Practice TipsMake This Summer Your Best Yet!!

Summer is here—the season of sunshine, relaxation, and adventure. But what if you could use this time to supercharge your musical skills and come out of summer playing better than ever before? Imagine this: by the time fall rolls around, you’ve mastered that song you’ve always dreamed of, crushed your technical goals, and felt more confident than ever with your instrument. This summer can be your most productive yet, and I’m here to show you how to make that happen.

1. Create Big Goals and Take Bold Action

Summer is the perfect time to go after what you’ve always wanted to achieve musically. Set bold, audacious goals. Don’t hold back. The best musicians are those who push their boundaries. Think big! If you’ve always wanted to play a complicated piece, now is the time. Want to master your scales or rhythm? Let’s make that happen too.

Here’s how to set BIG, achievable goals:

• Start with the end in mind: What do you want to be able to play by the end of summer? A song? A technique? An improvisational solo? Set your sights high.
• Break it down: Your BIG goal might feel overwhelming, so break it into smaller tasks. Tackle one thing at a time, but always keep your eye on the prize.

Tip: Write down your goals somewhere visible. Every time you see them, you’ll feel the fire to practice!

2. Make Every Practice Session Count

You’re not just practicing—you’re mastering your craft. Don’t waste time! Think of each practice session as your chance to get closer to your dream. Summer is all about doing what excites you, but also staying committed to the grind. Focused, intentional practice is what gets results.

Here’s how to get the most out of your practice time:

• Set a specific time each day: No more “I’ll get to it later” excuses. Set a time and stick to it. Consistency is key.
• Make it fun: If you’re excited about your practice, you’ll practice more. Incorporate your favorite songs, play along with recordings, or try new exercises that challenge you.
• Mix it up: Keep your sessions fresh! Alternate between technical exercises, learning new music, and even improvisation.

Pro Tip: Don’t just practice mindlessly. Practice with intent. Ask yourself, “What do I need to improve today?” and focus on those areas. The rest will follow.

3. Turn Your Practice into an Adventure

Who says practice has to be dull? Turn it into an adventure! Instead of just running through scales, challenge yourself with new music, dive into different genres, or experiment with new techniques. The possibilities are endless.

Here are a few ways to make your practice sessions exciting:

• Learn a new style of music: Ever wanted to play jazz, rock, or classical? Try something different this summer. It’ll challenge your musical abilities and keep things interesting.
• Improvise: Pick a simple chord progression and make something up on the spot. It’s fun and will push your creative limits.
• Jam with others: Summer is the perfect time to connect with fellow musicians. Whether online or in person, playing with others will fuel your growth and inspire you.

Mind-blowing tip: Take your practice outdoors. Find a peaceful spot in the park or in your backyard. Practicing in nature is not only refreshing but can also help with creativity and focus.

4. Practice Smart, Not Harder

Let’s face it—sometimes it feels like you should be practicing for hours. But, here’s the thing: Quality always beats quantity. You don’t need to practice all day, but when you do, make it count. A focused 30-minute session can yield more progress than hours of distracted playing.

How to practice smart:

• Break it up: Practice in chunks—25 minutes on a song, 10 minutes on technique, 10 minutes reviewing theory. Short, focused bursts work wonders!
• Slow it down: It’s tempting to speed things up, but practicing slowly and perfectly is the secret to playing faster and cleaner later. Start slow, then build up speed.

5. Get Real-Time Feedback and Stay Accountable

The best part about summer is the ability to connect with other musicians—whether it’s teachers, mentors, or fellow students. If you’re flying solo this summer, consider reaching out for real-time feedback. Nothing will push you harder than getting someone else’s perspective.

Here’s how to stay on track:

• Virtual lessons: Schedule a weekly lesson with your teacher to keep you motivated and on course.
• Collaborate with others: Join virtual jam sessions, or share recordings of your progress for feedback.

Power Tip: Post your progress online or share your recordings with friends and family for positive encouragement and accountability.

6. Make It Personal: Stay Inspired

Summer can bring plenty of distractions, so it’s crucial to stay inspired. Whether it’s listening to your favorite music, watching inspiring performances, or just reflecting on why you love to play, keeping that spark alive is essential for continued motivation.

Here’s how to keep your passion burning:

• Create a playlist of your goals: Fill it with songs or pieces you want to learn. Listen to it daily to stay inspired.
• Attend live performances: Summer is full of concerts! Seeing musicians in action can reignite your passion and fuel your desire to keep improving.
• Remember why you started: Revisit the reasons you fell in love with music in the first place. Let that passion drive your practice.

7. Challenge Yourself to New Heights

It’s easy to fall into a routine of playing what’s comfortable, but summer is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself with new pieces, harder techniques, or more complex improvisations. Don’t be afraid to stretch your limits—this is where the magic happens.

Challenge ideas:

• Tackle that one piece you’ve always found difficult. Whether it’s a classical sonata or a tricky jazz solo, summer is the time to take it on.
• Master a new scale or technique that will unlock new musical possibilities.
• Join a summer music challenge or set a personal “practice streak” goal (e.g., practice every day for 30 days).

By pushing yourself, you’ll build skills you didn’t even know you had.

Conclusion: This Is Your Summer of Music

This summer doesn’t have to be just another season of “chilling out.” Make it your Summer of Music. Whether you’re learning new songs, mastering technique, or getting creative with improvisation, you have the power to make this your most productive season yet. It’s all about consistency, passion, and the willingness to challenge yourself.

Start today. Set your goals. Plan your practice. And, most importantly, believe in yourself. The progress you make now will pay off tenfold, and by the end of the summer, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve achieved.

Let’s make this summer unforgettable.