Recital FAQ

We put together this guide to help students, parents and teachers of Heritage Music Academy (HMA) with our monthly and large recitals. Please read this carefully as the most commonly asked questions will be covered.

Registration

Who can register?

All currently enrolled students of HMA are encouraged to play at our recitals. Non-HMA students are also welcome as long as they are invited by a student or a teacher.

How do I register?

Go to our recital registration page and select the recital(s) you would like to perform in. The number of available spots are always indicated. Registration will be available on a first-come first-serve basis for both our in-house (free) and large format (paid) recitals.

When is the cut-off for registration (or how do I know it is full)?

Our electronic registration system will limit the number of registrants (performers) per event. Once we reach the limit, you will be placed on a waiting list. The system is open for registration up to 11:59pm Eastern Time of the night before the event itself.

Can I opt-out of the recital performance recording?

No. This is part of the requirements for particiating in the recitals at the school.

I am having trouble with the system.

Use the contact us form so we can assist with the registration.

I can’t come last minute, do I need to let anyone know?

Please be courteous if you are unable to perform at the event. No-show performers who do not contact us by phone or email will be charged a $10 recital fee for the free in-house recitals. This is to ensure no abuse occurs with the registration system, and that it gives performers a fair chance to play at the recital. We also spend money printing certificates and buying refreshments, and hate to waste money making preparations for a no-show.

Is there a song limit?

There is a 2-song limit per performer. We respectfully ask that all performers abide by this requirement.

I need an accompanist for my song!

Have no fear. Please indicate this in the registration, and send a copy of the piano accompaniment to your teacher or the administrator on duty at the school. We will arrange to have someone play with you at the recital.


Performance Preparation

How do I prepare for a recital?

Your teacher is your go-to person to advise you on how to prepare for a recital, and providing recommendations on what song to perform. Once you select the song, we recommend spending your last lesson perfecting the song. Having your piece memorized prior to this last lesson will help with the recital preparation emersely.

To get through performance anxiety, try to play in front of a smaller and trusted audience (for example, your family or close friends). You may also want to record yourself playing to see how you look – this will help you observe your body and movement.

Do I play my song with repeats?

Similar to RCM examinations, please omit all repeats and take 2nd endings to all performances. In some cases (specifically vocal) you may observe repeats where the words are different.

What if I mess up?

Part of performing is learning to recover from mistakes. If you are performing and you messed up, please continue playing or start over. Performance preparation should include starting from the middle of the piece.


Recital Day

When should I come, what should I do?

Our recitals are very informal, but follow these simple steps to make your experience even more relaxed:

  1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the posted recital time. Doors are open 30 minutes prior to the actual recital time. (eg. doors are open at 4:30pm for a 5pm performance)
  2. Sign in when you arrive at the doors so we know you are here. Note the number beside your name as that is your performance number!
  3. Ask for assistance (accompaniment run-through or instrument tuning) if needed.

Performers should bring their music, instrument (if needed), as well as your friends and family to cheer you on!

What is the order of the recital?

Unless it is a big recital (where we will do some order changes) or prior arrangements has been made, we will follow the registration order for a recital.

How long is the recital?

A recital of 10-12 performers will be approximately 30 minutes including the announcements and presentation of certificates. Our big recitals will have more performers within the 1-hour window (between 15-25 performers).

Oh no, I am late for the recital!

  1. Don’t panic.
  2. If you know you are late, text the school number (647-478-8179) and let us know.
  3. When you arrive, see if check-in is still available, and allow a staff member to usher you into the performance area in-betwen performances.

I cannot stay for the entire time…

For large recitals: please let a teacher know before the recital starts so that we can hand out memorabilia to the guardian prior to the start of the performance.

In-house recitals: please plan to stay for the entire recital.

Can I bring food or drink into the recital?

Water in closed containers are allowed, as well as food that is necessary for young kids to keep entertained. Please be considerate of the environment, minimize the noise and mess as we are often guests of the facilities.

I didn’t receive my certificate, who should I ask?

Please speak your teacher or any staff member at the recital and we will get it for you. If the recital has passed, please contact the school.

Can I record my performance?

Yes. We are also recording it with dedicated piano microphones and multi-angle video. If you are recording it to watch for a later time, please enjoy yourself and wait for the unlisted YouTube link to be sent.

For large recitals, we livestream the performance on YouTube.

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