What Music Practice Should My Child Do Over the Summer Holidays?
For many young musicians, summer holidays are a welcome break from school routines, sports, and homework. But for parents and music teachers, the question arises: Should my child continue practising music over the holidays, or is it better to take a break?
In New Zealand, summer holidays often last six weeks or more, which is a significant period away from regular lessons and structured practice. Without guidance, students may lose some progress, but at the same time, a complete break can also offer valuable benefits. The key is understanding the advantages of both approaches and finding a balance that suits your child.
Benefits of Continuing Music Practice Over the Holidays
Even a small amount of practice during the summer can have significant benefits:
- Maintain Technical Skills
- Short daily sessions can keep finger dexterity, breath control, and technique sharp.
- Scales, arpeggios, and exercises prevent regression and make returning to term-time lessons easier.
- Retain Repertoire
- Practising previously learned pieces ensures that students don’t forget these pieces or lose momentum.
- Keeping practice pieces fresh reduces frustration when lessons resume.
- Performing repertoire to oneself, family and friends is rewarding, and reminds of achievements in the past year.
- Reinforce Good Habits
- Consistent practice maintains discipline, focus, and self-motivation.
- Students continue developing time management skills, even during holidays.
- Prepare for Performances or Exams
- Students planning end-of-year recitals or exams benefit from steady practice to polish technique, expression, and confidence.
- Short sessions or targeted exercises can prevent last-minute cramming.
- Explore Creativity
- Summer provides time for improvisation, composition, and experimenting with new musical styles.
- Students can explore personal interests without the pressure of deadlines or grading.
Benefits of Taking a Break from Music Practice
While consistent practice has clear advantages, a holiday break can also be valuable:
- Avoid Burnout
- Continuous practice without rest may lead to fatigue, loss of motivation, or frustration.
- A break allows students to return to lessons refreshed and enthusiastic.
- Encourage Broader Learning
- Holidays give children time for other creative or physical activities, such as sports, art, or drama.
- Exposure to diverse experiences can inspire musical creativity and help students approach music with new ideas.
- Foster Independence
- During a break, students may naturally reflect on what they enjoy most about music.
- This self-directed reflection can strengthen motivation when practice resumes.
- Promote Family and Social Connections
- Summer is an ideal time for family trips, social activities, or informal music-making with friends.
- Playing music casually with peers or family encourages enjoyment without pressure.
- Encourage Mental Recovery
- A break can reduce stress or performance anxiety, especially for students preparing for exams or competitions.
- Time away from formal practice often rekindles passion and joy for music.
Finding the Right Balance
The most effective approach often combines elements of both practice and rest. Here are strategies to maintain skills while allowing a healthy break:
- Short, Flexible Practice Sessions
- Even 10–20 minutes a day keeps skills intact without causing stress.
- Focus on one or two exercises, a short piece, or creative improvisation.
- Goal-Oriented Practice
- Set a single achievable goal, such as mastering a difficult passage or improving sight-reading.
- Avoid attempting to cover everything learned during the year.
- Creative or Informal Practice
- Encourage composition, improvisation, or playing favourite songs rather than formal exercises.
- Students can enjoy music as a hobby rather than a task.
- Practice “Windows” Instead of Daily Routine
- Alternate days of practice with rest days to allow recovery and maintain motivation.
- Encourage students to decide when they want to play, giving them a sense of autonomy.
- Family Involvement
- Casual music-making with family or friends keeps students engaged and provides positive reinforcement.
- Mini-recitals or recording sessions can make practice enjoyable without pressure.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Communicate With Your Child
Discuss what they enjoy and what they want to achieve over the summer. Some children may prefer a break, while others thrive on a small daily routine. - Encourage Variety
Mix technical practice with creative activities, listening to music, or learning a new style. - Set Realistic Expectations
Avoid rigid schedules. The goal is to maintain skills and interest, not achieve perfection. - Provide Accessible Instruments
Make practice easy by keeping instruments accessible and practice spaces comfortable. - Celebrate Achievements
Whether your child practices daily or takes a break, celebrate effort, curiosity, and progress.
Adjusting for Different Age Groups
Younger Children (5–10 years)
- Short, playful sessions (10–15 minutes) are ideal.
- Focus on favourite songs, rhythm games, and light exercises.
Intermediate Students (10–14 years)
- Sessions of 20–40 minutes can balance technique, repertoire, and creative exploration.
- Include sight-reading and basic improvisation exercises.
Older Students (15+ years)
- Sessions of 30–60 minutes may be appropriate depending on goals.
- Encourage self-directed practice, composition, and performance preparation.
Using Resources in New Zealand
Parents and students can take advantage of numerous resources to support summer music learning:
- Community Music Schools: Workshops, summer programs, and inclusive group classes.
- Libraries and Online Platforms: Sheet music, tutorials, and interactive apps.
- Private Teachers: Optional summer intensives or online lessons for guided practice.
- Festivals and Recitals: There are numerous family-friendly music events such as Music and Movies in the Parks. Experiencing live music can inspire.
Summer holidays are a unique opportunity for students to experience music differently — either by maintaining a light practice routine or taking a restorative break. Both approaches offer benefits: practice preserves skills, supports goal-setting, and encourages creative exploration, while a break promotes rest, mental recovery, and broader life experiences.
The key is balance. Short, focused practice sessions combined with rest, creative exploration, and family engagement ensure students return to lessons refreshed, motivated, and inspired. In New Zealand, families have access to teachers, programs, and resources to make summer music learning both enjoyable and effective.
Ultimately, whether your child chooses to practice every day, take a complete break, or find a middle path, the summer holiday can be a time to foster a lifelong love of music — keeping it fun, rewarding, and full of possibilities.