Piano and Summer Break: A Teacher & Parent's Perspective

As a full-time elementary teacher, I live for summer break... at least for the last 2 months of the school year I do. As parents, we plan. We look forward to so many things: vacations, sleeping in, our kids helping with chores around the house, parks, outings, concerts, yard sales, not paying for daycare, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, lemonade... the list goes on and on. But what about piano?

During the school year, I think it's easy to keep a regular routine for piano practicing, because it goes hand in hand with homework. Summer however.... is much less structured--as it should be! Kids need a break from the all-day routine of school. The break is good for them! Now, with that said... kids THRIVE on consistency. Yes, summer is a time to relax and that's important. But removing 100% of their daily structure isn't the best idea either. Practicing piano, reading a few minutes every day, and doing a chore or two--just a simple morning routine--will actually ENHANCE their summer break... and yours. My parents did this for me growing up, and you know what? I still loved my summers. The trick is to be consistent (or as much as you can in between going out of town). A simple morning routine can do wonders for your sanity, your child's brain & development, and keeping away that "summer drop in scores" away.

In short, stopping piano lessons altogether just because "it's summer and we'll be busy," is the worst thing you can do for your student's learning--not only in piano, but in school. Musical skills affects reading and math! If you let them quit that instruction and practicing, they'll forget much of what they've learned through the year.

Keep SOMETHING consistent (or as much as you can). I'll work with your schedule. Keep the progress current, so when you get to school and the fall, you and your student won't be backtracking months of hard work and time.