The Sweet Sound of the Holidays: Why it's the Perfect Time for Students of ALL ages to Practice Their Music

Cecilia Rowe
November 18, 2023
Female music teacher playing acoustic guitar with her young teenage girl student also playing acoustic guitar during holiday recitals
No matter which holidays you celebrate in November or December, there is always music involved! As the holiday season approaches, our homes are filled with the delightful sounds of music and laughter. It's a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition, making it the perfect time for students to practice holiday music.

In this blog post, we will explore the many reasons why the holidays are the best time for students of all ages to hone their musical skills and why we encourage our teachers to load up on the holiday music!

Students Know the Music:
One of the most significant advantages of practicing music during the holidays is that adults and children are already familiar with the tunes. Whether it's classic Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, or other holiday melodies, students have been exposed to these tunes from a young age. This familiarity makes learning and practicing the songs easier, as they already have a sense of the melody and lyrics.

It's Easy for Students to Know the Correct Timing:
The familiar melodies and lyrics of holiday songs make it simpler for budding musicians to understand the beat and timing. This can help them develop their sense of rhythm, an essential skill in music, and apply it to other songs and genres throughout the year.  It allows them to naturally know when the song is being played correctly. 

They Feel More a Part of the Holiday:
We all love the holiday season! It's a time filled with excitement, decorations, and a sense of belonging. Practicing holiday music allows students to feel like an active participant in the celebration. Whether it's playing "Dreidel” on the piano or singing and strumming a ukulele for aHawaiian-themed Christmas tune, children's involvement in the festivities adds a special dimension to their holiday experience, and provides a welcome release for adults to possible holiday stress. 

They Love Playing for Family!
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the holidays is the gathering of family and friends. For children, this is an opportunity to showcase their musical talents for grandparents or family friends, and parents to play songs they are learning for their children to enjoy. They can play their instruments or sing their favorite songs in front of an appreciative and eager audience. This not only boosts their confidence but also brings joy to the family, creating treasured memories.

It Encourages them to Practice More!
Holiday music offers a unique motivation for all students to practice their music, not only for their own enjoyment, but also the enjoyment and praise of family. And with open mic performances, holiday or winter recitals, and special gatherings on the horizon, kids are often more willing to invest time and effort into perfecting their musical skills. The desire to impress friends and family with a stellar performance can be a powerful driving force.

Quick Sum Up:
The holidays are a magical time, and they offer the ideal backdrop for students of all ages to practice their music. Their familiarity with holiday tunes, the easy timing, the sense of belonging, the joy of playing for family and friends, and the extra motivation all contribute to a productive and fulfilling musical experience.

So, encourage your budding musicians to embrace the holiday spirit and let their musical talents shine during this wonderful season!

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Cecilia Rowe
November 18, 2023