Rest First, Prep Later: 5 Summer Tips for Music Teachers Who Need a Break
Let’s face it: By the end of the school year (if your school is not year-round), most music teachers are exhausted. Between the concerts, students just wanting to be done, curriculum juggling, and endless emails, you’ve earned your break from school a hundred times over.
But summer brings a strange tension: You finally have time to rest—yes, I know many of us pick up additional work over the summer, but hopefully you have a little break from doing all the things?—yet there’s that voice in your head whispering, "Shouldn’t I be prepping for next year?"
The answer? Yes—and no. You can absolutely get a head start without sacrificing your sanity or sunshine. Here are five gentle, realistic ways to ease into prep mode while still honoring your well-deserved rest.
Embrace the Power of “One Thing a Week”
Instead of diving into an overwhelming to-do list, try setting a super simple summer rhythm: just one music-related task per week. Maybe it’s brainstorming a new first-week activity, refreshing a bulletin board idea, or updating your Google Drive folders. This keeps your momentum going without pulling you out of vacation mode.
✨ Bonus tip: I like to do my “one thing” on a Monday morning. I give it no more than two hours of my attention and then commit to wrapping up whatever I’m doing. Then, I feel amazing about being “done” for the week.
Revisit Your Wins
Reflection doesn’t have to mean a formal evaluation. Sit outside, sip something icy, and jot down (or voice memo) a few things that actually went well last year:
Which lessons lit your kids up?
What management strategies worked best?
What surprised you—in a good way?
This relaxed review builds confidence, sparks inspiration, and gives you a foundation to build on for next year—without diving into full-on planning mode.
Gather Inspiration
Summer is a great time to gather fresh ideas without pressure. Scroll music ed blogs or social media for 10 minutes here and there. Bookmark things. Screenshot things. No need to decide what to use—just collect ideas like treasures. Your future self will thank you.
✨ Bonus tip: Create a summer “idea dump” folder in your Notes app or Google Drive to keep things organized (and not overwhelming). Double-dip and make this your “one thing a week!”
Prep “Low-Lift, High-Impact” Tools
If you do feel the itch to prep, focus on things that’ll save you serious time later:
A ready-to-print sub tub
Editable class routines slides
A go-to playlist of movement or brain break songs
Reusable templates (lesson plans, newsletters, behavior charts)
Small efforts now = big relief during the chaos of back-to-school.
Schedule your Stop Time
The biggest key to restful productivity? Boundaries. Decide now when your summer prep ends—whether it’s August 1st, two weeks before in-service days, or whenever feels right. Give yourself permission to fully unplug after that. You’ll be more refreshed, present, and ready to bring the music when the school year starts.
Protect your Most Valuable Teaching Tool—YOU!
You don’t have to choose between a restorative summer break and a well-prepared school year. You can have both. With a little intention—and a lot of grace—you can rest, recharge, and still set yourself up for success. Don’t forget that you are the most valuable tool in your music teaching toolbox. Protect yourself so you can continue to do the amazing work you do!
