As autumn settles in, performance season begins to bloom at New Song School of the Arts. The halls are filled with music rehearsals, theatre lines being memorized, and students putting finishing touches on artwork for our upcoming gallery. There’s a special kind of energy this time of year—a mixture of excitement, focus, and growth that only comes when students prepare to share their gifts with others. For many families, these performances mark milestones that go far beyond the arts themselves.
Performing is about courage. It’s about a child standing on stage, heart pounding, and deciding to share something beautiful they’ve worked hard to create. In those moments, students learn lessons that no textbook can teach—resilience, focus, and the joy of self-expression. Research supports this: children who participate in public performances show increased self-esteem, improved communication skills, and stronger emotional regulation. Those skills serve them for life, whether they’re auditioning for a play, presenting a school project, or interviewing for a job one day.
Of course, not every student runs toward the spotlight. It’s common to hear, “I don’t want to perform.” But in most cases, that really means, I’m nervous about performing. And that’s okay—nerves are a sign that something meaningful is happening. At New Song, our teachers understand this deeply. Good instructors don’t push—they inspire. They find creative ways to motivate each student, whether that’s encouraging them to play a duet together, perform for just a few friends or family members first, or take part in a group performance where they feel supported. Those small steps build confidence one note, one line, one brushstroke at a time.
The transformation we see is remarkable. Students who once hid behind their instruments or scripts begin to carry themselves differently—shoulders back, voices stronger, eyes brighter. Parents notice it too: the confidence developed on stage soon shows up in the classroom, at home, and in social settings. A performance is never just about the final applause; it’s about the personal victory that happens before the curtain even rises.
And here’s something important to remember: our students are just getting started. This is not the time to pause private lessons or group classes—it’s the time to lean in. Growth happens through consistency, and the weeks leading up to performances are when students make their biggest strides. Continuing lessons keeps their momentum strong and their confidence building. The skills and discipline they’re developing right now will carry into every area of their lives.
It’s worth noting that one of the most common regrets adults express later in life is that they stopped their music lessons as children. Almost everyone who once played an instrument wishes they had kept going just a little longer. The foundation built in these formative years—whether through music, theatre, or visual arts—stays with them for a lifetime. That’s why staying the course now isn’t just about this season’s recital; it’s about creating memories, confidence, and skills that last for decades to come.
That’s why we believe performance season is one of the most powerful parts of the fine arts journey. It’s where practice meets purpose. It’s where effort turns into expression. And it’s where students learn that bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward despite it.
As our fall theatre performances, music recitals, and student art gallery approach, we invite our community to celebrate more than talent—we’re celebrating courage, growth, and the creative spirit that lives inside every student. Whether it’s a debut piano piece, a lead role on stage, or a painting framed for the first time, these moments remind us why the arts matter so deeply.
At New Song School of the Arts, we don’t just teach music, theatre, and visual arts—we teach confidence, perseverance, and joy. This performance season, let’s cheer for every student who dares to share their art with the world.
To learn more about the author, Todd Parks, click HERE.