May 2025 Newsletter

🎵 Behind the Scenes: How Students Prepare for Recital Success 🎶

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain before your child steps on stage for a recital? A lot more than just practicing their song! At the Harrison School of Music and the New City School of Music, we believe that recitals are about more than just performing — they're about growth, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes at what it really takes to prepare for a successful recital experience — and how we make sure it’s stress-free, fun, and rewarding for every student.

The Mental Game: Learning to Perform

Before students ever step on stage, they’re learning how to manage nerves, focus under pressure, and express themselves through music. These are life skills that go far beyond music lessons — skills that help in school presentations, sports, job interviews, and more.

Our teachers gently guide students to be performance-ready by:

  • Helping them choose the right song (one that’s just challenging enough!)

  • Building confidence with repetition and structured practice

  • Simulating performance moments in lessons — like playing the piece straight through without stopping

The Practice Process: Little by Little

We encourage students to start recital prep early, breaking their piece into smaller sections and focusing on:

  • Smooth transitions between phrases

  • Dynamics and expression (not just the right notes!)

  • Stage presence and posture

Regular, consistent practice — even 10–15 minutes a day — is more effective than cramming. Students who take the time to prepare steadily tend to enjoy the performance a lot more.

Our Recitals: Free, Low-Pressure, High-Reward

One thing that sets the Harrison and New City Schools apart is that we offer completely free, low-pressure student recitals multiple times per year. These performances are designed to be supportive and encouraging, not intimidating.

There are no judges, no competition — just students, families, and teachers coming together to celebrate progress and musical joy. And guess what? The benefits are incredible:

  • Boosts confidence: Performing in front of an audience builds courage.

  • Motivates progress: Students often improve faster with a clear goal.

  • Teaches poise and resilience: If they make a mistake? They learn to keep going — just like in life.

  • Creates lifelong memories: The applause, the photos, the excitement... it’s magic.

Parent Tip: Encourage, Don’t Pressure

Want to help your child thrive? Let them know you’re proud of them for participating — not for playing perfectly. Celebrate their effort, not just the outcome. A little encouragement goes a long way.

Ready for the Spotlight?

If your child is enrolled in lessons and hasn’t participated in a recital yet, now’s a great time to consider it! Talk to your teacher about upcoming opportunities — we’re here to make the process as smooth and uplifting as possible.

Whether it's their first time on stage or their fifth, every student grows in ways you can see and feel.

See you at the recital! 🎶

Check Out Our Awesome Students!

June 2025 Student Recitals!

Our next student recitals will be held on Sunday June 22nd 2025 at the Harrison Veteran's Building. Please speak with your instructor to sign up for a performance time. Once you are signed up, you will see your recital time in your parent portal.

Parent Portal

Your parent portal is your one stop shop! In your portal you can:

1) Read messages from your teacher

2) Send your teacher a message

3) Notify your teacher of an absence to receive a video lesson

4) Notify your teacher if you'd like a virtual lesson

5) Update your payment information

6) See your transaction history

7) Schedule any make up credits you may have

8) Change your lesson teacher/ day or time

9) Connect to a virtual lesson with your teacher

Click below to log in to your portal!

Parent Portal Login

Tunes are catchy, but so are germs!

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to your lesson in person in order to help keep our staff, teachers, students and families healthy. We have many options available so you don't miss out on your lesson!

You can always have a virtual lesson and have your lesson from home, request a pre-recorded video lesson in advance of your lesson, or send a well-feeling friend or family member in your place!

Get Your Harrison School of Music Merch!

Click Here To Go To Our Online Merch Store


May 26th

No Lessons


June 22nd

Student Recital @ Harrison Veteran's Building


July 4th & 5th

No Lessons


September 1st

No Lessons


October 12th

2025 Destination Recital @ Carnegie Hall


November 27th - 29th

No Lessons


December 24th - 31st

No Lessons

Click Here To View Our Full Calendar Online

Our Director's Book

Unlock your child's full musical potential with The Definitive Guide to Music Lessons by our Director! This must-have guide is packed with practical tips, expert advice, and proven strategies to help parents support their child’s success in music lessons. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your child’s progress to the next level, this book is your go-to resource. Learn how to choose the right instrument, create a productive practice routine, and keep your child motivated every step of the way. Written with parents in mind, it’s an easy-to-follow roadmap for making music lessons a rewarding and enriching experience. Click the link below to order your copy on Amazon today!

Get Your Book Now!

Is YOUR Teacher SOLD OUT?

Many teaches have sold out. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet, there are still limited spots available. You can also log in to your portal to see teacher day/ times and availability!

Click Here To View Available Lesson Times

Destination Recital 2025 - 2nd Show Added!

We’re excited to share that due to overwhelming demand, our 2025 Destination Recital at Carnegie Hall was expanded to two performances—and performance spots for both shows are completely sold out! Between the Harrison School of Music and the New City School of Music, we’re taking 60 talented students to perform at this prestigious venue on October 12th, 2025.

Performing in a world-class setting helps build confidence, stage presence, and unforgettable memories. We’re so proud of our students and grateful for the support of our families and teachers who made this possible.

And great news—planning is already underway for our 2026 Destination Recital! Stay tuned for the big reveal once everything is finalized!

253 Halstead Avenue
Harrison, NY 10528
Call/ Text: 914-600-3933

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