Many parents have asked for suggestions in regards to how their student should keep their music skills up during the summer. The following is by no means an exhaustive list, but a good start.
Playing by ear
- All students should attempt to play tunes by ear
- More advanced students should figure out the bass root melody, add chords to the tunes, play two hand accompaniments while singing the tune, transpose the two-hand accompaniments, and play countermelodies.
Reviewing pieces: Students should perfect pieces they have already learned.
- Re-practice the rhythm patterns in the piece
- Play with the MM
- Play without looking at hands
- Focus on musical details (articulation, dynamics, etc)
- Focus on musicianship (phrasing, artistic expression etc)
Learning new pieces: Students should try learning new pieces at their current level
Click here for info on supplementary books
- Although learning new pieces in the method books is acceptable, learning new pieces in supplemental books at their current level is preferable to forging ahead in the method books (unless working with a teacher).
- Students should try to see how many musical details they can notice on their own and how musically they can interpret the piece without teacher assistance.
Sightreading, Sightreading, Sightreading!!
Click here for info on supplementary books
- Students should sightread every time they practice
- The pieces the students should sightread should be at least 2 levels below their current level (when sightreading, if the mistakes are numerous, the piece is probably too difficult).
- Students should purchase supplemental books 2 levels below their current level (Students finished with the method books should sightread 3-4 parts from a hymnal)
- Students should sightread pieces focusing on various goals
- Focus 1: rhythm—students should keep going no matter how many mistakes they make--Research (although more needs to be done) has found that students who do not “stop and start”, but keep the rhythm going make the most progress
- Focus 2: notes—students should back up one full measure every time they play incorrect notes
- Focus 3: musicianship—students should focus on making music (artistic expression)
Computer programs (click here for purchasing software programs http://aabaca.com/software.html)
- Elementary students should consider purchasing Music Ace Maestro (the best online deal that I have found is at
- Junior high and High School students finished with the method books should consider purchasing Musition, Auralia, or Alfred’s Music Theory Essentials
- Older students should try experimenting with programs such as Audacity and Finale Notepad.
Flashcards (click here for Piano Links and Resources)
- Students in the lesson books should practice the note and symbol flashcards
- Students beyond the lesson books should practice key signature, chord, and symbol flashcards
Goals and Awards
- Students can begin working on their goals for next school year (Click here for information on goals and awards)