Practicing Over The Summer

 

Some string students prefer to take the summer off from playing, while others prefer to get ahead during that time. This decision is personal and depends on several factors, which will be explored in this article. Additionally, it will discuss different ways you can keep your skills up between the school years. We hope it will provide you with useful advice on whether and how you can incorporate string playing into your summer!

Factors to Consider

1. Time spent out of town

If you’re not going to be in town for much of the summer or you will be very busy with summer activities, squeezing in practice sessions might be difficult, and that’s okay. Without the instruction from your school orchestra director, playing by yourself might not be very productive anyway.

2. Frequency of practice sessions

You don’t have to practice every day. Just adding a few practice sessions sprinkled throughout your summer can really help you improve and get ahead for the next school year. There is no pressure to practice every day if that isn’t possible or desirable for you!

3. Camps and events

Practicing by yourself is very beneficial, even if it isn’t meticulously structured or aimed at preparing for a specific event. Practicing doesn’t have to be something you dread; it can be a fun pastime!

4. Repertoire

If you have music to practice, continuing to play your instrument over the summer is much easier because you can set specific goals for yourself. Consistently practicing the same music can help you focus on specific skills to improve.

5. Discovering if your instrument brings you joy

If you find that not playing your instrument over the summer feels disappointing and you miss it a lot, your instrument brings you joy. However, if you find that taking a break feels like a relief, although it does not necessarily mean you should quit, it might mean you need to rethink how you practice and what musical activities you participate in. Music should be fun!

6. Guidance from a teacher or coach

If you do not take private lessons and are not participating in a music camp, practicing without the guidance of a teacher or coach might cause you to develop bad habits in your posture and technique. Students who do not have any form of teaching over the summer will not be able to improve as significantly as those who do.

Ways to Continue Playing in the Summer

1. Music camps

Music camps are a great way to participate in regular, organized practice through rehearsals, as well as plenty of repertoire that you will be motivated to practice on your own time. They typically range from a week-long to six weeks long, with many options in between.

2. At-home practice

Practicing just for yourself might be just what you need to prevent burnout. Practicing without having pressing deadlines like concerts or auditions can feel very freeing.

3. Form a small ensemble

If you have friends from school orchestra, your local youth symphony, or any other musical activities you may be involved in, you can try to organize a string quartet or other small ensemble! Playing with others motivates you to practice and allows for fun rehearsals.

 

4. Learn music for your family and friends

One reason that students struggle to practice in the summer is that they do not have performances to prepare for. If that is the case for you, make your own! Tell your family and friends that you will be performing on a certain date, and work on polishing your solo repertoire for the performance.