R-E-C-I-T-A-L

On November 9th,  several of our dear friends took to the stage for our Fall Recital! We are excited to offer the opportunity to perform to our clients, but often the discussion comes up asking why we do this.

Today, along pictures and video, I’m going to give you three reasons why we love letting our clients strut their stuff on stage!

A recital can provide opportunities to address treatment goals.

Some of our clients struggle with difficulties like anxiety, poor self image, and task completion. In sessions, having the deadline of the recital looming helps to motivate our clients to make decisions and complete projects! In the moment at the recital, we tackle real issues like stage fright, anxiety, and poor self image. You might even find a therapist in the hallway during show time practicing deep breathing or another relaxation technique! Sometimes we get up on stage, and sometimes we don’t- it’s okay no matter which way the tide turns.

A recital normalizes music therapy for the child, family, and peers.


For children whose friends may be studying an instrument and having recitals, this gives them (and their families) the opportunity to enjoy the same experience. No, music therapy isn’t performance based, but our recital gives the family and child the opportunity to celebrate their successes, videotape their performance, and create fond memories outside of the grind of therapy (even though we know music therapy is never a “grind”). Who doesn’t have a childhood video from a piano recital or ballet performance or something similar?

Let’s face it, microphones are cool.

After a recital, I almost always wish that I could have an audience and PA system in the therapy room all the time! No matter the amount of stage fright, anxiety, hesitation, or deregulation that our client is experiencing, there is something magical about realizing that your voice is booming out over the audience. I remember at least four occasions from our November 9th recital where once the microphone was discovered, we went from a possible 30% chance of completing our goal for the recital to 120%, please do not get me off of this stage or out of my chair chance of completing our goal.

Our recitals, however, are not for everyone. We make decisions with the families regarding if a client is ready to participate, what they might do in the recital, and how we can make it a successful experience for them. I’m thrilled to report that our November recital was an incredible success. All of our participants did stellar jobs and left with smiles on their faces.

What are your feelings about recitals? Did you participate as a child? Is the opportunity to perform something that you wish for your child? Tell us in the comments!