Music students often find themselves debating whether or not they should take a break from their lessons during the summer months. While it may seem like a good idea to take some time off from practicing and studying, it’s actually not a good idea to stop your music lessons altogether. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 reasons why music students shouldn’t stop their lessons during the summer.
1. Retain and Improve Skills
One of the main reasons why music students shouldn’t stop their lessons during the summer is that it’s important to retain and improve the skills they’ve learned throughout the year. Taking a few months off from playing an instrument can result in a loss of skills and knowledge. When students resume their lessons in the fall, they may find that they’ve lost some of the progress they made during the previous school year. By continuing to practice and study during the summer, students can ensure that they maintain and improve their skills.
2. Get Ahead of the Game
Another reason why music students shouldn’t stop their lessons during the summer is that it gives them an opportunity to get ahead of the game. During the school year, students are often bogged down with homework, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities. By taking advantage of the summer months, students can get ahead on their music studies and make significant progress that can help them stand out in their classes or music ensembles.
3. Focus on Weak Areas
Summer music lessons can also provide an opportunity for students to focus on areas where they may be struggling. During the school year, music teachers often have limited time to work with each student individually. However, during the summer months, teachers can provide more one-on-one attention to help students improve in specific areas, such as sight-reading, technique, or music theory.
4. Explore New Genres or Styles
The summer is also an excellent time for music students to explore new genres or styles of music. During the school year, students are often focused on a specific genre or style that’s required for their classes or music ensembles. However, during the summer months, students can take the time to learn and practice new types of music that they may not have had the opportunity to explore before.
5. Stay Motivated and Inspired
Finally, summer music lessons can help students stay motivated and inspired. During the summer months, students may be tempted to take a break from their music studies and lose their motivation to continue playing. However, by continuing their lessons, students can stay engaged with their music studies and remain inspired by their progress and accomplishments.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why music students shouldn’t stop their lessons during the summer. By continuing their studies, students can retain and improve their skills, get ahead of the game, focus on weak areas, explore new genres or styles, and stay motivated and inspired. So if you’re a music student, consider continuing your lessons during the summer months to ensure that you make the most of your music education. We actually see an uptick in our student registration over the summer, as everyone has more free time to work on those things they truly have a passion for.
If you’re thinking of learning to play the piano, congratulations! You’re in for a fun and rewarding journey. But before you dive into the world of keys and chords, you need to choose a piano. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for you. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing your first piano.
The first step in choosing a piano is to determine how much you’re willing to spend. Pianos come in a wide range of prices, from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. While you don’t want to spend more than you can afford, keep in mind that a quality piano will last you many years, so it’s worth investing in one that will meet your needs.
The next step is to decide between an acoustic or digital piano. Acoustic pianos are traditional instruments that use strings, hammers, and pedals to produce sound. Digital pianos, on the other hand, use electronic means to produce sound. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a piano before making a decision.
Once you’ve decided on an acoustic or digital piano, you’ll need to consider the size and weight of the instrument. If you’re planning to move the piano around, you may want to opt for a lighter, more portable option. If you have a dedicated space for your piano, you can opt for a larger, heavier instrument.
When choosing a piano, it’s important to pay attention to both the touch and the sound of the instrument. The touch should feel comfortable and responsive, while the sound should be rich and full. Try playing a few different pianos to find one that feels and sounds right for you.
Finally, it’s a good idea to get advice from a professional piano dealer or teacher. They can help you navigate the various options and find a piano that fits your needs and budget. They can also offer you advice on the best brands and models to consider.
In conclusion, choosing your first piano can be a big decision, but with a little research and some expert advice, you can find the perfect instrument for you. Good luck and happy playing!
Learn a classic solo from the great jazz guitarist Charlie Christian
Check out this solo guitar arrangement of the classic jazz tune “Dream a Little Dream of Me” with music writted by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt and lyrics by Gus Kahn.
Learn these bebop jazz guitar licks and work them into your own solos. Get a full explanation of each lick when you download the PDF.
A solo guitar arrangement of the classic jazz standard “Stella by Starlight” by Victor Young.
Check out this fun and relatively easy Argentine style tango for classical guitar. Notice the staccato notes in there, this makes things sound so much more dramatic and, well, tango-y! The A section of this piece is in the key of A minor, while the B section moves to the parallel major key of A major. This is a common element in tango, and many tango compositions also include a C section. We hope you enjoy this one, and check out our upcoming Spanish Guitar learning course on our Soundslice page to learn how to play this and other similar pieces!
This original rumba will help you work on playing even slurs, and is also fun to play!
French composer Erik Satie wrote some fantastic piano pieces. Gymnopedie no. 1 is one of his most famous compositions and sounds great on classical guitar.