During the year, several performance opportunities are made available to qualified students. These events provide pupils with further incentive to practice and excel, and can have a positive effect on a student's sense of accomplishment. Recitals build confidence and reinforce the concept that good practice habits result in good pianists, singers and performers in general.

When students reach an appropriate level of advancement, they will be eligible to participate in the studio's Honors Recitals. These take place each Fall and Spring at the SikoraArts Gallery. If the event were to be organized in another venue, then the charge (if any) for the use of the facility would be distributed equally among the participating students' families.

Students who take part in these programs commit to the event at least four months in advance, thereby giving ample time to prepare their respective piece(s). All music--except duets--is to be memorized. Deadlines for preparation are imposed and strictly adhered to in order to ensure that all participating students are secure with their piece(s). Those students whose piece(s) is/are not performance-ready by the deadline shall be withdrawn from the program.

Students scheduled to perform for recitals are required to attend and perform. Except in cases of family emergency or illness, students may not "drop out" from the program. Such behavior then affects the entire recital, and is not fair to the other performers (nor me!).

Performers must be at the facility no later than 20 minutes before the beginning of the recital. Participating students and their families are expected to remain for the duration of the entire recital, thereby providing ample audience and respect for all performers.

ADJUDICATIONS, SYLLABUS, FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS

Each year, the various organizations of which I am a member provide educational and competitive opportunities for qualified students. Such events may be offered by me to those students who seem to possess the necessary maturity, discipline, talent and temperament to participate in such events. If a student/family is interested in attending any event in order to help with making committed decisions, please let me know and I will provide you with pertinent information.

Bear in mind that these opportunities require a high level of determination, more serious practice habits--and the ability to perform in a competitive arena with a high level of confidence and intensity. As is the case with recitals, deadlines shall be imposed and strictly adhered to. Students who commit to such events must be "performance-ready" by the deadline or must be withdrawn.