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General Recital Information:
Deadline for Song Selection: One month before the recital.
Place: The next Guitar Recital will be at the Keystone Grill, in their banquet room, in downtown Cambridge, 206 W. Main. Visit www.thekeystonegrill.com .
Time: Students, please arrive no later than 1:45 to get settled and tuned up. The first song starts at 2:00PM.
Intermission? There will most likely be a short intermission.
What Performers Bring: Guitar, tuner, capo, batteries if you need them, and music if you need it. Bring an extra cord to use with your effects pedal if you are bringing one. I will have the studio amps there for you to use, but bring your own if you want your special sound. Please have a set of extra strings tucked in your case, to replace one if (and when) it breaks. Please no brand new guitars, amps or effects pedals on recital day.   Big Time Music will bring amps, cords, the studio stools, and one music stand.
Audience Space Limits: There should be enough space to bring family and grandparents.
Performance Order:  In general, younger students and beginners will perform first. Exact order will be announced at the recital. Song styles, duo arrangements, and whether vocals are involved has some role in placement.
Solo's or Duets.  No Trio's: While duet performances are encouraged, they will require LOTS of practice time together outside of lessons. Students may perform a duet ONLY if they commit to practicing with their partner both at lessons and outside of lessons for several weeks in advance. Duets usually feature one student on lead guitar (melody) and one student on rhythm (chords). The student playing rhythm (or "second guitar") will be allowed to perform again.
Sound System?:  Hopefully, a "sound guy" will manage sound at the spring recital at the Keystone Grill. Acoustic guitars will be miked, even if yours can be plugged in. Singers will be miked. Amps will not be miked. Will the sound be perfect? NO, but we will do our best. All guitars and guitarists and singers have different outputs. This makes getting the sound exactly right for everyone impossible, but we will do our best. Thank you in advance for understanding.
We Really Appreciate our Recital Hosts!:
Spring 2011: The Keystone Grill. Cambridge.
Fall 2010: The Keystone Grill. Cambridge
April, 2010:  The Keystone Grill.  Cambridge.
October 2009: Oakland Presbyterian Church. Cambridge
April 2009: Oakland Presbyterian Church. Cambridge.
November 2008: Cafe Carpe. Fort Atkinson
April 2008: Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson
October 2007: Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson
April 2007: Cuda Cafe, Deerfield
November 2006: Cuda Cafe, Deerfield
April 2006: Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson
Recital Rationale:
Performing for others creates a situation in which quality of execution matters, and recitals are realistic performance opportunities. I try to coordinate at least two recitals per year. These are not guaranteed as part of lessons, nor are students required to participate.  Since performing is an important part of musicianship, so I like to have recitals when possible. They are free for the students and families. Students are asked to memorize their pieces when possible.
To make the experiences as real as possible, I try to use a real performance setting, like the Cafe Carpe's music room or the Cuda Cafe. Both of these settings have real stages, lights, and sound systems. Recently, the Presbyterian Church near our house has made itself available to us, and this is the closest venue.
There is usually time for students to do one song only, and students may choose to perform with another student. Because there is often a few minutes between performers, the audience's patience is appreciated.
One good thing about recitals is that drawing a good crowd is easy, and they are always supportive and attentive. Families and friends are invited, though seating at the Cafe Carpe is limited to about 50 non-performers per set. Students require 10-15 seats per set.