Summer...the death of practicing?

As a musician, I know how hard it can be to keep that musical momentum going through summer. Many people don't take lessons during the summer, as it can be hard to schedule with vacations, camps, and other activities. You don't have classes, the weather is beautiful, and fall and music lessons are months away. But when fall comes, you might find you have fallen behind were you were in May.

So how to you keep your musical skills up without locking your self in a practice room?
There are many ways, and everyone is different, but I'll share a few strategies here.

1.) Set Weekly Goals

If you set small goals for yourself, like your teacher would, then you are more likely to practice. It helps if you write them down. You might even post them on sticky notes and hide there around your room.

2.) Go to a Music Camp

This is a way to combine camps and fun with music and lessons. Music camps come in many different sizes, levels, and types. There are band camps, classical camps, blue grass camps, rock camps, chamber music camps. With a little research, you are sure to find a camp that suites you.
Going to a camp gives you a goal to practice up for, and is a way to learn things you never would have otherwise. I highly recommend this strategy. (I'll post a blog in a few days about how to pick the right camp for you.)

                                                 3.) Play Music with Friends

Set up a weekly jam session where you are some friends play music. This will encourage you to practice to keep up with your pals.
Make sure that this is not the only time you see these people, so that you won't spend the whole time talking and hanging out.
 Set aside some time after the jam session to hang out and talk.







4.) Go to Concerts

Feeling tired of practicing? Then take in a Summer music concert. Lots of cities hold them for free, and you can just sit in a park and listen. You will also find discounts on classical concerts too. Going to concerts will encourage you to practice, introduce you to new pieces and new genres of music, and is just plain fun.

5.)  Start your Fall music lessons early
If you've been unable to practice all summer (it happens, don't stress!) or just feel your are not where you want to be when school starts, then begin you fall music lessons before school starts to give yourself a head start. It's a great way to cover lost ground, and make it seem like you've been living and breathing music all summer long! You can contact your private instructor, or even search out another one for a single lesson, just to boost your confidence.

These are some ways to help keep your interest and chops up during those warm sunny days. What strategies have you used?