The Sutton Music Trust Autumn Academy Recital provides vital performance opportunities for our students at all ages and levels in an informal setting. These termly recitals create a safe space for our Music Academy students to take risks and make mistakes, build performance craft alongside their musical skills, and demonstrate their hard work.
On Saturday, 16th of November, we welcomed 25 young performers to take the stage in the main hall at Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy. Many nervous young faces abounded, accompanied by equally nervous parents, some worried for their first time performing in public and some worried about a difficult piece they are taking to an ABRSM/RSL music exam in a month’s time.
The recital featured a broad cross section of the instruments we teach at Music Academy from piano, guitar and violin, to marimba and double bass. We were joined by some of our Endangered Instrument and London Music Fund scholars, and one of our Academy Ensembles, the Sutton Songbirds Choir.
The recital also allows not only the opportunity to perform, but chance to watch other students either playing your own instrument or, playing a new and unfamiliar one. This experience exposes and expands each student’s musical world beyond what is familiar and inspires endless future possibilities for their musical journey.
Sutton Music Trust provides many different performance opportunities in the ensemble and choir setting (of which many of our academy students take part in this as well) however, the Academy Recitals are one of the few settings open to all Academy students, this allows them to demonstrate their individual programs, which is often where the majority of lesson time and practice are focused.
After the recital, as each performer receives their due praise and adulation from parents and peers, the feeling in the room shifts from nervousness to joy and accomplishment. Perhaps not every single note went exactly to plan, but students take pride in their achievements and the fruit of their practice and dedication.
Want to learn more about Sutton Music Trust’s Music Academy?
Click here for information on our website, or contact suttonmusictrust@cognus.org.uk
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