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Debbie T. Canada

I’ve done recitals at nursing homes in the past. They have not charged me anything since I go through their Activation Department and they’re always glad for program ideas. As for snacks, parents offered to contribute. It’s a win-win situation: the seniors love it, there’s not a critical ear in the place, and the kids get the experience.

Sandy L. Nebraska

I used to cover recital costs myself for my small group of students, but I found that my investment of both time and money in recital preparations was becoming a little bit of a burden. For the first time this year, I took the week of the recital as a week where I offered no lessons. This does not take the place of regular vacation weeks–this was a week off lessons in addition to those. So, the recital is the lesson. The money they paid for lessons pays me for both my time and things I purchase for the recital, including completion certificates, food, and a couple of small door prizes. I just set the recital budget from the lesson tuition students have paid. Include not just things purchased, but some for your own time put in as well. I loved it and plan to continue–no more lessons the week of recital/piano party! If I end up having to host recitals at a place where I have to pay rent, or if my costs for recitals greatly increase from the low budget currently required for my little group, I would probably add a small recital fee into my tuition for the appropriate month.

Sue C. AU

The cost of renting the hall for my piano school recital was $250. The way I covered this year was to work out the number of families coming and divide the amount between the number of families, first deducting the amount I would charge for extras (i.e. $5 for extra people, like friends extended family).

Another year I had a gold coin entry for each person. This did not cover the cost, but made it easy for everyone to attend. It was also easier as far as collecting money as I had a donation tin at the door to cover entry.

If you are out of pocket, you will probably make it up by gaining some more students from the event, or later by people talking to friends about the event, so you could consider it to be an advertising event.

Patti P. Hawaii

I personally calculate recital costs into the lesson fee. I don’t want people deciding not to do the recitals because it costs them more, and I don’t want to have to keep track of who has paid the fee.

When we have a recital where refreshments are possible, I make it a potluck. I’m not one who enjoys organizing parties, so I just tell parents to bring things their children will want to eat. Most often the recitals are in the late morning, so we make it lunch. I bring bottled water in a cooler. The families enjoy the social time and I don’t have to stress about the food. Somehow we always end up with a reasonable spread of items, not all desserts.

Melanie W. Minnesota

I have always counted on the parents for snacks–can usually even find one that enjoys heading it up so that there is plenty and also a variety. I agree with others input about making sure that any incurred costs you may have are covered in tuition or find someone who will provide a location at no extra cost.