The benefits of performing: why recitals matter

The Power of Performing: Why Every Musician Should Embrace the Stage

Music is more than just notes on a page; it’s an art form meant to be shared. Whether it's playing for family, participating in a recital, or stepping onto a big stage, performing is an essential part of learning music. Yet, for many young musicians, the thought of performing can feel intimidating.

So why is performing so important? Let’s explore the incredible benefits of stepping onto the stage and why every musician—young or old—should embrace it.

1. Building Confidence & Overcoming Stage Fright

The first time a student performs, they might feel nervous, shaky, or even scared. But with more opportunities to perform, they start developing performance resilience. They learn to manage nerves, stay focused under pressure, and trust their abilities.

The confidence gained from performing doesn’t just apply to music. It helps students feel more comfortable presenting at school, speaking in public, and handling high-pressure situations in life.

Real-life examples:

• Avalea started harp at just three years old and was extremely shy. Her first concert was only two weeks after beginning lessons, and she played just two notes! Now, she performs confidently from memory, plays regularly in church, and has developed an incredible stage presence.

• Zaria is naturally introverted and struggled with stage fright. However, after successfully performing at a school assembly, she’s grown in confidence and continues to push past her nerves.

2. Motivation & Goal-Setting

Performances provide musicians with a clear goal to work towards. Instead of practicing aimlessly, students know they need to be ready by the performance date. This encourages:

✅ More disciplined practice habits

✅ Breaking music into smaller, manageable goals

✅ Developing perseverance and commitment

The ability to set and achieve goals is an essential life skill that applies to academics, careers, and personal development.

3. Musical Growth & Expressive Playing

Something special happens when musicians perform. They stop focusing solely on technical accuracy and start thinking about expression—how to make the music come alive for their audience.

Performing encourages musicians to explore dynamics, phrasing, and storytelling through music. It also broadens their musical exposure, introducing them to different genres, styles, and performance settings.

4. Handling Mistakes & Building Resilience

No performance is ever perfect. Mistakes happen—even to professionals! But learning how to recover from them is invaluable.

Performing teaches musicians that mistakes are not the end of the world. They learn to:

• Keep going even if they hit a wrong note

• Improvise or adapt if they forget a section

• Accept imperfections and focus on the bigger picture

Eliza shares her own experience: “I’ve performed in many concerts—sometimes solo, sometimes with others—and there isn’t a single performance where I didn’t make at least one mistake. When I was eight, I had a memory slip on stage, and during my graduation recital, I completely messed up my pedal changes. At the time, it felt awful, but I realized later that no one really remembers your mistakes except for yourself.”

This resilience carries over into everyday life, helping students handle setbacks in school, work, and personal challenges.

5. Community & Connection

Music is meant to be shared, and performing allows musicians to connect with others—whether in a band, ensemble, or solo recital. They learn teamwork, collaboration, and how to support fellow performers.

Beyond that, the sense of accomplishment from performing is unmatched. Stepping off the stage and hearing applause reinforces the impact of hard work and dedication. It builds pride, joy, and a deep appreciation for music.

Final Thoughts

Performing music isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about growth, connection, and learning valuable life skills. Whether your child is playing in a small recital or on a big stage, every performance is a step toward becoming a more confident, resilient, and expressive musician.

So if your child has an upcoming performance, encourage them to embrace it! Remind them that every musician, no matter how experienced, once started with shaky hands and nervous energy. And with time, performing will become something they look forward to, rather than fear.

👉 I’d love to hear from you! Do you or your child enjoy performing? Or is it something you’re still working on?

📩 Send us a message on Instagram at @musicmakersacademy or email us at hello@musicmakersacademy.com.au.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more insights on music education!