Photo credit: U.S. Army photo by Dan Thompson
Welcome back everyone! Today marks the end of the first week of our fall semester. All of our students are back in school and back in their lessons with us. I was fortunate to see many of my students over the summer even if just for a lesson or two. It’s wonderful to see everyone after summer vacation and to get back into a routine. Getting used to that routine once we go back to school and activities resume, however, can be quite difficult! Going from lounging on the beach, attending camp, hanging out with friends and family, sleeping in, etc. to waking up early, going to school all day, having homework, and a full regiment of activities just like that can be quite challenging! I personally have a more flexible schedule over the summer, so it’s just as hard for me to return to a busier schedule.
In today’s post I share my top three tips on how to get back “in the swing of things” in your music lessons. I hope these help as you transition back into your full load of school and activities.
Number 1: Be patient and kind with yourself
Unless you kept practicing and taking lessons all summer, chances are you’ll be rusty when lessons resume in the fall. This is completely normal. Unfortunately when we return to anything after we’ve taken a break from it or done it in a lesser capacity than usual, we are rusty.
Some students get frustrated and expect themselves to pick up right where they left off. This is not practical. It’s okay to be rusty. If you find yourself feeling frustrated, be gentle and kind with yourself. It will all come back in no time if you are patient and don’t worry about it.
Number 2: Practice on a schedule
Anything that’s scheduled in advance is much more likely to get done. For example, if you have a doctor’s appointment, on your calendar for Wednesday at 10am, you will go to it. If you have soccer practice Fridays at 3:30, you will be there. If practicing piano is on your calendar every day right after dinner time, it will get done as well. I highly suggest creating a practice schedule for yourself and making practicing a routine.
In my life, anything I’m used to doing at the same time each day, week, or month, I always do. It’s up to you how you want to set up your practice schedule/ routine. It could mean practicing at the same time everyday (ex: after you finish your homework), or it could mean that you vary things based on the day of the week.
Here’s an example of student’s practice schedule
Monday: Practice right after ballet
Tuesday: Practice right after Tae Kwon Do
Wednesday: Practice right after your snack
Thursday: Practice right after dinner
Friday: Practice right after school
Saturday: Practice after breakfast
Sunday: Practice after breakfast
The more simple you make this, the better. Your teacher can help you come up with something that will work well for you. Once you have your plan, stick to it, and in a few weeks it will become a routine.
Number 3: Use a practice chart
Beyond practicing on a schedule, using a practice chart to record your practicing works wonders for so many students. Anything that you record and have accountability towards, you’ll care about doing well. Your teacher can give you a practice chart to use. Simply mark off the days you practice each week and/ or the amount of time you practice each day. In a future blog post, I’ll share a practice chart that you can download and use anytime.
Now I want to hear from you. What have you done to help yourself ease back into the routine once school and activities resume? Leave a comment below. “Like us” on Facebook, and subscribe to the email newsletter. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day and wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Cassie
PS- Welcome to our 3 newest teachers: Laura (voice and piano), Nate (guitar), and Michael (piano, violin, and viola). Their bios will be up shortly and they will be showcased on the blog soon. Contact us if you are interested in starting lessons with them or one of our other superb teachers.
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