestion: have some pretend recitals
at home with just the family listening and clapping. You can add a couple of friends or relatives to the small concert. He'll get used to the idea more, and might change his mind. But do discuss this issue with the teacher and ask for the teacher's opinion on the matter.

If he remains firm on his decision not to play, take him to the recital and watch the other students play. I can guarantee that he will change his mind---as I told parents to do this with a couple of students several years ago. Each student regretted backing out of the recital and insisted on playing in the next recital. Whatever you do, don't pressure him!