Our suggestions for your 2021 summer: 15 fantastic music activities

Why 15?

Because we’re so excited to honor our 15th anniversary, and we want to keep the music going through the summer!

1. Live music outdoors! The deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum in Lincoln presents their Summer Picnic Nights. Pack your dinner and get ready for great music by groups such as Eleanor & the Tasties and Somerville’s Ways & Means Committee. Tickets and details

2. Any night can be game night. Try SongPop 2- Guess The Song from Fresh Planet Inc., Name That Tune – 2000s, Guess The Disney Songs, or play Guess that Movie Theme, all on YouTube. Or, ask Alexa or Google to play a name that tune game while getting ready for dinner or make dinner time fun.

3. Head west into Worcester for two family concerts presented by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra—Salute to Disney and Jazz in the Park: Celebrating Great African-American Composers.

4. Conquer the 30-Day Classical Music Challenge! Create a list of 30 beautiful and impressive classical pieces for the family to listen to for 30 days. Plan to discuss the composer and  everyone’s feelings about the piece. Here are 10 Iconic Pieces of Classical Music to get you started.

5. Plan for a weekend of traditional and cutting-edge bluegrass at the FreshGrass Music Festival North Adams at MASS MoCA on September 24-26, 2021. FreshGrass is family-friendly and brimming with the brightest talent not just on our four stages, but also in our galleries, brick-lined courtyards, and grassy fields. Featuring Dispatch (acoustic), Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz, and Bryan Sutton, Watchouse, Sarah Jarosz, and many more!

6. Sing your heart out! Plan a karaoke night with family and friends. Here’s the way to throw the best DIY backyard karaoke party!

7. Brush up on music theory and improve your ear training. Deepen your music and musicianship skills during the summer to jumpstart your fall lessons. Let us help you with your summer schedule.

8. For the young ones, here’s the happy song playlist that you’ll enjoy too! 18 Songs for a Rockin’ Dance Party With Your Kids by Kelly Homes (Happy You, Happy Family) 

Introduce them to cheery and lively songs from Ingrid Michaelson, Justin Timberlake, and others to get them dancing and happy!

9. End your weekends with music in Jamaica Plain. Take a stroll around the area, feast at one of the great local eateries, then enjoy a free outdoor concert. The summer concert series at the Eliot Schoolyard (Sunday afternoons at 4 pm) features a wide range of artists playing everything from jazz to hip hop, harp to a Caribbean steel drum.

10. The ideal spot to enjoy music with the most beautiful view–the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts. The Concord Band returns to its summer stage to perform timeless pieces, including show tunes and songs with historical significance.

11. Is it time to upgrade to a music streaming service? It’s a terrific way to discover new music and genres and save time by choosing premade playlists. The ever-reliable Consumer Reports provides their opinion about which service to get.

12. Once again, you can experience the indoor concert scene. Both City Winery Boston and Arlington’s Regent Theatre are offering summer concerts. If you’re a Beatles fan don’t miss the Paul McCartney tribute on Saturday, June 19th.

13. Learn the ukulele—fun, versatile, and the instrument of choice when sitting around the campfire!

14. Plan to give back with your music with an outdoor performance for seniors or for anyone who might need cheering up. Be spontaneous and surprise your neighbor with beautiful music!

15. Plan for the fall and make sure music is included. It’s time to choose your instrument!

Bonus summer resources:

Help Your Students Practice This Summer (the music educator blog)

Summer Activities for the Youngest Music Lovers (by Sara Mullett)