Get Your Kids Involved In Music This Summer

Get Your Kids Involved In Music This Summer

by | Jun 4, 2018 | music, parents

There’s something nostalgic about music and summertime! Summer is a great time to kick back and enjoy activities that you don’t normally have time for. It seems that we’re still programed to live carefree and easy during the summer months. (Even though most of us don’t get to enjoy three months off like we did when we were kids!) Here are some ways that you can kick back and relax with music this summer.

1. Check out music events in your community.

Often there are a lot of free concerts put on by the civic centers that are free or are very budget friendly. You may get to know local artists, bands, or choirs. Type “summer music events near me” or “music in the park” and you’ll dive into all sorts of fun free music events and concerts.

2. Take music lessons.

Often teachers will run summer specials for their studios! Maybe get the whole family involved in learning a new instrument or vocal skills–you could be the next featurette for those summer concerts! Although you won’t make huge strides with a new instrument it will give you a taste of what it is like and help you narrow down your child’s interests. Or try out some online music lessons. The benefit of online lessons is you can take them anywhere with you! Even on your summer trips.

3. Make a summer playlist for your kids or your family to take on road trips.

Include some new styles that you might not normally choose. Have your kids help you be a DJ and put together their favorite summer songs. Try some oldies and include a few Beatles & Beach Boys hits.

4. Musical crafts.

Sometimes we have a bit more time during the summer, or we feel like we do, and we can take some time to do some crafts. Remember you only have about 18 summers with your kids. Make them count! Browse Pinterest for fun musical related craft to do with your young kids.

5. Find a music camp in your area or join a summer choir.

Often universities, colleges, schools, or local music teachers will put on a week long music camp. These camps will include a cost but what better way to reinforce the practice and work that your child has been doing throughout the school year. It’s also a great way to show the practicality of music and for them to get to know other kids in the area who are involved in music.
Do another websearch for “summer choirs” in your local area. You’ll often find summer intensives/camps that will require a one week commitment with a concert at the end. A great way to get your children excited about singing!

Are Summer Music Lessons Right For Me?

Are Summer Music Lessons Right For Me?

by | May 28, 2018 | lessons, music, parents

Are music lessons over the summer a good fit for you and your family or is it better to take two months off?

First, as a general principle continuous learning is better than dropping for long periods of time. You’ve probably heard the saying “If you don’t use it, you’ll loose it.”  It’s just the way learning works. When you quit study and practicing for a long period of time there will be a decrease in skills that will need to be built back up when study is resumed. It’s just the nature of learning!

The biggest drawback to “taking a break” that I’ve experienced with my students is that they get out of the routine of practice.

Ultimately though, we all lead different lives and we must make decisions based on our families needs and lifestyles.

 

Pros for summer music lessons:

  1. Music study over the summer is a great way to focus on practicing and advancing levels quickly.
  2. Your child may have more time to practice without worrying about homework & tests.
  3. You could take advantage of flexible scheduling and negotiate to take longer lessons for two months.
  4. Maintaining music study during the summer reinforces all the hard work you put into getting your child to practice this past year! When you start again in the fall you won’t have to tackle that battle again.
  5. Sometimes teachers offer incentives & discounts if you continue music lessons during the summer.

Cons:

  1. If you travel a lot during the summer months then your schedule may actually more hectic than during the school year.
  2. If you don’t have the time available to devote to practice then there will be no continuity in learning.
  3. Depending on your child and the schedule that you keep during the school year they may need a mental break from all the extracurricular activites.