Why PPI Concerts Are Making a Big Difference in My Studio

Dear Teacher,

In my early days at my studio recitals, I noticed something: even though the students had seen each other before, they still stood off to the side, clinging to their parents, quietly reintroducing themselves each time. There wasn’t much connection, just a polite wave and some cookies.

So, we started something simple, monthly play groups with a meal. No pressure, just music and time together. That small change made a big impact. Students began enjoying the process of learning a new piece each month, not just to perform, but to share with their peers. Real friendships started forming.

Then we added something new…PPI concerts! Each student chose three (out of six) concerts to attend. We sometimes met at my place first or traveled together with parents. I gave them a short assignment, something specific to listen for and during intermission, we gathered over cookies to chat about what they had heard so far. Afterward, they met the artist, grabbed a photo and an autograph, and continued the conversation on the way home.

What surprised me most is what happened next. Students would go home and look up the performers. They found new pieces they wanted to try. They returned to lessons more inspired and more eager to bring those sounds into their own playing.

Some have even started dreaming up ways to hold concerts of their own: organizing living room performances, community gatherings, or neighborhood events while supporting each other and creating spaces to share their music beyond recitals.

That’s what the PPI experience is really about: deepening all of our love for music, building lasting friendships, and discovering new ways to bring music to life together.

Warmly,

Kristy Moore, OMTA teacher