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I think it's remembering to tell people. I forgot to tell one entire family last year. That haunts me to this day.

Also, misspelling names.

Imagine getting to the hall and finding it double-booked. NERVES, especially the doubt-filled week before. Giving studio recitals isn't stressful for me, but fun! I have learned a few things along the way:

1) I let the pianist schedule the recital and rehearsal times. We are lucky to have a fabulous pianist, so I work around her, and am happy to do so.

2) I get the dates/times worked out way in advance, and then keep reminding folks about it!

3) I create a recital "book" for the pianist. Because my students play pieces from many sources, having all the piano parts, in order, in one book, makes life easier for the pianist.

4) I have a standard recital "kit", including things like nail clippers (!), rosin, music, spare shoulder rests, safety pins, tissue, etc. Just follow the old saying "Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best".

5) I ask the kids how they want their names to appear in the program. I have botched names in the past, usually mixing up "i" and "y".

6) I don't have receptions. There is a great ice cream place right down the road, and that makes things much easier. (It is great, but not as great as Graeter's!)

The week before is the worst. When all you can hear is how much more you want to make of the pieces and all you can see is the lack of space on the calendar in which to do so. My son just gave his Suzuki Book 1 graduation piano recital at our house this weekend. It was a really nice rite of passage, with his teacher and about a half-dozen friends. :)