How to keep your child learning over the summer holidays
The long, sunny days of summer are a time for relaxation, adventure, and plenty of fun in the sun. However, for parents wanting to keep their child's musical progress on track, summer can also be a bit of a challenge. The routine of weekly lessons and daily practice can easily be disrupted by holidays and the allure of outdoor activities. But fear not! With a little creativity and support from Good Vibes Music Academy, you can ensure your child's musical journey continues to flourish all summer long.
1. Create a Fun Playing Schedule
One of the best ways to keep your child engaged with their instrument is to make playing enjoyable. At Good Vibes Music Academy, we believe that learning music should be a fun and fulfilling experience. Try creating a summer schedule that balances practice with play. Integrate short, frequent practice sessions into your child's daily routine. For example, a quick 15-minute session after breakfast or before heading out to the park can work wonders.
2. Set Achievable Goals
Setting small, achievable goals can help maintain your child’s interest and motivation. Whether it's mastering a new piece, learning a few new chords, or improving their scales, having something to work towards can give practice sessions purpose. Maybe you want to learn the next star level piece! Celebrate these milestones together, no matter how small, to keep the positive vibes flowing.
3. Explore New MusiC
Summer is the perfect time to explore new genres and styles of music. If your child usually plays classical pieces, why not introduce them to jazz, rock, or pop? At Good Vibes Music Academy, our instructors are skilled in a wide range of musical styles and can help your child discover new musical passions. This exploration can make practice more exciting and broaden your child’s musical horizons. There are loads of website available where you can download sheet music, tabs etc. www.sheetmusicdirect.com and www.ultimate-guitar.com are just a couple of examples.
4. Join a Summer Workshop
Good Vibes Music Academy offers fantastic summer workshops designed to inspire and educate young musicians. Our workshops are a great way for your child to learn new skills, meet other young musicians, and have a blast in a supportive and creative environment. Check out our workshop page here for more details and to sign up. These workshops can provide a structured yet fun setting for musical growth during the holiday season.
5. Use the Star Level Online Resources
There’s a whole load of free resources for our students to use with extra music and backing tracks. They can be accessed online at anytime from anywhere in the world. The pieces get progressively harder to make sure that you are constantly getting better! Go to www.goodvibesmusicacademy.co.uk and click on ‘Star Levels’ in the menu to access. Drop us an email at hello@gvma.co.uk if you haven’t got your password and we’ll resend it to you.
6. Encourage Performance Opportunities
Encourage your child to perform for friends and family. Informal performances can be a great motivator and give your child a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's a small backyard concert or a virtual performance for distant relatives, these moments can build confidence and make practicing more meaningful.
7. Keep It Light and Fun
Remember, summer is a time for fun and relaxation. While it's important to maintain some structure, don’t forget to let your child enjoy their break. Incorporate music into fun activities – perhaps a family sing-along, creating a band with friends, or composing a summer-themed song. The key is to keep the joy of music alive.
With these tips and the support of Good Vibes Music Academy, your child can continue to grow as a musician while still enjoying all the delights of summer. Happy playing and have a musical summer!