Concert Etiquette:

• Be there thirty minutes before time.
• Eat something before you arrive.
• Each family provides a food contribution for the reception after the concert. The reason: It is hard to predict how many people will arrive for a concert; therefore, each bringing some food self-regulates the spread for the reception.
• It is bad form to dive into the food meant for the reception after the performances, before the concert is over. Some cooldrinks and water will be opened on arrival for those who forgot to drink something or who are dehydrated from nerves.
• Arrive in time for the beginning of the concert and stay until the end. Listen to all the performances.
• Be prepared. Don't perform what you haven't practised. If you arrive at the concert without having practised, you will still have to play what you have listed; but the result will not be happy.
• While someone else is performing, don't chat.
• Parents of young children are requested to control their children.
• During performances, children may not play outside but are expected to sit still and listen.
• At all times during concerts are parents responsible for their own children.

In our concerts we strive to create a child-friendly, non-threatening environment in which young musicians can learn to perform with a minimum of stage fright. However a concert is not a kiddies party. To respect the more versed performers, even young children need to sit still and not disrupt.

There are many opportunities today for children to run and play; even more for casually observing entertainment while doing one's own thing (television). A concert is neither; it is an introduction into another world entirely, one of focus and quality. Younger players get to see the more experienced musicians perform, and get inspired about their own musical path. Older players watch the younger ones' first attempts with empathy, remembering their own first musical steps. Consider that the concert only lasts about 2 hours out of your child's life.

To the audience:

Please keep in mind that these concerts are for the benefit of the players rather than that of the audience. Criticism is not welcomed as it defeats the object of helping the player overcome his stage fright. Furthermore, instructive feedback on the performances will only be given by the teacher in the next lesson, never at the concert. The concert, too, is no competition; there are no awards for "best performance". There are no winners or losers, as each player is on a different level of development.

The audience is a crucial part of the performance, and without an audience, a player cannot learn to perform. Every world-famous performer was once a beginner.

On a better entertainment level: Advanced players are occasionally invited to perform a few numbers at a house concert.

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A Ceilidh is an Irish party. This does not mean it is associated with alcohol! Though some of the adults may want to bring some beer / wine, which is fine, no hard drinks, please. We also ask the hosts please not to offer any hard drinks. The origins of the Ceilidh are quite innocent and naive, and the get-together circles around music, dancing and storytelling. In earlier times it was often a way for young people to meet each other.

Safety of children:

Keep in mind that our Studio Ceilidhs encompass students of all ages, including some very young children, so let's keep it all very child-safe.

If you are going to bring very young children, please do keep an eye on them at all times. Often Ceilidhs are hosted where there are swimming pools, stairs and similar danger areas. Your toddler should always be your first priority. Neither the Studio nor the hosts shall be held liable if anything happens to an unsupervised child.

Criticism and performing:

Criticism is absolutely outlawed during or after a Ceilidh. The Ceilidh is held to help musicians over their stage fright. Performing in a casual setting helps them relax. Often ensembles form spontaneously at Ceilidhs. Another function of the Ceilidh is for students, parents and the teachers to meet in an informal setting. Musicians learn that they are not alone, they don't have to be perfect to make great music, and that music is no competition. Much fun is usually had.