Summer’s here, and for many families, that means a break from structured activities. No more rushing to piano lessons, no more Wednesday night band rehearsals, no more weekend competitions. While everyone needs a breather, completely stepping away from music during those long summer months might not be the best idea for your young drummer.

Here’s the thing – musical skills are a lot like physical fitness. Take a few months off, and you’ll definitely notice the difference when you try to jump back in. But more than that, research shows that keeping music going during summer can actually boost your child’s development in some pretty amazing ways.

The “Summer Slide” Isn’t Just About Reading

We’ve all heard about summer learning loss – how kids can lose academic ground during those months away from school. A study from Johns Hopkins found that students typically lose about 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in math skills over summer break (Cooper et al., 1996). Reading skills take a hit too, especially for kids from lower-income families.

But here’s what’s interesting: musical training during summer break can actually help combat this academic slide. Research from the University of Southern California found that children who continued music lessons during summer showed better retention of math and reading skills compared to those who took a complete break (Hodges & O’Connell, 2005).

“We definitely see a difference in September between kids who drummed all summer and those who took the whole break off,” notes one of our Groove, Inc. instructors. “The kids who stayed active come back stronger, not just in drumming but in their focus and learning abilities too.”

Your Brain on Summer Rhythm

Here’s something cool about how our brains work: musical training creates neural pathways that strengthen with use and weaken without it. Dr. Nina Kraus from Northwestern University has spent years studying this, and her research shows that even just a few months without musical training can lead to measurable changes in how the brain processes sound (Kraus & White-Schwoch, 2017).

Think of it like a hiking trail – the more you use it, the clearer and easier it becomes to follow. Stop using it for a few months, and it starts to get overgrown.

But the good news? You don’t need intensive daily practice to keep those pathways strong. Consistent, moderate musical activity – like our summer drumming groups – can maintain and even strengthen these neural connections while still giving kids plenty of time for pool parties and family vacations.

The Social Connection Factor

Let’s be honest – summer can get lonely for kids. No daily interaction with classmates, fewer structured social opportunities, and sometimes too much screen time filling the void. A study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education found that children who participated in summer music programs showed significantly better social adjustment when school started compared to those who didn’t (Hallam, 2010).

Group music-making releases oxytocin and endorphins – the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals that promote bonding and happiness (Tarr et al., 2014). Summer drumming groups provide that social connection while building musical skills. It’s basically a win-win disguised as fun!

Keeping Skills Sharp Without the Pressure

Traditional school-year music programs can be intense – concerts to prepare for, competitions to train for, grades to maintain. Summer music programs offer something different: the chance to maintain and build skills in a more relaxed environment.

Research from the Royal Conservatory of Music found that students who engaged in low-pressure musical activities during school breaks showed better skill retention and higher motivation when returning to more structured programs (McPherson & Renwick, 2011).

At Groove, Inc., our summer groups capture this perfectly. We keep the fun and skill-building while dialing back the pressure. Kids get to explore rhythm and percussion without worrying about auditions or competitions – just pure musical joy.

The Perfect Summer Schedule: Groove, Inc.’s Approach

We’ve designed our summer groups specifically with busy families in mind. All four programs meet on Mondays, making it easy to plan your week around that one consistent commitment:

Genesis (ages 5-7): 11:00-11:30 AM
Perfect for littles who are still full of energy in the morning but might get cranky later in the day.

Next Step (2nd-4th grade): 11:45 AM-12:30 PM
Great timing for elementary kids – done before lunch and afternoon activities.

Cadets (5th-7th grade): 12:45-2:15 PM
Longer session for older kids who can handle more intensive learning.

Slam (7th-9th grade): 2:30-4:00 PM
Perfect for middle schoolers who like to sleep in but still want their afternoon free.

This concentrated approach means kids get their musical fix without overwhelming their summer schedule. Seven weeks gives them enough time to make real progress while leaving plenty of room for camps, family trips, and lazy pool days.

