The Practice struggle is real
This Blog Post is brought to you by Cara Bergantino, Director and Owner of Camp Encore/Coda, who started at Encore/Coda as a camper at age 13.
Let’s face it. Practicing your instrument can sometimes feel like a chore. When I was a kid, my Dad was charged with making sure I practiced every night, and let’s just say… It was not a pleasant experience. I know many musicians and teachers who can relate to this, and I speak to prospective families all the time who discuss the delicate balance of pushing their kids to achieve their potential, but not too hard. We all know the benefits of music as they apply to learning, discipline, social skills, intelligence, etc, but at the end of the day, we don’t want to ruin it for the kids!
When I was 13 years old, I arrived at Encore/Coda for the first time with no intention of spending my days practicing. Ew! Throughout my 3.5 weeks at Camp, my practice routines and views towards practicing changed drastically for the better. When I arrived home, the first thing I did was open my violin case and start practicing Beethoven’s 5th, which we had learned and performed at Camp. I didn’t put my violin down for over an hour. My parents were shocked – who was this kid? (The next morning they’d learn that I was also now a kid who made my bed – as far as they were concerned, I should go to E/C forever).
So, what changed? What motivated me back then, and continues to motivate countless other Encore/Coda campers to not only practice, but learn to embrace it? Read on to find out the 3 ingredients to musical success at Encore/Coda.
Focused, intense schedules
As soon as our campers arrive at Camp, they dive into customized music-packed schedules, receiving 3-6 pieces over their first few days at Camp. Each camper plays a vitally important role in the ensembles that they participate in, whether large or small. Camp moves at a rapid pace, and while a camper may have months to learn a piece of music at home, they now only have weeks or sometimes days to learn music. Campers learn quickly that twiddling their thumbs in the practice room will not serve them well when they show up to a rehearsal and are responsible for their own unique part. Campers learn that they are part of a team and that each team member has to pull their own weight. When you practice hard and it pays off the next day, the instant gratification you experience is unparalleled. Campers get into the habit of making the most out of their 1-2 hours of daily practice time, and it becomes a vital and satisfying part of their daily routine, even after they leave Camp!
An Inspirational setting
There is something about being in nature, away from screens and distractions, that makes you want to be your best self. That, combined with the excitement of being surrounded by incredible music all day every day, provides the most inspirational setting for young musicians. Our campers experience a minimum of 3 concerts per week, showcasing their peers, themselves, their counselors, and their music teachers, and there is something about hearing fantastic music all the time that makes you want to practice right away. There is also something special about the small practice studios at Encore/Coda, all named for composers ranging from Stevie Wonder to Ludwig Van Beethoven, that create a special and unique experience. Having your own freestanding studio to practice in, where you are free to make mistakes and safe from the judgment or curiosity of others, enables our campers to take greater musical risks.
Support and accountability
Campers have assigned practice times and studios, and there are special “rovers” that we have assigned to each practice hour. These rovers go around and make sure that each camper is where they are supposed to be, and practicing. For our lower campers finishing grades 3-6, we take it a step further and provide “supervised practice,” where our CITs are responsible for providing mentorship and guidance to a small group of campers. These CITs make sure that the campers are practicing, but even more importantly, they are there to answer any questions the lower campers have, or to help them navigate musical challenges and roadblocks and get back on track. All of our campers have a large and dedicated support system of adults and mentors at Camp, from their counselors, to their music teachers, to the leadership team. If any campers are experiencing musical struggles, there are many adults who are ready to jump in and help support them during their lessons, classes, and practice time. Unlike at home, where a camper might have to wait a full week to have a question answered by their private teacher, knowledgeable professional musicians are everywhere all the time, from meals to concerts to rehearsals.
In conclusion, what makes the difference in a camper’s relationship with practice at Encore/Coda is a combination of focused structure, an inspiring environment, and the unwavering support of mentors and peers. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the experience of learning and growing as part of a community that values both individual progress and collective success. As I discovered at 13, practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it can become an exciting, fulfilling part of daily life. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing improvement each day or the motivation that comes from being surrounded by talented, passionate musicians, Encore/Coda shows that the right blend of inspiration and accountability can turn the most reluctant player into a dedicated one.
