My son and I will attend his teacher's solo piano concert. Should we bring a bouquet of flowers and have my son give it to her? If so, should it be before the concert at backstage, after the concert on the stage or just meet her at backstage after the concert? Thanks!

It's a wonderful tradition, and she'll be thrilled no matter when you give them to her. I happen to like the idea of presenting them after the recital - on stage, or just in front of the stage, while the audience is still applauding.

I recently heard a Mannes teacher in recital. She is quite serious when performing and even when taking bows. But by the time she got her eighth bouguet she was all smiles. Her last recital she got around thirteen bouquets.

My son presented the flowers after she finished the regular program (while audiences doing standing ovation). She also played an encore piece after that, I hope my son didn't do it too early, but I can see she is very happy receiving the flowers.

That was the perfect time, IMO. I'm sure she really appreciated the gesture.