Photo credit: Alpha
As we approach our last few days of the Spring semester, I have mixed emotions. I’m excited that my schedule will free up a bit — especially as I am crazy busy getting ready for my wedding coming up in just under a month. But, I’m also sad, as I will really miss my students who will not continue their lessons over the summer. I so look forward to seeing the smiling faces of all my students every week and witnessing their growth as musicians. I grow attached to each of my students and miss seeing them when they are not in lessons.
Deciding whether or not to take lessons over the summer is a completely personal decision. Some of our families are away all summer and simply cannot continue with lessons since they are not around. Others are very busy with activities, camp, and traveling.
I highly recommend continuing with lessons in some capacity over the summer. Even if that means one lesson a month, it’s better than nothing. Our students learn new concepts and grow musically each week during the school year. After 9 months of continuous lessons, taking a 3 month break can seriously hinder your playing ability. In September when I see students who haven’t taken lessons or played all summer, we need to do a ton of review. It usually takes a month or two for them to get back to their pre-summer ability level. This lengthy review period could have been avoided if lessons were continued and/ or practicing was done.
If you are able, fit lessons in between any vacations you have planned. Summer is great time too because lessons run on a flexible schedule. You are no longer tied to a specific day or time and can schedule lessons at your convenience. This is the best time to try lessons on another instrument, try a longer lesson, or introduce a younger sibling to lessons without the same level of commitment required.
Furthermore, I have one main tip to keep it going over the summer….
***** Make sure you still practice!
With summer comes a change of routine. Often that means no routine or a different routine every week (one week art camp, the next a vacation, the next time at home, etc.). If your school year routine was to practice everyday right after school, that will no longer work over the summer.
If you don’t take summer lessons, practice on your own. Work on your old pieces– especially recital pieces. Go on in your lesson book and learn some more pieces on your own. You don’t have to practice every day, though the more you practice, the better.
If you are away over the summer at your beach, lake, or country house, bring your keyboard with you, so you can still practice. If you don’t have a keyboard, it’s worth it to spend a little money getting one. Click here to check out this post for my tips on purchasing a keyboard.
If you do take lessons, that is excellent! Work on the new pieces that your teacher teaches you.
I’ve written about practicing quite a bit in previous blog posts. I suggest checking these posts out and implementing my suggestions.
- Practicing when you have a busy schedule
- Getting your child to practice without you asking or reminding them
- Helping with practicing if you are not a musician yourself
Now I want to hear from you! What have you done to keep it going over the summer? Please share your tips to help our readers. Subscribe to the newsletter and like us on facebook. Enjoy this beautiful June day, and I’ll catch you soon!
Sincerely,
Cassie
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