Music and holidays
Welcome to the Raising Musos podcast/blog, where we share music education tips to help parents support their child’s musical journey. I’m Eliza Bourgault, and today, we’re diving into a topic that many parents wonder about—how to keep your child’s music skills progressing over the school holidays!
The holidays are a time for relaxation, family, and fun—but they can also be a time when kids lose momentum in their music practice. Without regular lessons and school structure, progress can slow down. But the break can also be an amazing opportunity to explore music in a more creative and low-pressure way!
So, let’s explore fun, simple, and engaging ways to keep your child’s musical spark alive during the holidays—without making it feel like extra homework!
1. Make Practice Fun and Flexible
The key to holiday practice is to keep it light and enjoyable! Without schoolwork in the mix, kids have more freedom to approach music in a way that feels playful and creative.
Try shorter, creative practice sessions – Instead of rigid 30-minute practice blocks, encourage shorter, fun sessions.
Turn practice into a game – Challenge them with “play this piece with your eyes closed” or “see how fast you can play a scale without mistakes.”
Encourage play-throughs instead of perfection – Let them practice without stopping every time they make a mistake. This builds confidence for real performances!
2. Explore New Music & Styles
The holidays are a great time to break free from the usual lesson routine and explore different sounds and styles!
Learn seasonal or holiday songs – Whether it’s Christmas carols, summer beach tunes, or folk songs, seasonal music keeps things fun.
Experiment with different genres – If they usually play classical, try jazz! If they love pop, why not explore blues or film music?
Encourage composition & improvisation – Let them create their own melodies or make up music freely—no rules, just creativity!
3. Get Involved in Music-Related Activities
Sometimes, learning happens best outside of traditional practice! Try these activities to keep music engaging:
Go to a live music event – Whether it’s a festival, concert, or street performance, experiencing music live can be incredibly inspiring.
Watch music documentaries or films – Movies like Coco, Whiplash, or School of Rock make for great family-friendly musical entertainment.
Try a new instrument – If your child has been curious about another instrument, the holidays are a great time to experiment with a few casual lessons!
4. Keep Social Music-Making Alive
Music doesn’t have to be a solo activity! Playing with others makes it even more fun and motivating.
Jam with family or friends – If you play an instrument, join in! Even siblings can have a fun mini-music session together.
Form a holiday band – If your child has musical friends, they could learn a song together and perform it for fun!
Sing together – Singing requires no instruments and is one of the best ways to stay engaged with music over the break.
5. Use Technology to Stay Engaged
The digital world has amazing interactive tools to make music learning fun!
Music apps – Apps like Simply Piano, Yousician, or GarageBand can make learning feel like a game.
YouTube tutorials – Let your child explore new techniques or songs through online videos.
Try recording & producing – If they enjoy tech, they can experiment with music production software to create their own tracks!
6. Set a Fun Music Goal
Having a small challenge or goal over the holidays can keep kids excited and motivated!
Plan a mini-concert – Have your child perform a song or two for family and friends.
Set a holiday music challenge – For example, "Learn one new song by the end of the break" or "Write a short melody."
Create a music video – Let them record themselves playing and edit it into a fun project!
Final Thoughts
The holidays don’t have to mean a pause in music progress. With a little creativity and flexibility, your child can continue growing musically while having fun! The key is keeping it light, engaging, and inspired—so it doesn’t feel like schoolwork but rather an exciting adventure.
How do you keep music alive during the holidays? 🎄🎵 Let us know your favorite holiday music traditions or activities!
📩 Send us a message on Instagram at @musicmakersacademy or email us at hello@musicmakersacademy.com.au.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more insights on music education!
