By Terrence Cummings , Director of Tupelo Music Academy
As the first hints of spring emerge here in Tupelo, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful journey we share as a music community. The changing season brings with it a sense of renewal and fresh possibilities – perfectly timed for our “March into Music” initiative that begins today.
Why March Matters in Music Education
March has always been a pivotal month in our academic year. It sits comfortably between the post-holiday winter slump and the busy end-of-year recital season. It’s this unique positioning that makes March the ideal time to reinvigorate our practice routines and recommit to musical growth.
For many of our students, this is when we see remarkable breakthroughs. The foundational skills established during fall and winter suddenly click, and pieces that seemed challenging in January become accessible. There’s scientific reasoning behind this phenomenon – the cumulative effect of consistent practice creates neural pathways that strengthen over time. March often delivers the rewards of previous months’ dedication.
Our “March into Music” Community Challenge
This year, we’re harnessing this natural momentum with our academy-wide “March into Music” challenge. Rather than focusing solely on minutes practiced, we’re emphasizing the quality and consistency of daily musical engagement. Here’s what we’re encouraging all TMA families to embrace:
- Daily “Musical Moments” – Even just 10-15 minutes of focused practice can build tremendous momentum when done consistently.
- Weekly Skill Focus – Each week, we’ll highlight a fundamental skill (rhythm, dynamics, articulation, and expression) across all instruments.
- Community Sharing – Students will have opportunities to share their progress through our various platforms, creating a supportive environment of mutual encouragement.
- Celebration Milestones – We’ll acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small, because each represents growth in your musical journey.
The Family’s Role in Musical Success
As someone who has both taught music and raised musicians, I know firsthand that family support makes all the difference. Your encouragement creates the foundation for everything we do at TMA. During “March into Music,” we invite you to:
- Take just 5 minutes to listen attentively when your child wants to share what they’re learning
- Ask specific questions about their music rather than the general “How was your lesson?”
- Create a distraction-free zone during practice time
- Acknowledge effort over perfection
These small actions communicate something powerful to your child: their musical journey matters.
Looking Beyond March
While our focus is on making this month exceptional, the habits established during “March into Music” can carry forward throughout the spring and beyond. The rhythm of regular practice, the joy of incremental progress, and the confidence that comes from mastering challenges create a positive cycle that enhances not just musical ability but academic performance and emotional well-being.
Music education has always been about more than learning notes on a page. It’s about persistence, creativity, self-expression, and community. At Tupelo Music Academy, we’re privileged to guide this journey, but it’s the daily moments at home – the practice sessions, the impromptu performances at the dinner table, the car rides listening to different genres – that truly shape a musical life.
As we “March into Music” together this month, I invite you to connect with your child’s teacher, engage with our community activities, and most importantly, celebrate every step of musical growth you witness at home. The symphony we create together – teachers, parents, and students – is what makes TMA special.
Let’s make this March musical in ways that will resonate throughout the year!
Terrence
The Music Master
