Practicing Over the Holidays

It's a holiday. Friends are over, family traditions are being observed, and your child’s consistent practice routine has gone out the window. There might even be fights over it.

Let’s take a step back first. - it’s the holidays. It’s a time for everyone, to kick back and relax with family and friends for a little bit. Kids, too

But you and your child put effort and time into establishing that practice routine and making it a daily habit. We don't want to lose ALL that progress during this relaxed time. So, how to keep your child’s chops up when life is anything but routine?

Focus on Playing

Practicing is work. But we play music because we enjoy doing so. And the holidays are a perfect time to PLAY for the sake of it. Rather than saying "Go practice," try: “How about you go play that favorite song of yours for Grandma? She would love to hear it!”

Hold a Concert

And while we’re playing for Grandma, we may as well gather everyone around for an impromptu concert! Or, plan ahead and help your child design home-made concert tickets and programs, and dress up fancy for the big performance. Regardless, family and friends are sure to be a rapt audience full of applause and cheers, which will motivate your child to keep up the good work!

Teach Someone

Ask your child to show a family member how to play something, even just “Hot Cross Buns.” Your young musician’s self-esteem and confidence will soar after showing a cousin how to play. Plus, research backs up the fact that teaching something improves our understanding of it.

No Instrument? There’s an App for That!

The holidays might take you places where practicing just isn’t possible. Keep your child’s mind musically engaged. Reading through music and humming it makes the brain go through many of the same processes as if actually playing the instrument. Or, download some fun music apps to pass the time while traveling. My favorite app for this, Note Rush, is well worth the $4 in the app store!