7 Things to Do This Christmas Holiday Season

The holiday season is usually a whirlwind of gift-wrapping, cookie-baking, and family gatherings. For many families, formal music lessons take a backseat, and that’s okay!

The holidays are actually a wonderful time to explore music in a relaxed, joyful way. 

Here are seven simple, pressure-free ways to keep your child’s musical spark glowing throughout the break.

1. Keep Practice Short & Sweet 

Don’t worry about mastering a difficult sonata right now. Aim for 5–10 minutes of "maintenance" play. This keeps their muscle memory sharp and the habit alive without adding "one more thing" to your holiday to-do list.

2. Turn Light Displays into Listening Sessions 

When you visit a Christmas park or walk through a neighborhood light display, pay attention to the soundscape.

  • The Challenge: Ask your kids to identify the instruments they hear in the background music or from live carolers. Is that a brass band? A solo violinist? It turns a stroll into an ear-training adventure.

3. Host a Living Room Sing-Along

Music is meant to be shared! Whether it’s clapping along to a favorite pop holiday track or playing a simple four-hand duet on the piano, making music together removes the "performance anxiety" and replaces it with pure fun.

4. Movie Night, Musical Style 

Inspiration doesn't always have to come from a practice room. Watch a filmed orchestral performance, a clip of The Nutcracker, or a classic musical movie. Seeing professional performers in action can ignite a child's desire to play more than any lecture could.

5. Put on a Mini Home Concert

Encourage your child to pick one or two favorite pieces to perform for the family.

Pro-Tip: Keep it low-stakes! A performance for Grandma and Grandpa (even over FaceTime) builds incredible confidence and teaches them how to manage "stage butterflies" in a safe environment.

6. Embrace Free Exploration

Give your child "permission to play" without a book in front of them. Let them improvise, try to figure out a holiday melody by ear, or "compose" a song about their favorite gift. This creative freedom is where true musicianship is born.

7. Start a Holiday Music Recap

On the drive home or over dinner, ask a few "curiosity questions":

  • "What song did you hear the most this week?"

  • "Which instrument sounded the most like winter to you?"

  • "If you could play any holiday song on your instrument, which one would it be?"

The goal of the holidays isn't perfection, it's connection. By keeping music light and integrated into your celebrations, you’re showing your child that their instrument isn't just a chore; it's a gift they can enjoy for a lifetime.

Happy Holidays and Happy Playing! 

Location: Surrey, BC, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Piano Quartet: A Complete Guide

Image
Piano Quartet: A Complete Guide A piano quartet is a unique and captivating chamber music ensemble that consists of a piano, violin, viola, and cello . It brings together the expressive power of the piano with the rich textures of string instruments, creating an intricate and dynamic sound. This combination allows for a diverse range of musical expression , from delicate and intimate moments to powerful, dramatic passages. At NUVO Music School , we appreciate the beauty of piano quartets and their role in both classical and contemporary music. One remarkable recent work in this genre is "Sun, Master of the Key," composed by Lorena Orozco , which was performed during International Women’s Day , celebrating women’s contributions to music and the arts. In this article, we’ll explore everything about piano quartets , from their history and repertoire to their technical demands and importance in the music world. The History of the Piano Quartet The piano quartet emerged in the...
Read more

7 Types of Bass Guitars

Image
Bass guitars are the unsung heroes of modern music. They form the backbone of most genres, offering rhythm, groove, and depth to any musical arrangement. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking to dive deeper into the world of bass, it’s important to understand the different types of bass guitars available. In this guide, we’ll explore the various kinds of bass guitars , their features, and how to choose the right one for your style . 1. Electric Bass Guitar The electric bass guitar is the most common type of bass used in contemporary music. It’s typically fitted with pickups that convert the string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then amplified. These basses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations, but they all share one thing in common: they play a critical role in defining the rhythm and low end of a song. Popular Electric Bass Guitar Types: Precision Bass (P-Bass) : Known for its punchy sound and excellent mid-range, the P-Bass...
Read more

How to find your head resonance

Finding Your Head Resonance Head resonance, sometimes called "mask resonance," is a crucial concept for singers, especially those interested in belting or expanding their vocal range. Check out our blog on the importance of head resonance. Finding your head resonance can feel a bit like magic at first, but with some practice, you'll get the hang of it. Here are a couple of exercises to try: Now, let's explore exercises specifically for head resonance: The Hum on the Bridge of Your Nose Trick: Gently hum a scale (do-re-mi etc.) while focusing the sensation on the bridge of your nose. Imagine you're directing the sound upwards into your head space. You should feel a slight vibration in your forehead and cheekbones. The Smiling Sigh Technique: Smile widely, opening your mouth comfortably. Then, exhale slowly with a deep sigh, feeling the air travel up and out through your nose. Notice the vibrations in your upper facial bones. "Ng" Technique: Gently hum on ...
Read more