Playing Through the Summer
I hope this newsletter finds you all in the comfort of your air conditioning, or cooling off by a pool somewhere!
Often during the summer months you may see practice resistance at home. Not to worry, your child is normal! This has nothing to do with loving/liking music or their lessons, but more to do with being out of routine and all of the other summer fun activities they could be doing. Playing with friends in the pool is far more enticing than solitary "work" at the piano or in their room learning the lyrics of a new song. Plus, we aren't working toward any performance goals right now, which also highlights how important it is that we have such an active schedule in place during the school year, so we always are working toward a goal.
Each student has a CMM Summer Scheduler (found in the binder) that lists pieces your child/children are able to play, some to relearn and a few new ones. During summer I encourage you all to use the language of "play" or "sing for fun" rather than "practice" as it changes the intent.
PLAYIG TIPS
- Encourage your child to simply play their favorite pieces/sing their favorite song
- Create a home practice challenge that includes a reward for sticking to it over a period of 5-10 days
- Schedule "no practice" days. They are forbidden to improve with their instrument!
Super important!! Don't forget to mark your calendars for our Fall Kickoff Party coming up in August, and our fall semester begins August 20th. This allows most districts to be back in school, for all of the schedules to fall into place and everyone to adjust back into the routines the school year brings.
See you all soon,
Kristin Yost, CMM Executive Director and Founder
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New Room Signs Renowned Pianist, Alfred Mouledous | African Drumming We had tons of fun with S'Ankh! | Performance Parties Complete with snacks and lots of great playing |
New Room Signs
African Drumming
Performance Parties
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Music Camp with Mr. Matthew Practicing those rhythms | Piano for Singers Learning how to play for yourself, while you sing | Performance Focus Keeping those pieces under the fingers! |
Music Camp with Mr. Matthew
Piano for Singers
Performance Focus
New this year!
- Monthly 3-hour sessions that include theory classes, performance/master classes and engaging seminars related to piano study, with CMM Faculty and distinguished guests (mostly collegiate professors)
- Specifically for students enrolled in 45 minute lessons who are committed to excellence in piano study
- Minimum practice requirement is 2.5 hours per week
- Students must be at an RCM Level 2 or above
- Details will be released mid-July and commitment will be required prior to the start of the fall semester
Extraordinary Results In Every Student!
