Keeping Music Alive Through the Holidays

Whether you’re travelling, celebrating with family, or enjoying cozy days at home, winter break is the perfect time to stay connected to your love of music.

The holidays give us something rare: time. Time to reflect, enjoy, rest — and yes, even make music without the rush of homework, school schedules, and evening activities.

At Nova, we believe music is more than a weekly lesson. It’s part of who you are becoming: your creativity, your confidence, your identity. And the holidays are the perfect setting to let all of that shine.

Why Music Matters During the Break

Taking a break from routines is refreshing — but taking too much time away from your instrument can make January feel rusty and discouraging. Continuing to play, even in small ways, keeps your skills active, strengthens muscle memory, and helps you return to lessons feeling strong.

Most of all: music brings joy. And really, what better season to share joy?

Simple Ways to Keep Music in Your Holiday Celebrations

Here are fun, meaningful ways to bring what you’ve been learning into your family traditions:

1️⃣ Play a Holiday Mini-Concert

Share two or three pieces you love — not just the “perfect” ones. You’ll be amazed at how loved ones respond when you share your progress.

✨ Bonus: Perform at a family dinner or over Zoom for grandparents!

2️⃣ Record Your Favourite Song

Create a short audio or video recording of a piece you’ve been working on. You’ll keep a memory of your progress and get to share it with people who care.

✨ Try adding a holiday message before or after you play.

3️⃣ Bring Music into Game Night

Turn your skills into fun challenges:
✔ name-that-tune
✔ create a family rhythm pattern
✔ improvise a goofy Christmas melody
✔ teach someone a few notes

✨ Younger kids especially love leading games based on their instrument!

4️⃣ Play Outside the Box

Try something new:
✔ learn a holiday song by ear
✔ change the mood of a song (make it spooky or silly!)
✔ invent lyrics for a favourite piece
✔ write a tiny melody inspired by winter

✨ This feeds creativity without pressure — and keeps your brain active.

5️⃣ Celebrate Your Growth

Look back at what you’ve achieved this year:
✔ new songs
✔ stronger technique
✔ improved confidence
✔ new theory or ear-training skills

✨ Write it down. Share it with your teacher in January. You’ll be amazed.

A Little Practice Goes a Long Way

The holidays don’t need strict routines to support progress. Even:
✔ 5 minutes
✔ every other day
✔ repeating favourite songs
✔ reviewing basics

… will keep your fingers warm and your confidence strong.

Small, joyful practice is better than none at all.

Share the Music

If you’re capturing photos or videos this holiday, we’d love to celebrate with you!
Tag us @NovaMusicSchool — or send your recordings directly to your teacher.
Seeing your progress matters to us.

Looking Ahead

January is one of our favourite times of the year. Students come back refreshed and excited — ready to set goals and grow.

Keeping music close now will make that return easier, happier, and so much more fun.

From all of us at Nova:
We hope your holidays are filled with laughter, warmth, rest —
and above all, music.