The summer holidays are here, and for many of us music lessons become less frequent or take a short pause. I somertimes used to take a portable keyboard away with me, and I’ve even chosen holiday cottages equipped with their own piano — but in truth, they rarely got used. Realistically it may be that piano practice will have to take a bit of a back seat for a while, so I thought I’d write a bit about how to stop things going backwards whilst away from the piano. The good news is that even when your fingers aren’t on the keys, you can still be actively or passively learning.
Practising – Even Without a Piano
Particulaly something to consider for long passenger journeys or if you’re at a loose end. Even without access to your instrument, you don’t have to stop thinking about music and the piano. Some of the most valuable progress happens in the background, when you’re simply listening or imagining the music.
1. Listen actively
Get good recordings of your pieces or put them on your playlist so that you can listen actively. Focus on one piece at a time. Notice the tempo, articulation, dynamics and phrasing. Could you sing the melody from memory or “conduct” the tempo? Do different performers have different approaches?
2. Read the music (without playing)
Take a printout or download of your current pieces with you — on your journey, in the garden, wherever you are. Look at tricky corners. Spot patterns. Imagine how your hands would move across the keys and which fingerings you would use. Combine with listening by following the music through the recording. This kind of imaginative practice really pays off when you return to the piano.
3. Visualise playing
Close your eyes and picture yourself playing. See the keys, feel your fingers moving. Imagine the sound. A few minutes of this each day can help retain muscle memory and build a deeper knowledge of the music.
Let Your Brain Do Its Thing
Summer holidays present a good time to let things settle in the mind. The subconscious is still at work. Even when you’re not aware of it, you’re often processing technical challenges, musical structures, and ideas you’ve been working on. Giving your brain some quiet space to digest things often leads to unexpected breakthroughs when you restart.
When You’re Back at the Piano
- Start slow – or “painfully slow” as I say to some of my students! Let your hands find their way again.
- Don’t rush into tempo – focus on shape, balance, and feeling comfortable.
- Review, don’t just repeat – play with curiosity and reflect on each section as you go.
- Set a mini-goal – something fresh to look forward to: a new piece, a new skill, even a new way of interpreting an old favourite.
Think to the Future
This time of year is perfect for taking stock and thinking ahead. What’s the next piece you’d love to learn? Is there something technical that’s been holding you back? A composer you’ve always been curious about? Now’s a good time to plan for next steps.
In Short
You don’t need to be chained to the piano to make musical progress over summer. A bit of listening, some internal practice, and a gentle return to the piano when you’re ready can be enough to maintain and drive forward your progress.