The holidays are a wonderful time for music students to take a much-needed break from their regular practice routine. Getting them back into the routine after a few weeks off, however, can be a challenge.
Ideally, you want your child to enjoy music and you also want to avoid the stress of arguments about practice.
So, finding easy ways to restart music practice after a break is key to maintaining your child's enjoyment of making music and while also avoiding practice-related stress for both of you.
Here are some tips to ease your child back into a regular practice schedule following a break:
Establish a short-term goal. Having something to work towards is a great way to rekindle regular practice. Knowing your child as you do, decide whether a short- or longer-term goal is best. Here are some ideas:
Master a desired piece. If the student is taking private lessons, work with the private instructor to find a piece that the student has a real desire to learn. Work out a timeline for mastering it, and consider a small reward if the goal is accomplished.
Plan and perform a mini recital. This is a short in person or virtual recital a students prepares themselves. Get my guide to planning a mini recital here.
Prepare for an upcoming audition or performance. Have the private teacher suggest ensembles they might audition for or performances they might prepare for and get them started working on the material. Consider signing them up for a talent show at school or playing at a retirement home.
Prepare for a Solo & Ensemble competition. Wind players involved in their school music program usually have the opportunity to participate in this event, which often happens mid-spring semester. Ask the ensemble director for more information.
Plan a reward in recognition of commitment.
Start private lessons. If your child has been asking for private lessons, consider signing them up if they demonstrate practice commitment for a specified amount of time after the break. For tips on finding a private instructor, read this.
Upgrade their instrument. If the student is ready for a new instrument, consider making an agreement to get them one if they practice consistently for a certain number of weeks or months.
Restructure practice time.
Start and end with a favorite piece. Find a piece or two they love and have already mastered and have them start and end each practice session with this piece.
Start with short practice sessions. You can even start with 5 minute practice sessions if there is real resistance and build up from there to the regular practice time.
Alter the practice schedule. Change the practice time of day if the old time isn't working right now. Consider moving practice sessions to just after school, just before or after dinner, or before leaving for school in the morning.
Finding inspiring and fun ways to restart regular music practice after a break is easier than you might think. Try these tips to avoid practice-related stress and remind your child of the joy and sense of satisfaction their musical instrument can bring them.
Don't miss any tips to help your child love and succeed in music!
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