Music performance activities for kids help young musicians build confidence, practice stage skills, and prepare for concerts. Join Matthew Monkey as he learns that feeling nervous before a performance is normal and discovers ways to become a confident young performer.
Matthew’s Story
Matthew Monkey is in Kindergarten. He struggles with stage fright, but finds his “Big C” (confidence!) when he finds a cap with the Letter C stitched on it at school. He realizes he doesn’t need the cap, because his confidence is inside him.
Music Performance Activities for Kids with Matthew Monkey
Matthew Monkey Loves to Perform!
Matthew Monkey loves playing his harp and performing. Even though it takes practice to get ready for a concert, performing is fun!
Let’s Get Ready For a Show!
🎵 Practice Time with Matthew Monkey! 🎵
Every child has the Big C inside them!
Practice Performing
- Go slowly – Practice slowly at first to learn the song completely
- Think about flow – Memorize the song and make sure you can perform without hesitating in parts. If you hear a spot, stop and work on that section.
- Add dynamic and phrasing – Think about the emotion of the song, dynamic, phrasing, and blend if you are in a group.
- Practice performing – Get in front of a mirror and perform to feel confident and work on your show!
Now Your Turn to Get Ready!
Practice Worksheet – Matthew Monkey – Elementary
This fun worksheet helps young musicians get ready for performing by logging their practice and using positive imagery to help them prepare for their big concert.
- Practice log
- Practice Goals
- Practice Positive Imagery
Concert Preparation Tips for Young Musicians
Stage Skills
Walking On Stage Confidently
Matthew Monkey learns that performers walk onto the stage like they are ready to share something special!
- Walk, don’t run.
- Keep your eyes forward.
- Find your spot.
- Stand tall.
Let’s Practice Walking! Monkey Walk vs. Performer Walk
Do your silliest monkey walk and then show your best performer walk. Great job!
Which image shows Matthew Monkey walking nicely for the stage?
Performance Posture
A confident musician stands tall and ready to make music!
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Shoulders relaxed
- Head up
- Hands ready at sides
- Eyes watching the conductor or teacher
Activity: Freeze Like a Performer
Directions: Let students move while the teacher plays music and then freeze in their best performer posture when the music stops.
Following a Conductor
- Look at the conductor.
- Watch for the start.
- Watch for the ending.
- Follow changes in the music.
Leon Leopard teaches musicians how conductors help performers make music together. Click here to visit his page.
Staying Quiet While Waiting
- Quiet hands
- Quiet body
- Listen to other performers
Exiting the Stage
Taking a Bow
- Wait for applause.
- Smile.
- Take a small bow.
- Walk off calmly.
Activity: Practice Entering the “Stage,” Applause, Bow, Exit
Follow your teacher’s directions. Everyone enters and exits the stage a little differently. It depends on the stage itself and how big the group is.
Concert Anxiety for Kids
Even professional musicians make mistakes. The best performers keep trying!
- Everyone makes mistakes.
- Keep going.
- Take a breath.
- Focus on the music.
Practice Performing
- Practice performing in front of a trusted adult or friend
- Learn from your mistakes
- Try again
It’s okay to feel nervous. When you finish performing, celebrate your accomplishment NO MATTER WHAT! Great musicians aren’t people who never feel nervous. Great musicians learn how to perform even when they feel nervous.
Read Matthew Monkey’s Story
“Matthew Monkey Finds His Big ‘C’”
Matthew Monkey is excited to perform in his upcoming music recital—until stage fright leaves him too nervous to play his harp during rehearsal. Convinced that a lucky cap will make him brave, Matthew begins a journey to discover whether courage comes from something he wears…or from within.
Continue Learning with the Music Animals
