When it comes to the week before the recital, most of the hard work should be completed. You're pieces are learned, and we're simply working to perfect the details and have fun as we tell as story with your music.

So, how are you supposed to practice this week?

Pretend that you're playing for the recital.

Warm up a little bit, and then walk away from the piano. You can sit down and pretend that you're sitting in the audience waiting your turn!

Walk up to the piano with your music (or without, if you're playing from memory), and sit down as you will at the recital.

Make sure you take some time to adjust the piano bench. You need to be comfortable to play well! And then take a minute to look at your music and think about the first few measures of your music.

Finally, begin to play! Remember, this performance is supposed to be just like playing for the recital. So, if you make a mistake, don't get flustered, keep going!

After you've finished your first piece, take your hands off the keyboard and put them in your lap. Turn to your second piece, and once again, take a minute to think through the first couple measures of your music.

Play your second piece! Once you've finished, place your hands in your lap. Then stand and face the audience.

Imagine the applause as you take a bow!

Have a Practice Recital for your Family

Gather your family for a practice recital! It's even a great idea to wear the clothes you will wear for the recital (especially your shoes if you'll be using the damper pedal).

When it comes to performance, the first ten seconds are the hardest and the most important.

"The most important part of any act is the first ten seconds and the last ten seconds...what happens in between isn't that important." - Singer and Dancer, George M. Cohan

So, what do you plan to do with those important ten seconds?

Grab the Audience's Attention as you walk up to the piano. Did you know that your attitude as you walk up to the piano is very important - for you as well as for the audience? Be confident! Be excited! And show that to everyone in the way that you walk up to the keyboard. Anticipate that you'll have fun and enjoy sharing your music!

Start with a bang! Well, not literally, but your first couple measures will set the tone for the rest of the piece. Even if you're not feeling confident, playing that beginning with strength and expression will calm your nerves. Once again, anticipate enjoying the beautiful sounds you'll create!

Anticipate the fun! Remember that we chose these pieces because you really, really liked them. What was it that attracted you to that piece? Was it the sound of all the notes blending together as you use the damper pedal or did you like the sound of those deep, low notes that finish the piece? I know for some, you enjoyed playing with both hands at the same time! And for my older students, it's so much fun to see how creative you can be with all the different styles of music that we've studied!

As you prepare to play at the recital, think about why you chose that piece in the first place. Why you enjoyed playing it so much during our lessons and your practice time! Make those first ten seconds exciting and the fun will continue throughout the rest of your performance!

Renowned musician and educator, Rebecca Penneys, is currently offering master classes and private piano lessons on the USF campus to a chosen few of the world's most skilled piano students.

Many master classes, as well as student performances, are open to the public. This includes a 2 Piano 8 Hand concert which is scheduled to be held in Barness Recital Hall on the USF campus this Saturday, August 3rd at 2pm.

For more information, visit the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival site by clicking here.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, “Shrek the Musical” brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage starring the talented students of the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute.

I did not see an age limit, so I'm assuming that all ages are welcome! For showtimes, tickets and additional information, visit Ruth Eckert Hall's website by clicking here.