Summer is an excellent time to start and continue with regular private lessons. Some of us are now approaching mid-summer schedules and beginning to wind down from the ongoing school work, sports, and other afterschool activities. What better idea then to replace that time with some extra practice time. As an instructor, I have seen first hand, some of the best progress made with my students has been during summer break. It’s a great time to spend reviewing learned concepts and building on that foundation without regular school year distractions.

For those students committed to their lessons ongoing wondering whether to continue during summertime, it may be nice to think about a break from music, but if a break from lessons is necessary, it is crucial to not take a break from music entirely. Strong fundamentals such as developed vocal strength (for singers), finger dexterity (piano and guitar students), muscle memory, sight-reading, and ear training can suffer without regular interaction with your instrument.

A good comparison: learning a new language is done best by immersing yourself fully in the culture, even if you master a second language, if you don’t continue to use it in your daily life, you will lose some of that language skill.

In other words, it is best to continue with lessons throughout the summer, generations of students and teachers can attest to this; however, if you aren’t able to continue through the summer, make it a point to visit your instrument daily or as much as possible to maintain your skills.

Here’s some fun links to inspire your music education this summer:

http://www.musicnotes.com/

http://makingmusicfun.net/

https://www.pinterest.com/debchitwood/kids-music-activities/

http://www.kidspot.com.au/kids-activities-and-games/Music-for-kids+53.htm