Embracing Creativity Over Winter Break: Tips for Music Teachers

 As music teachers, the holiday break offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with the very thing that brought many of us to this career in the first place: the joy of making music. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle of lesson planning, concerts, and administrative tasks, often leaving little room for personal creativity. But what if this break became a chance to rediscover your passion? Embracing creativity, especially through songwriting, can be a fulfilling way to recharge and bring fresh inspiration back to your teaching. Here’s how you can get started.

1. Reclaim Your Musical Space

Start by setting aside a dedicated time and space for music-making. Whether it’s a corner in your home with your instrument or just 15 minutes each day, carving out this space signals to yourself that your creativity matters. If possible, eliminate distractions: put your phone on silent, let your family know you’re taking this time for yourself, and dive into the process.

Consider creating a small ritual to begin your session, like lighting a candle, brewing tea, or playing a favorite piece of music. This helps establish a mental transition from daily life to creative exploration.

2. Start Small and Simple

If you’ve never written a song before, the idea of crafting a full piece can feel overwhelming. Start small. Experiment with a simple melody, a catchy rhythm, or a single lyric that’s been on your mind. One effective exercise is to set a timer for 10 minutes and write without judgment—just see where your thoughts take you. This process isn’t about perfection but about opening the creative floodgates.

Here are a few prompts to spark ideas:

• Think of a favorite holiday memory and try to capture its essence in a melody or lyric. (You can also check out our winter workshop to create a song specific to this time of year). 

• Choose a mood—joyful, nostalgic, peaceful—and write a short melody or chord progression that expresses it.

• Take a common holiday phrase (e.g., “home for the holidays”) and brainstorm variations or metaphors to make it personal.

3. Play with Sounds

Creativity often flourishes when we step outside our comfort zones. Try experimenting with instruments or tools you don’t typically use. If you’re a pianist, pick up a ukulele; if you’re a string player, explore digital audio workstations (DAWs) to layer sounds. Many free apps and online tools, such as GarageBand or Soundtrap, allow you to easily explore new sonic possibilities.

Don’t underestimate the power of improvisation. Spend time simply noodling on your instrument without worrying about structure or form. Sometimes, the best ideas emerge from unstructured play.

4. Collaborate with Family or Friends

Music is inherently social, and the holidays often bring people together. Why not turn your creativity into a shared experience? Write a simple song with your family, using everyone’s input to create something uniquely yours. If you’re spending time with other musicians, invite them to jam or co-write a song. Collaboration not only makes the process more enjoyable but can also lead to ideas you might not have discovered on your own.

5. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

It’s tempting to want your song to be “perfect,” but the magic lies in the act of creation itself. Let go of judgment and give yourself permission to create something purely for your own enjoyment. If you love what you’ve written, great! If not, it’s still a valuable exercise that strengthens your creative muscles.

Remember, the goal isn’t to write a masterpiece. It’s to rediscover the joy of making music—to reconnect with the playful, curious, and creative parts of yourself that may have been sidelined during the busy school year.

6. Reflect and Record

Documenting your creative process can be incredibly rewarding. Keep a journal to jot down lyrics, chord progressions, or reflections on what you’ve created. Use your phone or computer to record snippets of ideas. These recordings don’t have to be polished; they’re simply a way to capture the magic in the moment.

By reflecting on what you’ve created, you’ll start to notice patterns in your style and preferences. This self-awareness can fuel future projects and deepen your connection to your own artistry.

7. Bring It Back to the Classroom

Once the break is over, think about how your creative exploration can inspire your teaching. Share your songwriting process with your students, or use what you’ve learned to design a songwriting project for them. Showing your students that you, too, are a creator can be a powerful way to build rapport and encourage their own creativity.

Consider adapting some of the techniques you used over the break, like quick songwriting prompts or improvisation sessions, to foster creativity in your ensembles or classes. Not only will this enrich their musical experience, but it will also keep your creative energy alive during the school year. Let your students know how you are also a lifelong learner and model trying new things. 

Final Thoughts

The holiday break is a gift—a chance to step back, recharge, and reconnect with your love for music. By embracing songwriting, you can reignite your creativity and bring new energy to your personal and professional life. So grab your instrument, clear some time, and let the music flow. Who knows? You might just write the next holiday classic.

Want to join us in jumpstarting your creativity in 2025? Consider joining our song-a-day challenge and receiving pep talks an prompts in your inbox throughout the month of January!