How to convince a music student that you attended their recital when you really didn't (in three easy steps):

1. if the student is male, there's no need, because he won't care whether you were there or not.

2. if the student is a vocalist, say the following:

"Your dress was beautiful and I loved the Italian song."

3. if the student is an instrumentalist, say the following:

"I particularly enjoyed the Bach."