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Tips & Tricks: A Change is as Good as a Rest – Playing Your Fiddle During the Summer

June 10th, 2013 by Katherine Moller

small__2045966400So here we are at the end of the school year!  I am in the process of teaching my last week of lessons, and once I hold my end of year recital, I will be saying farewell to my students for the summer months.  I know that many of my students will take the summer off from their fiddles, but the question is, should they?  Often when some of my students return in the fall, it is the first time their cases have been opened since the recital.

When I was a kid, I did not take lessons through the summer, and certainly did not practice my scales, but I can’t imagine not playing my instrument all summer.  I would have been playing music with my dad and brother as well as entertaining myself with fiddle tunes.

So, what is it that you should be doing?  I am a strong believer in a change of routine.  In the fall, winter and spring, I believe in lessons and working on your scales, technique, and repertoire.  In the summer I believe in taking a break from the technical side of things, and just having some fun with your instrument.  If you don’t touch your violin all summer, then you will definitely backslide, but if you keep playing, even if you are not working on technique, you will either maintain your level, and you can even improve.

As they say, a change is as good as a rest!

photo credit: cosmo-girl via photopin cc

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''Celtic fiddle with a classical twist:
the heart and soul of a fiddler, the artistry and finesse of a classical violinist.''