How can I help my child with music over the summer holidays?

How can I help my child practise music over the summer holidays?

The summer holidays are always a little bit of an unsettled time – we go away on trips abroad, we chill out in our backyards and the kids decide that they miss school after all, after complaining about it all the previous year. 

Here are some of the best ways to incorporate some decent musical practise with your children over the summer holidays.  Remember, you can always check in with your teacher about this, especially if they teach throughout the summer as we often do at Prelude. 

1. Set Goals and Create a Schedule

• Set Clear Goals: Work with your child to set specific, achievable goals for the summer, such as learning a new song, improving a particular skill, or preparing for a performance.

• Consistent Practice Schedule: Establish a daily or weekly practice routine. Even short, regular practice sessions are more effective than infrequent, longer ones.  10 minutes daily is better than 1 hour a week.

2. Make Practice Fun and Engaging

• Variety in Practice: Mix different types of practice, such as playing new pieces, improvising, and working on technical skills.

• Interactive Apps and Games: Use music learning apps and games to make practice more interactive and fun.
  Check out:
  if you have an iOS device, there is an app called Tenuto which has musical flash cards and sound tests.

• Reward System: Implement a reward system for meeting practice goals or learning new pieces to keep motivation high.

3. Provide Access to Resources

• Music Books and Sheets: Ensure your child has access to a variety of music books and sheet music appropriate for their skill level.

• Online Tutorials and Courses: Utilize online tutorials, courses, and instructional videos to supplement learning.
  Check out:
  www.music-theory.net
  Contact our colleagues at https://goldmusictuition.co.uk/ and contact Helen to inquire about their online theory courses.

• Library and Community Resources: Check out music-related books, DVDs, and CDs from the library, and explore local music programs or workshops.  You have the added bonus of helping to keeping local libraries alive!

4. Encourage Creativity

• Composition and Songwriting: Encourage your child to compose their own music or write songs. This fosters creativity and a deeper understanding of music.  Remember, we’re trying to foster creativity, not perfection. Don’t worry if it sounds rough to your ears, it takes a lot of courage to present your own ideas, be kind!

• Improvisation: Allow time for free play and improvisation to help them explore different sounds and styles.  This can be incorporated into practise time. Playing about is just as important as playing a piece.

5. Incorporate Technology

• Recording and Playback: Use recording devices or software to record practice sessions. This helps children hear their progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Music Software: Introduce them to music production software where they can experiment with creating and arranging music.
  Check out:
  Audacity - this is a free recording software, you can use your computer microphone to record layers of sound and put them together!
  Musescore - this is a free music score writing software. It might be a bit advanced for a younger learner, but would be an excellent tool to introduce them to score writing early on

6. Create a Supportive Environment

• Dedicated Practice Space: Set up a quiet, dedicated space for music practice, free from distractions.

• Positive Reinforcement: Provide positive feedback and encouragement. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small.

7. Exposure to Live Music

• Attend Concerts: Take your child to live music performances. Experiencing live music can be inspiring and educational.  There are loads of family friendly, small and local festivals happening over the summer.

• Play Along with Recordings: Encourage playing along with recordings of their favourite songs or artists to improve timing and feel.

8. Family Involvement

• Family Music Time: Schedule regular family music time where everyone participates. This could include sing-alongs, jam sessions, or just listening to music together.  If you’re not particularly the musical type, reverse the roles – ask your child to explain what they’ve heard so they are teaching you, and you encourage discussion.

• Learn Together: Consider learning an instrument yourself or taking lessons together. This shows support and can be a fun bonding experience.

9. Networking with Other Young Musicians

• Music Groups or Bands: Encourage your child to join a music group, band, or ensemble to gain experience playing with others.

• Summer Music Camps: Look into summer music camps or workshops where they can learn from professionals and interact with peers.

10. Keep It Balanced

• Breaks and Relaxation: Ensure that there is a balance between practice and relaxation. Avoid burnout by incorporating breaks and other summer activities.  Music isn’t everything!

By following these tips, you can help your child maintain and even enhance their musical skills over the summer while keeping the learning experience enjoyable and fulfilling.