| Here in the Northeast, when summer finally | | | | or first thing in the morning. |
| arrives, you want to spend as much time as | | | | 4. Read books and articles about music such as:a. |
| possible savoring every moment of the longer | | | | biographies of performers and / or composersb. |
| days filled with warm temperatures and beautiful | | | | motivational material: here's a partial list: |
| weather. | | | | The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green |
| It's been a long year filled with too many | | | | Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner |
| commitments, schedules, requirements and far | | | | Piano Lessons by Noah Adams |
| too much rushing around. All you want to do is | | | | The Art of Possibility by Benjamin & Rosamund |
| relax, bask in the sun, have fun and relish the | | | | Zander |
| opportunity to slow down your hectic pace. | | | | A Soprano on Her Head: Right-Side-Up Reflections |
| So you ask yourself several questions like: | | | | on Life and Other Performances by Eloise Ristad |
| How can I keep my music alive? | | | | 5. Practice outdoors on a portable keyboard. |
| How can I stay motivated? | | | | (Many work with batteries). |
| How can I put playing the piano on hold for three | | | | You can certainly play some songs, experiment |
| months? | | | | with ideas, and even learn how to use the |
| How can I have a good time without suffering | | | | instrument's rhythmic capabilities. |
| the consequences? | | | | 6. Set a realistic musical goal for the fall. |
| How can I choose outdoor recreation without | | | | Here are some examples of goals:a. I will |
| feeling guilty? | | | | memorize one songb. I will be able to play five |
| How can I afford to jeopardize the musical level | | | | songs wellc. I will learn one new song or classical |
| that I have worked so hard to achieve? | | | | pieced. I will select 10 songs to learn during the |
| Here Are Seven Summertime Solutions for | | | | year |
| Sustaining Your Music the Easy Way: | | | | 7. Take some piano lessons during the summer |
| 1. Listen to songs or pieces of music (on CDs or | | | | months. Many children and adults benefit from |
| an IPod) that you play or would like to play. | | | | receiving the guidance, encouragement and |
| 2. Look at the sheet music while you listen to | | | | support that a good teacher can provide. Having |
| songs or pieces of music (on CDs or an IPod) | | | | some accountability without the normal school |
| that you would like to learn. | | | | year mind-set can actually pave the way for a |
| 3. Organize all of your favorite songs and / or | | | | healthy measure of musical growth during the |
| classical pieces into a loose leaf book or folder and | | | | summer months. |
| play one or more of these every day before bed | | | | |