Recital Planning and Preparation

Tips for Students Planning a Required Degree Recital

Recital Length

    Half recital = 30 minutes of music
    Full recital = 60 minutes of music

    Choosing your repertoire
      • Start with a major piece you want to present. Build the rest of the program around this piece.
      • Consider a balance of styles, eras, and length of pieces. For a degree recital in college you should have at least three styles or eras represented.
      • The majority of the pieces should be original music for horn and piano.
      • Chamber music is also appropriate to include on any recital.
      • Music originally for horn and orchestra (e.g. concertos) can be considered, but keep in mind that you are presenting this music in a different way than the composer intended.
      • Above all, consider your ability to perform each of these pieces well, one right after the other – endurance is a huge issue for most players in a recital.

      Recital Preparation Timetable

        6 months before

        • Begin to choose repertoire
        • Purchase music if necessary
        3 months before
        • Settle on repertoire and order of the program
        • Secure an accompanist and any other players needed. Ask the pianist when he/she would like to have the music.
        • If you are hiring the pianist and/or other players, discuss the fee and how many rehearsals will be included in that fee.
        3 months to 6 weeks before
        • Practice the music to the point that all the technical issues are worked out; tempos can be slower than performance tempo
        6 weeks before
        • Make sure the pianist and other players have the music for your recital. (Many pianists would appreciate having the music well before this.)
        6 to 4 weeks before
        • Have a read-through rehearsal with the pianist (and other players if you are including chamber music on your recital)
        • Continue to work on your music for musical issues and to increase speed to performance tempos
        • Improve your overall endurance by practicing other things as well
        4 weeks before
        • Establish a rehearsal schedule with pianist (and other musicians)
        3 weeks before
        • Have a run-through of your program in a practice session every 2 or 3 days
        • Rehearse with pianist (and other musicians)
        2 weeks before
        • Play straight through your recital (by yourself) nearly every day. Work on any spots that need work at a different practice session.
        • Rehearse with pianist (and other musicians)
        • Decide on your clothes and shoes. Ladies, be particularly careful about shoes. Guys, be particularly careful about sleeves and collars. Make sure you can breathe and are comfortable in your clothes!
        1 week before
        • Play straight through your recital with your pianist (and other musicians) at least once (dress rehearsal).
        • Continue to run the recital on your own. Try to do this at the same time of day as your recital will be.
        • Have a practice session in the clothes and shoes you will wear for your recital, if they are different from what you wear on a regular basis.
        • Consciously drink lots of water, eat well, and get enough rest.
        Day before recital
        • Play a moderate amount. If your dress rehearsal is this day, do a minimum of practicing in addition to the dress rehearsal.
        Day of the recital
        • If the recital is in the evening, find ways to keep busy in a calm way during the day. Take a walk, read, watch a movie; whatever makes sense to you.
        • Warm up once in the morning, then warm up again before the recital.
        • Go out on stage and enjoy yourself! You have prepared so well that you will be able to play your best!