Summer break is a well-deserved time for kids to relax, explore, and have fun. If your child plays a musical instrument, it’s also a critical time to maintain their skills—and even grow them! Without the routine of school, it’s easy to fall off the wagon with practice. But with a little creativity and encouragement, it can feel less like a chore and more like a fun part of the day.
First of all…
Permission to take time off!
Take your trips and vacations! Go to sleep-away camp. Take time away from your flute. If you need permission to take a break, here it is! Even the professionals need time to rest, relax, and be away from their craft.
When you get back and are ready to resume music practice, here are some ideas to keep kids motivated:
1. Create a summer flow
Summer schedules are not as rigid for most families. There might be more time for free play, exploring hobbies, and hanging with friends. This free time is soooo important for kids of all ages! However, there might be certain things that still need to get done each day. If you develop a loose routine, your child will go through the day knowing what to expect. Practice won’t be a shock, just a regular thing they do!
2. Get organized
If you want your child to practice on their own without nagging, make sure everything they need is easily accessible. Keep your music organized and your flute clean and ready. Half the battle is starting so make sure that doesn’t take any extra effort.
3. Set a Goal
Help your child pick a fun goal to work toward—like learning a favorite song, writing a simple composition, or mastering a tricky technique. Clear, attainable goals give practice a purpose.
4. Mix it Up
Summer is a great time to explore different genres of music! (Jazz, pop songs, rock, movie soundtracks, or music from other cultures). Keep your teacher updated on your musical interests!
Beginners might want to create a “Flute Wish List” if there are specific songs that they want to learn but are too advanced for their current level. That way, you and your teacher will remember and come back to the song in 6 months or a year, when you have built the skills necessary to play that song!
5. Make a Practice Chart
Create a simple weekly or monthly chart. Add stickers or checkmarks each day they practice. You could offer small rewards for hitting weekly milestones. (This works well for some families and not for others. You know your child best!)
6. Take Your Instrument Outside!
As long as the weather is good and it’s okay with your neighbors, playing the flute outside is so relaxing. It’s the perfect way to mix things up and enjoy some sun while still getting your practice time in.
7. Attend a Music Camp
It might be too late to sign up for something this summer, but keep this in mind for next year! Local colleges often host a camp or program for middle and high schoolers. And Suzuki Institutes run through the summer months all over the country!
https://suzukiassociation.org/teachers/teacher-training/institutes/
8. Catch some Live Music
Most towns have free outdoor concerts in the summer. You might also find some live music in a coffee shop or summer festival! Keep your eye out for flyers and take advantage of all of it!
9. Play with others
If anyone else in your family plays a musical instrument, try a family jam session! If your child has a friend who plays, maybe they could pair up and practice together.
And of course attend our online group classes, recitals, and summer events at Tutti Flutes! This helps your child to see the big picture, develop intrinsic motivation, and follow their passion for music.
With the right approach, summer music practice can be something your child looks forward to—and it will definitely pay off when fall rolls around!