Music Festivals

Growing up my teacher always had me perform in the Tidewater Music Teacher Forum’s event Levels of Progress. I would work hard to memorize two contrasting pieces of music and perform them for another teacher. Looking back I didn’t ask any questions or think about why it was important to participate. Now things have come full circle and I am the teacher helping my students prepare for this event. Now that I am on the flip side of things here are a few things I would take into consideration.

It’s a performance opportunity

Of course this is the first thing that comes to mind. Your child has a chance to display their hard work. In a setting a little less intimidating than a full recital. You play for just one teacher instead of a room full of strangers. 

A fresh perspective 

What is great about this opportunity is the feedback given to the student from the adjudicator!  It gives the student a chance to hear the things that they are excelling at from someone besides me (their biggest cheerleader). It also gives them a chance to understand things that they might need just a little more help working on. This also gives me a chance as a teacher to see what areas I can grow in based on my students' performances. 

A sense of accomplishment 

I cannot tell you enough how important it was for me as a child to work towards a goal like this. Receiving acknowledgement for my hard work at the end gave me a sense of pride in myself. Your child will grow in confidence and gain the satisfaction of accomplishing a goal.