With summer in full swing, many students take breaks from their music lessons to enjoy seasonal activities. While that’s understandable, what many students don’t realize is the importance of continuing to practice throughout their break — a point I always stress with my students.
As practice time diminishes, so do the critical physical and mental techniques involved in playing an instrument. String players can expect their hard-earned calluses to fade, while pianists often notice a loss of strength and dexterity. Neglecting your instrument over the summer can lead to serious frustration when lessons resume.
“Practice makes perfect” isn’t just a cliché; it’s a real and important principle. I remind every student that if they don’t practice, their next lesson will feel almost identical to the last one. This slows progress dramatically and can create frustration for both students, who feel they aren’t advancing, and parents, who see valuable lesson time spent reviewing instead of moving forward.
One of the best things students and parents can do is understand the difference between practicing and playing.
- Practice is methodical, repetitive, and mentally focused.
- Playing is the application of what you’ve learned — it’s freer and more enjoyable.
When students learn to balance practice and play, their time with the instrument becomes less like homework and more like a hobby they genuinely enjoy. Group classes, such as our Rock Band program, are an excellent way to bridge that gap — providing a fun, social way to practice and apply skills at the same time.
So if you’ve decided to take the summer off from lessons, remember not to take the summer off from your instrument.
A little consistent effort will make all the difference. You’ll return stronger, more confident, and ready to grow — setting yourself up for a lifetime of enjoyment in music.
Henry Bahrou
Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director
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