Photo Credit: FHgitarre
Summer is upon us! Hooray! Many of our students are done with school for the year. The rest will soon be done as well. I always enjoy having a lighter summer schedule and more flexibility with lesson times since I’m able to see students during all parts of the day, not just after school.
However, a big downside of summer is the lack of routine since plans change so drastically from week to week. Most of my students have a fairly consistent schedule of school and activities throughout the school year with of course some changes usually with their sports practices. This makes it very easy to fall into a routine with practicing for lessons. I always recommend making practicing a routine and practicing at a similar time each day.
During the summer this unfortunately goes out the window. One week you may be on vacation; the next your cousins may be visiting. Another week you’re at camp, and the next you’re home most of the week. As I already mentioned, these dramatic schedule changes wreak havoc on a practicing routine.
So how do you keep things going practicing-wise if your schedule is so different and if you don’t have the consistency of having a lesson every week?
Here are my thoughts:
#1: Plan out your practicing at the beginning of the week
***Note: This tip works best when parents are involved except with older students.
At the end of the previous week (Sunday) or the beginning of the current week (Monday) take a look at the week ahead. What commitments do you have for the coming week? When are the best times to practice each day? Take note of this and block off time in your calendar. I literally suggest plugging the practice times into your paper or digital calendar (ex: Monday, 6/16: 4:30-5pm Melissa practice piano). If you use google calendar like I do, you can even set up a reminder, so you won’t forget.
Most importantly, when it’s that time, PRACTICE. If you treat this time as non-negotiable and don’t do something else at the scheduled practice time, you’ll have a productive practice week. If you allow yourself to do other things, you’ll wonder how the week flew by without you practicing.
#2: Use a Practice Chart
I created a practice chart, which you can download and use here. You are welcome to use mine, use another one, or create your own. Each day when you practice, mark off either the days you practice, the number of times you play each song, or the number of minutes you practice each day. See this post for a more thorough explanation of each option. Your teacher can let you know what she recommends most.
#3: Have a reward system in place
We are all motivated to work extra hard when we are offered a reward. I always suggest that parents set up a reward system for their kids and practicing. In my opinion getting to take lessons is the reward. Honestly for me, had I not practiced and shown a strong affinity for music as a child, my lessons would have been taken away, and understandably so. For me, knowing that was enough to make me want to practice. Other kids do best when rewarded with a little something extra. You can decide the frequency you’d like to reward your child and what you’d like the reward to be. It doesn’t even have to be a huge reward. Something as simple as earning special alone time with you may be plenty of motivation for your child.
Finally if you are wondering how much time should be spent practicing, click here.
If you follow these tips, your child will stick with their practicing and will continue to progress over the summer. If there are any weeks when you’ll travel or be too busy to take a lesson, just resume following these steps after you return.
Growing up, I personally loved the summer of course because I didn’t have to go to school, but also because it gave me more time to practice. Summer is such a great time to learn pieces that you want to learn, but wouldn’t want to perform in a recital.
Now I want to hear from you! Parents, have you used any of these tips with your child? Teachers, have you used these with your students? Which one was most useful for you? Do you have other suggestions for summer practicing? Leave a comment below. If you liked this article please share it with your friends and subscribe to the newsletter. Don’t forget to “like us” on Facebook.
I hope you bask in the summer sunshine!
Sincerely,
Cassie
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