5 Reasons to Continue Your Music Lessons During the Summer
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.
Choosing Your First Piano: A Guide for Beginners
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.
- Determine your budget
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.
- Decide between an acoustic or digital piano
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.
- Consider the size and weight of the piano
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.
- Look for a good touch and sound
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.
- Get professional advice
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!
Tijuana Luthier “Guitarras Sevillano”
Recently we visited the guitar building workshop of Guitarras Sevillanos in Tijuana. That’s a pretty famous name in the region for custom built stringed instruments including classical and steel string guitars, vihuelas, guitarrones, the Cuban tres, and more. We are having a small “octave” guitar built which will look just like a small nylon string guitar but will be tuned up one octave, for more of a ukulele sound. Many of our teachers and students own instruments from Sevillano, so it was a real treat to get to meet luthier David Sevillano Vargas, the third generation of Sevillano builders, and commission a guitar from him. If you have a chance you should definitely pay them a visit!
Recital Photos
Photographer Katie Fisher was on hand at our Summer Recital to get photos of all our student performers. Here’s a sample, and you can see more photos on our Facebook, Instagram, and Google Plus pages!
Student Summer Recital
We had a fantastic time at the Summer Recital on June 10! Congratulations to all the students who performed! We had an entire “mini recital” of our piano students who showcased what they’ve been learning in their lessons, after which our guitar and ukulele students took to the stage for performances in a wide range of styles. Some great singing too! We’ll see you at the next recital!
