The change of seasons is one constant here in New England, and the arrival of summer is perhaps the most welcomed of all. School is out, the sun is out, and the change of pace is certain. Change of routine can be like the ocean waves - a known reality but try not to let it catch you by surprise! This summer, let the change in season be a welcome one with regards to your growth as a musician. Take a few minutes now to consider small but intentional seasonal adjustments that will enable you to keep on thriving and jiving!

Refresh Your Routine
Take it one week at a time, and get a bird’s eye view of your summer. Check in with your teacher about any travel or camp plans, and suggest an alternative or ask for an adjustment now. Planning ahead is a way to respect yourself as the learner and your teacher at the same time. Consider temporary seasonal changes if needed, like a different day of the week, lengthening a lesson here and there to allow for a trip you may have, or perhaps swapping lesson times or joining together with a friend (pending your teacher’s approval of course!).

Think about your routine at home…without the same school schedule to organize the day, you might find a new time(s) to practice. Perhaps those few minutes right after breakfast? Or right before dinner? Pairing your practice with another regular event of the day can be super helpful in getting the job done every day. Perhaps more than one mini practice session would work for you. In fact, it’s the small yet consistent habits of practice over time that really boost your growth as a musician!

Sometimes those hot summer days tend toward less productivity than more. If that’s the case for you, try keeping a notebook with your music materials. Write down the day, the piece or exercise, and decide on a specific measure or section (i.e. 1-8 measures) that you want to focus on. Write down what needs improving - intonation, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, expression? Try it, working out the correct way to play. Then, set a short timer, perhaps 4 or 5 minutes. Use slow, careful and correct repetition until the timer goes off. Repeat the process in a different spot the next day and watch your tricky spot smooth out. Identifying the job that needs to get done increases the likelihood that it gets accomplished.

Water Your Wow
What makes you say “Wow!” when it comes to music? How can you “water your wow” this summer? Go see a musical performance or two! Check your local community news outlets (social media groups, library & church bulletin boards, etc.) to catch your local community band or orchestra. In Simsbury, the Talcott Mountain Music Festival runs for several weeks. Don’t forget to check out music performances wherever your travels take you, too. See a formal performance, or an informal one and bring your picnic with you. Summer might be a great time to plan a trip to NYC or Boston and catch a professional performance. Tanglewood is another accessible and family-friendly venue in the greater New England area. There’s lots to choose from! Consider a performance of your own instrument/voice, and also something totally different. Let’s support the arts this summer!

Another way to “water your wow” can include attending a summer music camp - doing music together with other learners. Check local news outlets, local school district and town recreation department offerings, and of course Falcetti School of Music for options!

Dig in Deeper
Lastly, summer is a great time to put the pedal to the metal and dig in deep in your learning. Ask your teacher for a summer challenge - this could be a technique to learn specific to your instrument (think double stops, harmonics, double tonguing, vibrato, etc.), or plan a practice challenge with a friend. Put on your own backyard concert for the neighbors, or grab a friend and ask your local nursing home about playing for their residents. How many scales can one person learn in a summer? The world has yet to find out…

Happy Summer, Happy Music-ing!