Written by: Ms. Taylor, Piano & Voice Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
“Every June, I hear the same question from parents: Should we take a break from lessons for summer?”
Here’s what I tell them.
As music teachers who work with students year-round, we totally understand the urge to take a breather when school’s out. But from experience—and lots of missed practice logs—we can say this: continuing summer music lessons for kids isn’t about piling on more work. It’s about retaining the progress they’ve already made and having some fun with their instrument without school-day stress.
So, if you’re on the fence about summer music lessons, here’s what to consider.
What Happens When Students Take the Summer Off?
We’ll be honest—it’s not always pretty. When kids pause lessons for two or three months:
- They forget fingerings, notes, and rhythms.
- Their confidence dips, especially when returning to ensemble classes in the fall.
- The first few lessons back are spent relearning instead of progressing.
We’ve even seen students lose 6 months’ worth of progress after a full summer off.
Why Summer Is Actually the Best Time for Music
Here’s what makes summer music lessons for kids so valuable:
- Fewer distractions: Without homework and after-school activities, students focus better.
- Flexible scheduling: Families travel, so we offer online lessons and flex weeks.
- Creative exploration: Summer is ideal for composing, improvising, or trying a new instrument.
Real Talk: Can’t They Just Practice on Their Own?
Technically, yes—but let’s be honest. Most kids don’t. Without regular check-ins, practice often takes a backseat. And without guidance, bad habits can form.
Weekly lessons keep students accountable, even if it’s just 30 minutes online from a beach rental.
Quick Summer Music Checklist
Before you decide, ask:
- Does my child enjoy lessons right now?
- Do they want to try something new musically?
- Do we travel a lot or stay local?
Spoiler: even families who travel can benefit from online makeup lessons. Here’s a great guide on how to make those work.
FAQ
Can we take a few weeks off and still do summer lessons?
Absolutely. Most teachers offer flexible scheduling during summer months.
Will my child still make progress over the summer?
Yes! Summer often leads to more progress thanks to reduced stress and more relaxed sessions.
What if my child wants to stop completely?
Consider switching things up—try new repertoire, a different genre, or shorter lessons to keep interest alive.
Final Thought from Ms. Taylor
“Summer is the perfect time to remind students why they fell in love with music in the first place—without the pressure of school. A little consistency over the break can go a long way.”
For more research-backed insight on the impact of year-round music study, check out this article from Music Australia.
