Summer is over and the fall semester is beginning! We were fortunate to see many of our students over the summer, but if for some reason you took a break it can be hard to get back into the swing of things! Getting back into a routine, once school and activities resume, can be quite difficult.
Here are some quick tips for returning to a busier schedule:
Be Patient with Yourself
Some students get frustrated and expect to pick up right where they left off. It can be disconcerting to be rusty and many students lose motivation quickly! However, it is important to encourage kindness and patience with your student. It will all come back in time if the student is patient, practices, and does not worry about it.
At the Omaha School of Music and Dance we encourage our students to attend their lessons all year long, but if a break is unavoidable we can help your student get back on track in no time!
Practice on a Schedule
Time and time again, it has been shown that anything that is scheduled in advance is much more likely to get done. If practicing violin is on your calendar every day after dinner, the practice will happen.
Practice could occur at the same time everyday (ex: after you finish your homework), or it could mean that practice times vary based on the day of the week. Do what works for you and your family – we simply encourage consistency!
The teachers at the Omaha School of Music and Dance are happy to help with creating a realistic practice schedule. Once you have your plan, stick to it, and in a few weeks it will become a routine.
Use a Practice Chart
In addition to creating a schedule, recording practice works well for many students. Once the practice is recorded, the students become much more accountable for what is practiced and how long they practice.
For example, if a student is struggling with the time commitment required for practice, they might find motivation putting a sticker on a chart for every hour of practice achieved. Once the student reaches a certain amount of stickers, a treat or prize is awarded.
There are many practice charts that are available online for free! Find one that fits your student’s specific needs and you’ll be headed in the right direction!
Again, the Omaha School of Music and Dance has great teachers that will help your student feel welcome, stay motivated, and get back into the swing of lessons! Feel free to visit our website at omahaschoolofmusicanddance.com or call 402-515-9639 to speak with someone regarding our updated fall schedule with new lesson times and classes!
