4 Tips for Music Practice During the Holidays

This episode about how to support young musicians in music practice during the holidays when things are busy and we’re out of our routines, was originally published in audio format on the Time to Practice Podcast. It has been edited and formatted for ease of reading. You can read it below or listen to the audio anywhere you listen to podcasts.

It’s the last week of school before winter break here in the US, and I know it’s such a busy time right now for teachers and families, so I want to share a few thoughts about music practice during the busy holiday season. Really this advice could apply to any busy season in life.

For many professional musicians, teachers, and more advanced students who perform in ensembles, the holiday season and the end of the year can be a very busy time with lots to practice for. Practice, for those with many performances this time of year, in a way, is a “must-do” item and there may be no question about practice happening or not happening. If this is you, you likely will have practice and rehearsals and then enjoy some much-needed rest when you get the chance.

This music practice for holidays that I want to share is really for the families of students who do not have this built-in practice motivation right now. For those of you who want to get practice done but may find this time of year difficult or even overwhelming because it’s such a busy season.

If you’re anything like me. or the families I work with, just getting to all of the extra activities right now and getting the extra errands done and things like this can feel like a lot to accomplish. And then, on top of that, we are guiding our young musicians through practice when everyone may be short on focus, patience, and time, and it can feel like a challenge on many fronts. 

Here are Four ideas to help with Music practice during the holidays:

Tip #1: My best advice is to focus on just doing SOMETHING and touching the instrument every day that you can.

That could look like a full, structured practice, “play your favorite three songs today,” or even an informal concert with stuffed animals or visiting family members.

Aim to keep music going. That alone can be a great goal this time of year. Some days with young students, simply getting some practice or music-making to happen is a win. My advice is to please focus on trying to do what you can.

 

Tip #2: listen to music as much as you can!

Listen to the music that you are learning,

Listen to holiday music (bonus if it involves the instrument you play)

Attend a live performance

Watch videos together on Youtube of performers on your instrument

or holiday music performed by an orchestra

Creating a musical environment is such great motivation and will help keep the music going! 

Tip #3: Make music for, or with, family

If you’ll be seeing family this holiday season, have your child pick a couple of pieces to play for family or friends who may be visiting.. My nephew is learning violin and lives in another state, and we always arrange a few practice sessions together when he’s here over the holidays – which is very informal, but it’s fun for him to have a new practice partner, and I love seeing what he’s working on. It’s something we both look forward to.

If there are other musicians in your family, organzine a family music time and make music together.

Host a family sing-a-long or “open mic” session where anyone who wants to can share their music.

This makes great memories! 

Tip #4: Learn holiday music on your instrument!

If your family celebrates any particular holiday, learn holiday music just for fun, whether you will perform it or not) Depending on their level, your student can learn it by ear, or you could find sheet music appropriate for their level. 

I think it’s important to remember that this is a busy time and for some families trying to fit in practice “the same as always” can set us up to feel like we’re failing so I think its smart to get creative, do something every day we can, and then make peace with the fact that some day sare going to be challenging – maybe those are the days we listen extra or watch a few videos together. 

I would say the same for those of you traveling where it’s not possible to bring the instrument: listen and create a musical environment if you can.

If you have note reading or theory books, note name flashcards, or apps you use they are great activities to bring for on the airplane or a car ride.  

If you’re traveling and don’t have your instrument, it’s ok to lean into the fact that this is a little time for rest and know you’ll pick back up to regular practice when you return – I think that’s the main thing, not letting it derail you from your routine once the holidays are over. 

Some families in my studio have told me that this year, over the school break, there should be more time for practice since they won’t be in school and actually other than a few isolated days it could be a great time for extra music making. 

Each of you will have your own set of circumstances but I think the main thing I want to share with you today about music practice during the holidays is: do what you can! 

Music can add a lot to holiday traditions and getting even young students involved in that idea early on helps us see music as something that adds richness to our lives and that brings joy to others.

This is a set point in time and we’ll all be back to our routines before we know it. No need for guilt, but do lean into creativity and make your environment one that involves music one way or another. 

Have a great week everyone and happy music making, what ever that looks like for you right now!