Wondering what to do this summer? Consider taking flute lessons! You can learn a lot from a flute teacher, even in just a few months.
But if you’re not sure if summer lessons are for you, that’s okay. Keep reading to learn if you should enroll in flute lessons.
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Why Take Flute Lessons in the Summer?
Taking flute lessons in the summer can be a great way to keep your playing in shape. Whether you’re a music major, a professional, or you just want to play for fun, summer lessons are a great choice.
You can use this time to learn a lot and improve your playing. When school and ensembles start back up in the fall, you won’t have to worry about catching back up after a break.
Have something to do
If you’re reading this soon after publishing, you’ll know this is a very weird time. Of course, some states are opening certain things up, but a lot is unknown.
If you’re still stuck at home and don’t have any summer plans, taking lessons can be your plans! You don’t have to worry about taking lessons for a grade, but you can still keep up with your playing.
Keep up with your playing
A lot can happen in three months, for better or worse. If you take a break during the summer, you could lose some of your playing ability. When it comes time to audition for ensemble placement, you may not get the spot you would have gotten if you played through the summer.
On the other hand, if you have regular flute lessons during the summer, you could make a ton of progress. You might make a higher chair than you thought. Or you could make a higher level ensemble.
Prepare for ensemble auditions
A lot of music schools and community groups hold their auditions near the start of the school year. So come mid-August, you’ll have to play a piece or two so that directors can place you in an ensemble.
In some cases, you have to prepare the same music as everyone else. But you might get to prepare a solo of your choice. Either way, summer flute lessons can help you prepare the music for your upcoming auditions.
Learn special skills
During the school year, you have a lot to focus on. If you’re in school, you have your current ensemble music, solo rep, and classes. And if you’re in a community group, you have those rehearsals to prepare for.
Professional players also have a lot to work on, such as ensemble music or solo projects.
The summer is the perfect time to take flute lessons to learn a new skill. You can learn something that you don’t have time to learn during the year, such as fluttertonguing or circular breathing.
If you want to learn a second instrument, like piccolo, I offer online lessons!
Who Should Take Flute Lessons in the Summer?
Summer flute lessons can be beneficial, but you may wonder if they’re right for you. After all, you may want to take your summer to relax and do stuff you don’t normally do.
Well, there are a few groups of flute players who should consider summer flute lessons. If you fall into one of these groups, you may want to sign up for lessons over summer break.
Music majors
Current and incoming music majors should take flute lessons during the summer. For all of the reasons listed, lessons can help you keep up with your playing and prepare for the dreaded ensemble placement audition.
Whether you’re starting college in the fall or are in your last year, you should prepare for the upcoming semester. That way, you can start off on the right foot.
Competitive flute players
Perhaps you’re out of school and now, you’re focusing on competitions. Preparing for a professional competition or audition can be just as nerve wracking as school auditions.
If you need feedback from regular flute lessons or performance checks, you can get that. You can use the feedback to better prepare for the competition or audition. Want my feedback? Sign up for a performance check!
Anyone who wants to
You don’t have to be a music major or preparing for a competition to take flute lessons in the summer. If you simply want lessons, great! You can find a teacher online or in your area to help you.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the flute or have been playing for years. If you want to take flute lessons, go for it!
Pros and Cons of Summer Flute Lessons
When considering if you should take summer flute lessons, think about the pros and cons. Of course, lessons can be great, but they’re not perfect.
Pros
The biggest benefit, especially for current flute students, is that you can maintain your learning. You don’t have to worry about practicing on your own during the summer, and your teacher can make sure you stay on track.
Because of this, you don’t have the same risks of your playing regressing like if you took a break. While breaks can be helpful (especially if you injure yourself), not playing for a long time can negatively affect your skills.
And with a full summer ahead of you, you can learn something new. Be it a special skill or a fun piece that you don’t usually have time for, summer flute lessons are the perfect opportunity to expand your learning.
Cons
If you have a summer job lined up or you plan on taking summer classes, flute lessons can be hard to schedule. On the one hand, you can take lessons earlier in the day once school lets out. However, if you have a busy summer planned, you may not have the time for regular flute lessons.
And if you’re looking for something to do because you don’t have a job, flute lessons might not be for you. The cost of lessons can add up, especially over a few months. Luckily, you can consider performance checks and other cheaper alternatives, like books, to learn flute online this summer.
So…
Are you ready to start flute lessons this summer? Comment below, and I’ll send you more information about the Lesson Studio!
Don’t have the funds right now? Sign up below for access to the Music Resource Library, a free set of downloads for flute players!