Prepare to Breathe and Relax

Holiday break is a great time to take a step back, breathe, rest, and relax. I would encourage all music students to take at least 3-5 days off to just sort of unplug rest, and slow down. But music students and musicians, much like athletes, should generally not take much more time off in a row than that completely. After an initial rest period, I would challenge you to come up with a schedule for your practice over the break.

Practice During the Busy Times

I love break time practice. It can be so different and refreshing from practice during the rest of the year. For most of us, practice during the business of life can be difficult.  We all juggle career, family, and activities (for adults), or school, family, and activities (for kids). Of course, some adults are in school as well. I get that it can be very difficult to schedule practice during the busyness of life. Times we do have can feel rushed and pressured. I would always encourage you to schedule your practice during the busyness of the year in such a way that you can sit at the practice bench for at least about 5 minutes first just catching your breath, slowing down, breathing, and mentally preparing for a great practice session.

Practice During Break Times

During the break, plan to practice at least three times a week, more if you desire to or are up for a challenge. Shoot for at least 10-15 minutes for younger kids and beginners. More driven or advanced students, at least 15-20. You don’t have to be concerned about preparing for presentation or even for your next lesson during this time. Release yourself from the need to meet any specific requirements. Just enjoy the journey of music.

Do set goals for yourself though and know that not meeting them doesn’t make you a failure but meeting them or making significant progress towards them is an accomplishment you can celebrate!

This is a great time to set some musical goals, here are some examples:

• Learn a new scale, two, or three.
• Increase your speed on your current scales. Up the tempo 10-20 beats per minute, or more. You would do this slowly over each session of course, increasing only as you are able accurately.
• Learn a new song, or two. The next in your book. This is a great opportunity to learn a piece largely on your own. You know what to do. Read the notes. Count the rhythms, pay attention to dynamics and articulations, road map stuff (repeats, D.C., etc.). Make note of any questions, show your teacher what you learn3ed when you came back! We will celebrate and offer direction on any problem areas.
• Spend some time just having fun at the instrument. Improvise (make up your own music). Write (compose your own). Learn a song you know in a new key. 5 minutes at least for every 10 minutes of focused practice. It is both a reward for focused practice on the above and a healthy discipline.
• Make it a goal to play something for your family or friend holiday gathering if you have one. Auld Lan Syne is a great one for New Years and we have a pretty simple piano arrangement of it and can surely help you find it for anything else.