PERFORMANCE

When a transfer student will first perform under the sponsorship of the new teacher is an issue that requires careful consideration. As a general rule of thumb, no transfer student should perform publicly within the first 6 months of studying with the new teacher, and should NEVER perform a piece that was learned while with another teacher. KMI offers several performance opportunities and participates in numerous regional performing events, so the student will easily have opportunity to perform when the time comes and there is no need to feel rushed into anything. Whenever there is a transition period, it is important that the adjustment is allowed to take place without complication or interruption. The pressures of performing just might be inappropriate at that point during the transition. Please be patient with your teacher as he/she prepares your child for the next public appearance!

Auditions: If the student wants to switch teachers due to an important audition or other performing opportunity that is coming up in less than 6 months, the new teacher is obligated to REFUSE the student until after that event. This is an ethical issue and standard practice among professional music teachers. However, if this event is more than 6 months away the new teacher will need to discuss this in depth and form a clear plan and set of expectations with the student and parents. If no important performance event is on the horizon, the new teacher and student will make the decision to perform based on the initial transition lessons.

Recitals and Juries: KMI holds a Fall and Spring recital every year, and piano students participate in the annual PPTA Evaluations (juries) in May. In addition, there are several public recitals sponsored by the PPTA, PMTA and Steinway Society throughout the year. If you believe you should be performing in one of these events and your teacher has not discussed it, feel free to ask why. Your teacher can explain why your are not yet ready for public appearance at this time, or can discuss options for performance that are exceptable to everyone concerned.