As I feel that many people feel the word 'practice' has a negative connotation, I like to use the phrase 'music making at home' with my students and families. Even with this positive spin, I am continually met with 'I don't have time to practice'. It's an epidemic! Rather than make students feel more guilty or unhappy with themselves or me, I thought we'd start a dialogue among all music families to see how they fit it into their life. My suggestion is always 'grazing'. Play one or two pieces several times in little segments of time. Before the bus comes (if you are an early riser) Right when you get home from school. Again while Mom or Dad make dinner. It's easy to get 15 - 30 minutes in a day if you break it down. Please share with us how you fit it in!
Every year the town of Wallingford kicks of the Holiday Shopping Season the first Friday of December. Restaurants and Business give samples or discounts, Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos (The Grinch and Krampus too!) Live Musicians and Chestnuts Roasting by the Christmas Tree in the center of town. This Year we performed at the Body and Soul Day Spa M enjoyed playing her pieces by memory at her first Stroll Event Sean was bringing the joy Danica Lead the String Ensemble Mira had a Sax solo Eli dressed the part!
It is a battle. Even as we speak.
ReplyDelete--a. walsh