Although we have barely seen any spring weather yet, summer really is just around the corner, so to speak. Many of us take vacations or, at least, have different schedules during the summer. With this in mind, it’s time to consider how private music lessons are affected.
Taking private lessons in guitar, piano, drum, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and any other instrument is always beneficial, regardless of how much practice time one can put into it. Although It is often harder for our students to practice when their normal routines are changed, we urge them to find a new practice regimen during summer and holiday times to reinforce the skills they have learned throughout the year.
As parents, it is up to us to encourage our children to keep practicing and not lose the progress they have made throughout the school year. As adult students, we need to remind ourselves that, despite the chaos in our lives, practicing our instruments is important for several reasons. Personally, I find practicing is important to keep improving my skill levels on the instruments that I teach. Additionally, I practice piano to relieve stress and for personal enjoyment. As private music instructors, we also play a role in our students’ practicing. We have said this before, but holidays and summer breaks are a good time to work on different music pieces that our students are interested in, along with their usual lesson books.
While we understand that students tend to decrease their practicing during summer breaks, it doesn't have to be that way. Think of ways to increase your child's enthusiasm for playing, which, in part, can come from your encouragement and interest in hearing them play. In addition, think of other opportunities for playing, such as performing for family, friends, or even at church. Ask your child if there are sny songs he or she really wants to learn and convey that to his/her instructor.
Most importantly, keep your children or yourself interacting with the instruments in some way throughout the summer months. This will bolster any success already achieved as well as set up the progress that will be made when practice times can become more consistent again. If you are one of the lucky ones who has no problem fitting in practice times for you or your child, keep on doing what you're doing!!
