Is it ok to take a break over the summer?

My answer is: yes, sometimes we need them.

When learning music, it can easily become a rigid exercise. I’ve worked with students who become frustrated and even frozen because they’re worried their crescendo isn’t quite right, their touch isn’t perfect, or they aren’t singing loudly enough.

My dear friend, mentor, and voice teacher, Joseph (Joe) Shore (may he rest in peace), taught me something that changed my approach to music forever: stop thinking about music solely in an academic context.

Technique, theory, and analysis are incredibly important, but music is ultimately an emotional process. If we reduce it to a “computer-like” approach, we disconnect ourselves from what makes music meaningful.

I was reminded of this in high school when pianist Jon Kimura Parker shared that he had taken a break from playing after becoming frustrated with his progress. When he returned months later, he knew his pieces better than ever. Although he hadn’t been physically practising, his subconscious had continued working on the music.

Music is a lot like making bread. Sometimes it needs time to rest before it can rise.

I often encourage students to listen to recordings while following the score, to imagine stories behind their pieces, and even to draw pictures inspired by their music. When we connect music to memories, emotions, and imagination, our creativity naturally takes over.

Of course, we still need structure. One of my university conductors, Wes Janson, used to remind us to always stay one bar ahead. Feel deeply, but remain aware of where you’re going.

The biggest takeaway?

Study it. Practise it. Analyse it.

Then let it rest.

Trust that your subconscious is still working. Some of our most meaningful musical discoveries happen when we stop trying so hard and simply allow ourselves to experience the music.

Music is not merely a series of correct notes and perfectly measured dynamics. It is memory, imagination, emotion, and storytelling.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is connection.

So don’t work too hard this summer.

Enjoy it.