The WYL recital isn’t just a performance — it’s a celebration of creativity, growth, and a year of learning. And yes, it’s always quite a party. Every year we host the event at a real NYC music club, always a new and exciting venue where families gather to cheer on their own—and stick around to be wowed by everyone else.
It’s a show, after all. You’ll see everything from teenage jazz trios shredding through changes to three-year-olds proudly plunking out “Hot Cross Buns.” You will not leave unmoved. At WYL, it’s all about having fun, putting on a great show, and creating a supportive space to get a real taste of the performing life. There’s no pressure—but sure, it can be a little nerve-wracking. Our teachers spend the year helping students prepare with excitement, playfulness, and a focus on what matters most: making the music their own. Here are our tips for getting ready for the recital—or any performance.
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Some teachers give information. Others give you something bigger— lessons that sticks with you for life. Calvin Jones, my mentor, the incredible jazz pianist and trombonist, did exactly that. He wasn’t just about scales and technique; he wanted you to think, to understand, to really get it for yourself. There were no hacks, no shortcuts, no gimmicks, Jone's lessons were about mastery of the language and f you skipped a step, he had a name for it: "The Kangaroo Method."
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AuthorWill Armstrong is the founder of WillYouLearn. He's a professional pianist with over 20 years of teaching experience. Archives
March 2025
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