Summer Practice Menu

I just wrote this to send to my pupils so I thought I'd share it here. I like the idea of a 'Practice Menu'. I feel like it's more freeing and less intimidating than a to do list!

It's normal to get out of your practice routine during the summer but that means it's a great time to make some changes and give it a refresh. It's also a great time to practice making more of your own choices about what to do. I realise that can also be daunting so here's a list of a few ideas to get you started. I've tried to make the ideas suitable for all levels but if anything doesn't make sense, pick something else!

Summer Practice Menu

• OLD PIECES - Revisit old pieces or books that you enjoyed in the past. You could try a lucky dip approach or go through in order.
• SOMETHING NEW – find something that looks interesting and give it a go! If it goes well, great. If it doesn't, move on to something else.
• BE CREATIVE – improvise or create your own music. If you're not sure where to start, pick a scale you know and then start changing it! If you create something you'd like to keep, make a recording or write it down.
• USE YOUR EARS – Can you work out a tune you like by listening or looking up music online? It's hard to know whether something is a good level for you but have a go, you'll still learn something whether or not you end up with a finished piece.
• LOOK FOR INSPIRATION – YouTube is a great resource for inspiration. Look up people playing your instrument and make yourself a playing list of inspiring videos.
• LISTENING – Spending time listening to your favourite music is really important too. Maybe create a wish list for pieces you'd like to play in the future.
• PERFORMING – Do you have guests visiting you over the summer? Could you play something to them or put on a little concert?
• RECORD – Do you have a favourite piece you'd like to have a record of you playing? It's really great to have recordings to look back on in the future so you can see your progress.
• BE SOCIABLE – Is there someone you could play some music with? Is there someone you could teach something to? Is there someone you ask to teach you something?
• APPS – Flash Note Derby and Note Rush are both good apps for note naming but there are many other apps out there for various musical skills. These could be good for long car journeys!

Strategies for when you get stuck:

• “At a snail's pace”. It's amazing how many problems are solved by just slowing down!
• “ +1”. Take one thing and add one more. Build it up and before you know it, you'll be able to play the thing you thought you couldn't.
• “x3” Playing the harder sections 3 times gives them a chance to catch up with the easier bits you can already play.

Most importantly, don't put too much pressure on yourself and have fun!