What Parents Are Saying

“We tried taking the whole summer off drumming one year thinking my daughter needed a complete break,” shares one Slam parent. “By August, she was begging to go back. The next summer, we did the summer sessions instead. She stayed sharp, made new friends, and still had tons of free time. Much better approach!”

Parents have told us the Monday schedule is perfect. It gives structure to the week without taking over the summer. Kids come home energized and happy – way better than another morning of video games.

More Than Just Maintaining – Actually Growing

Here’s the surprising thing about our summer programs: many students don’t just maintain their skills – they actually improve them. Without the pressure of school performances or grades, kids often feel more free to experiment and take risks with their playing.

A 2018 study in Psychology of Music found that students in low-stakes summer music programs showed greater creative expression and risk-taking in their musical choices compared to traditional school-year programs (Creech et al., 2018). They were more willing to try new techniques, ask questions, and push their boundaries.

The students will tell you that summer drumming feels different. During the school year, I’m always worried about messing up for the next concert. In summer group, I can just focus on getting better and having fun with it.

The Long-Term Payoff

Students who maintain musical training year-round show better long-term retention and advancement than those who take extended breaks. A longitudinal study following music students over five years found that consistent, year-round participants were significantly more likely to continue with music through high school and beyond (Elpus, 2013).

At Groove, Inc., we’ve seen this play out countless times. Students who join our summer programs often return to fall sessions with renewed enthusiasm and stronger skills. They’re more confident, more connected to their musical community, and more prepared for the challenges of the new season.

Making It Work for Your Family

Worried about fitting one more thing into your summer schedule? Our Monday-only format makes it surprisingly manageable. Families often find that having one consistent weekly commitment actually helps structure their summer rather than overwhelming it, and a missed rehearsal is fine! Plus, at just 30-90 minutes per week (depending on the program), it’s a small time investment with a big payoff. Compare that to the hours many kids spend on screens during summer break, and suddenly a weekly drumming session seems like a pretty great trade-off!

Ready to Keep the Beat Going?

Summer 2025 registration for our Genesis, Next Step, Cadets, and Slam programs is now open. Sessions run for seven weeks from June through July, all on Mondays at our studio.

Not sure if summer drumming is right for your child? Come check out the first rehearsal to see what our students are accomplishing. You might be surprised at how much fun “staying sharp” can look!

Visit our Summer Groups page or contact us at groovesiouxfalls@gmail.com with any questions. Summer break doesn’t have to mean a break from the benefits of musical education – sometimes it just means finding a more relaxed, fun way to keep the rhythm alive.

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References

Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J., & Greathouse, S. (1996). The effects of summer vacation on achievement test scores: A narrative and meta-analytic review. Review of Educational Research, 66(3), 227-268.

Creech, A., Papageorgi, I., Duffy, C., Morton, F., Hadden, E., Potter, J., … & Whyton, T. (2018). From music making to musical being: The contributions of playing in youth music groups to young people’s musical agency. Psychology of Music, 46(4), 588-602.

Elpus, K. (2013). Is it the music or is it selection bias? A nationwide analysis of music and non-music students’ SAT scores. Journal of Research in Music Education, 61(2), 175-194.

Hallam, S. (2010). The power of music: Its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people. International Journal of Music Education, 28(3), 269-289.

Hodges, D. A., & O’Connell, D. S. (2005). The impact of music education on academic achievement. Sounds of Learning: The Impact of Music Education, 1-8.

Kraus, N., & White-Schwoch, T. (2017). Neurobiology of everyday communication: What have we learned from music? The Neuroscientist, 23(3), 287-298.

McPherson, G. E., & Renwick, J. M. (2011). Self-regulation and mastery of musical skills. In B. J. Zimmerman & D. H. Schunk (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation of learning and performance (pp. 234-248). Routledge.

Tarr, B., Launay, J., & Dunbar, R. I. (2014). Music and social bonding: “Self-other” merging and neurohormonal mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1096.