Winter Break Fall-off

This past winter break I've had the highest number of students taking either 2 or 3 weeks off. Two kids took 4 weeks off.

I taught the remaining kids all through break.

The difference between the kids who took a break and the kids who continued lessons is night and day. Those who took 2 or 3 weeks off--including some of my best students--have regressed!! Their first lesson back was the most unproductive. It's like November (or October) all over again. The progress they've made the last 3 or 4 weeks prior to their break has vanished.

This winter break fall-off was almost as bad as the usual summer fall-off for kids who think they can stop piano for three months June through August.

I fairly much expect January to be revision. Except, one of my kids took himself right through MFPA book B over the holidays.

I give my students a two week break over Christmas/New Year's, but they have a boat load of music to practice, or at least to play through, so I cannot say that there's really been regression. One student, bless her heart, memorized fully the first movement of an Hoffmeister sonatina, on level with Mozart 545 or Beethoven Op 49, n2, but a bit longer. So no complaints here.

Have very good, need to encourage.

One student I haven't seen for over a month, and there was some serious regression there. But I just tried to keep the lesson positive because I knew that she was frustrated. At least it won't take her that long to get back in the swing of things again.

If anything it's these lessons that teach them consistent practice means EVERYTHING.

Our CM evaluations are early this year, so my students (mostly) practiced over the holidays. The only ones that didn't practice much are the usual suspects.

Time off from lessons is one thing. Time off with zero practice is another.

Speaking of practice ... (OT alert, OT alert!!!)

Try this one on for size. My youngest takes (endures) three lessons and one rehearsal per week now! One lesson via Skype with a professor in another state, two in person (one with his longtime teacher and one with a specialist in historical performance), and one full rehearsal with harpsichord accompanist. This is what it takes to get ready for audition on a newish instrument.

Tell that to your kids who whine about not having enough time off...

Our CM date hasn't changed in years, but kids are getting more and more nonchalant about testing. They're just going to practice three days before the test and waltz in there and "pass."

Procrastination is THE epidemic around here.