By Christy | the Practicing Pro
The holidays often revolve around wish lists and surprises under the tree, but what if we shifted the focus this season? By using your child’s hard-earned musical skills as a way to give to others, you can nurture not only their talent but also their gratitude and joy in sharing.
When children practice their instruments daily, they aren’t just improving their technique—they’re creating something special. Encouraging them to share their music through mini-concerts or performances for family, friends, or neighbours turns their effort into a heartfelt gift. By playing songs for others they like, and feeling good about playing, watching others smile and feeling joy because of their music helps children see how their hard work over time can brighten someone’s day, fostering a spirit of giving.
Here are some ideas to get started:
Host a “Mini-Concert” Tour:
Encourage your child to play one or two songs at different locations—perhaps a grandparent’s house, a neighbour’s doorstep, or even a local senior home. Small moments like these leave a big impact! Make sure they play the songs they want to and like and not the ones you want them to. The only rule is that they play songs they can play easily and in a way, they are proud of and play regularly. Sometimes, children choose their latest or most challenging song and then are disappointed they didn't sound how they wanted them to. I recommend the 3-month rule. Play songs for others you have played for a few months “easily,” and then they will always be comfortable playing them for others. Remember, this isn't a "showing off" what they can do moment; how your child plays has nothing to do with your self-worth or value as a parent It's a gift. It doesn't represent anything bigger, like how successful a parent or teacher you are. It doesn't show their potential as a professional musician someday or show how hard they work - there are no strings attached - it's simply a beautiful gift of music they give.
Plan unstructured times to enjoy music:
Make this a time to bond over music with people you rarely get to spend time with. For example, you can call Gramma, who lives far away, and play your Christmas sing-along song with her. You can also sing or play on Zoom for a practice run at the start of December. Then, when your visitors come to the house, they already have practice. Provide improvisation moments where there is "no judgement" to try a different instrument or make something up; everyone can join in with music experience or not and "enjoy music."
Play for Holiday Gatherings:
Suggest your child perform a short set at family dinners or school events. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to share their music, again, their favourite songs. It's best not to put them on the spot but decide beforehand who and when and let them decide what to play. They might not choose their most “impressive” songs, and that's not the point. They must play their favourite and most comfortable songs. They must choose them and like them. You can also say 'Ill pick a song, and you pick a song" as a compromise and be sure your pick is easy for them and again chosen with their joy as a priority and not for you to show them off.
Record and Share:
If in-person sharing isn’t possible, help your child record their music and send it as a video “gift” to loved ones far away. These videos will also be treasures to them someday in the future!
Guilt-free Practice Holiday this year:
Make the main focus of your child’s practice be playing music to bring joy to others. You can check this blog for more information on this and another fun activity.
FREE PDF
To make practicing fun and keep the excitement going, use our free Snowman Practice Activity!
FREE PDF
Every day your child practices, they can add a cotton ball or sticker to the snowman.
Once the snowman is full, they’ll decorate it with hats, scarves, and other festive items included in the printable PDF. To add extra fun, your child can earn a “button” each time they share their music or give a mini-concert.
By the time Christmas arrives, your child will not only have a beautifully decorated snowman but also a deeper appreciation for giving the gift of music—and the heartwarming joy that comes with it.
Let’s make this season about sharing the magic of music and cultivating gratitude—one note at a time! 🎶
Comments