5 Tips for a Great Start to the New Music School Year (Mónika Mohai)

(For German version click here!)

Whether you’re young or old — after the summer break, it’s time for everyone’s weekly lessons to start up again! To make the transition back easier, Mónika Mohai has put together five practical tips for a relaxed start to the new music school year.

1. Got Everything You Need?

Before things get going, it’s worth doing a quick check: Do you have your mouthpiece, sheet music, pencil, valve oil, and of course your instrument all packed and ready? Speaking of which, your instrument could probably use a little care after the break, too: oiling the valves and greasing the slides is always worthwhile, and ideally you’ll have given it a thorough flush at some point as well. Coming to your lesson well-equipped and prepared means you can focus fully on playing right from the very first minute.

2. Start Slowly Again

After the long summer break, the rule is: start small! Just 5 to 10 minutes a day is a good way to ease back into regular practice. Consistency matters more than duration — short and frequent sessions beat long, occasional ones. This way, your embouchure and fingers gradually get used to daily practice again, step by step.

3. Listen to New Pieces

If you’re new to the brass band, there’s an easy way to arrive well-prepared for your first rehearsal: simply listen to the new pieces at home beforehand! That way, the music will already feel familiar at rehearsal, making it much easier to join in right from the start.

4. Look Over Your New Part

A change in section or a new part is also something you can prepare for in advance. Taking a look at the sheet music before rehearsal helps you get familiar with key signatures, entrances, rests, and tricky passages ahead of time — making it easier to play along with the group from the very beginning.

5. Be Patient with Yourself

After the holidays, everything doesn’t need to be perfect again right away. Embouchure, tone, and stamina often need a little time to settle back in — and that’s completely normal. Step by step, that familiar sense of confidence comes back.

Conclusion

Getting back into the new music school year works best with good preparation, patience, and small, regular steps. Anyone who takes these five tips to heart will start the new music school year feeling relaxed and motivated — whether they’re just beginning their musical journey or already bring plenty of experience along with them.