How to create a recital program and amplify your graphics
In this post you'll learn how to create a smashing recital program from pro graphic designer, Andrea West. Plus, you'll learn how you can amplify and use her graphics purchased at the Piano Teacher Planning Center to make stunning student gifts and to market your studio. When's your recital?
This week I'm starting a countdown. It's 39 days until mine on May 19th.
Perhaps your recital check list looks a little like mine?
Venue: Neighborhood clubhouse. Whoa, did mine change this spring--more on that later!
Repertoire: Students will perform their original compositions and duets.
Well-rehearsed students: They will be equipped to perform with the Five P's of Performing: Get your free download on these essentials for young performers here.
Food for afterwards: In the spring I like to prepare items that students can grab and go as my recital will be informal and students can come when they can and come as they are: (Like I said, more on that later!)
Student gifts: Keep reading for some terrific ideas, I think I've decided on t-shirts.
Program with a cool cover: If you need cover art for your program, Andrea West has created lovely options for you. Thanks to those who have already gotten theirs!
Get your recital program cover art here!
Once you purchase one of Andrea's graphics, you'll need to download the graphic and transfer it onto a document to create the program. For those who are uncertain about how to do this, I've got great news! Andrea has generously spared time from her busy schedule and agreed to share a step-by-step process on how to create a program in Word.
Don't use Word for generating documents? Neither do I BUT, you'll want to watch the video any way as this pro graphic designer has dynamite tips on how to organize and format your recital information so you can spare precious time when it's the week of the recital. Plus many of the tips she shows are similar to what you'd use in Pages or Google Docs.
On more thing, save on ink and spare yourself from printer frustrations by joining MTNA and taking advantage of their member benefits card. Show up with your "magic card" and you'll get close to 60% your printing costs! Learn more here.
Learn now to create your recital program in Word
Andrea guides you step by step with clear, succinct instructions. You DON'T want to miss a thing. Her tips on design, fonts, formatting are golden. Watch the video below (or click here) and download her instructions as well, so you have plenty of guidance as you create your own document.
https://youtu.be/6JsFmMr64Es
Download Andrea's instructions here.
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Don't miss this: Here's a link to the free recital template Andrea talks about in the video.
Additional ways to amplify your graphic
The word "amplify" means to increase or enlarge. Why not get your $2.99 worth and put that graphic to work beyond the recital cover? Here are tips on how to take advantage of cool graphics and increase traffic to your studio.
T-shirts
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Amplification is exactly what good friend, fellow piano teacher and my online piano student, Debbie Moore did. By the way, we met at a past 88 Creative Keys Workshop (you'll meet cool teachers like Debbie there!)
Debbie brought in her Jazzy Piano graphic she purchased at 88PianoKeys.me to a local t-shirt store and asked them to design a t-shirt logo with the graphic.
Debbie limited the colors of the design to black and white to save money and had the design printed on colorful t-shirts. She gave a t-shirt to each of her students after the recital.
Why is this SUCH a stellar idea? The souvenir t-shirts cost $7 each. This may seem extravagant for a tight budget but, Debbie gave her students a snazzy t-shirt and also gave her studio some great exposure. As she lives very close to two schools and was driving by the playground, she saw students proudly wearing their recital t-shirts. BRILLIANT marketing!
Book Bags
Not into t-shirts? What about using the graphic to create book bags for your students?
I uploaded Jazzy Piano at Vista Print and kicked out this prototype cinch sack in minutes. I don't know about yours, but my students beat up their book bags! I think I may be ordering some very soon.
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Wristbands or Trophies
One year I created customized slap bands and ordered them from AmazingWristbands.com. I checked and you can upload your own art work at this site.
If you order trophies for students, you can upload your own image into "insert trophies." Check out the options at Crown Awards.
Marketing materials
Create recital invitations for students to hand to friends and neighbors or a poster to hang at their school.
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Create a cover for your studio Facebook page.
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Your options to amplify the use of Andrea's graphics are limited only by your imagination.
Please let us know how you put your graphic to work for your studio. Andrea and I would be eager to hear your ideas!
-Leila