FAQ's Regarding Music Lesssons
How old must my child be before she can take piano lessons?
I've started children as young as four years old. They began to read music before they could even read a word. Each child is different, however, and may not be ready to start private lessons for another year or two. I do offer early childhood music classes which introduce music through a relaxed and fun approach. Singing, rhythm, movement, creating music and listening skills are some elements of music your child will explore in these classes. Parents are encouraged to attend each class. This may be a great way to introduce music to your child and help develop the skills necessary to receive private instruction.
How do we go about finding a teacher?
The right teacher can make all the difference in you or your child's music education. Here are some points to consider:
-Start by getting recommendations from parents, other students and local school music teachers.
-Don't sign up with a teacher based strictly on a phone conversation or an ad in the yellow pages. Schedule an interview to discuss studio policies and evaluate the teaching environment. You may even request a "mini-lesson" to get a better idea of the teacher's abilities.
-Continue to interview teachers until you feel completely comfortable with your choice.
-Make sure your teacher has, or is working towards, a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Music.
-Look for a teacher who conducts student recitals or competitions regularly. Performing alone or with a group is a great way to encourage musical growth.
-Do not choose a teacher based strictly on their fee. A teacher who charges a premium price and offers many extras (performance opportunities, advanced music studies, a recording facility...) is probably a better deal than the teacher who charges less. Expect to pay anywhere from $13.00 - $25.00 per half hour lesson.
Are group lessons an effective way to learn an instrument?
Yes! And here's why:
- Group lessons are an hour long compared to a standard half hour private lesson.
- Students learn from each other's achievements as well as their mistakes.
- Students develop the ability to perform in front of other people without experiencing the anxiety associated with public performance (stage fright).
- Believe it or not, students actually seem to practice more! Maybe they want to perform well for the group or perhaps they just enjoy it more. In either case, this is definitely an added bonus.
- Students still receive some degree of one on one instruction. Independent or smaller group activities are incorporated into the lessons to enable the instructor to work with individual students.
What method books and materials are used in lessons?
There are a number of effective method books and materials being used today. Appropriateness depends on the students age, instrument and ability. Hal Leonard, Bastien, Alfred, Faber and Faber and Thompson are some of the method books I prefer. Individual teachers often create their own materials to enhance their students lessons. Besides their standard method books, students are encouraged to own staff paper, a metronome, flash cards, CDs and appropriate music software to provide additional challenges.
Am I allowed to sit in on my child's lesson?
By all means. In fact, I encourage it. By attending your child's music lessons, you know what is expected of him and are better able to help him practice at home.
...SPEAKING OF PRACTICING, HOW MUCH AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE PRACTICING?
The amount your child should practice depends largely on her ability and age. For a very young beginner, we suggest practicing at the most, 15-20 minutes a day, five days a week. For an older, more experienced student, a half hour to an hour (or more!) may be in order. Don't try to make your child sit down for the entire amount of time. Better results are often achieved if practicing is broken down into smaller chunks- perhaps once before school and once after dinner. Maintaining a regular routine also helps.
Can you suggest some practice techniques?
- Use flash cards or computer programs to drill note reading and theory.
- Listen to classical music CDs- especially pieces you or your child may be learning. Every student of music should own, or at least have access to, a collection of recordings from the masters.
- Attend lessons or read your child's assignment book regularly to keep up with her studies.
- Turn off the TV and turn up the lights. The practice environment should be free from all distractions.
- Attend local concerts and recitals as often as possible. Children need to hear music whenever they can. Check your local paper for upcoming events.
- Read books and watch movies about famous composers.
- Set up a practice routine and STICK TO IT!
- Use a practice chart to keep track of the amount your child practices. Offer a reward at the end of the week if your child does exceptionally well.
- Take the advice of your teacher.
My child absolutely hates to practice and wants to quit. What should we do?
Don't give up. Most every child goes through a period in their studies when they want nothing at all to do with practicing or even their instrument completely. If they are allowed to quit, they usually end up regretting it later in life. You can get your child through this stage without them having to make a decision they may later wish they hadn't made. Here are some tips:
- Try offering a contract with some sort of reward attached to it. For example, you may allow your son to have a new bike in exchange for taking lessons for another year. Perhaps you can take your child to his favorite restaurant in exchange for a successful month of practicing and attending lessons.
- I may be able to help by offering repertoire geared towards your child's tastes in music.
- Arrange opportunities for your child to participate with other students either in duets or small groups. Ask me for help in arranging this type of situation.
Above all, make it clear to your child that if they go back on their end of the agreement, they will the lose the privileges they have already gained. In any event, it is absolutely necessary to discuss the decision to quit with your child's teacher. Quitting should only be a last resort after every option has been explored.
I'm an adult and want to learn how to play an instrument. Is there hope for me?
Definitely. Most adults take lessons because it's something they've always wanted to do. They find it relaxing after a long day of work- a great form of "therapy." Most adults are very motivated to learn. It's important to find a teacher who is able to channel your motivation and who is experienced with techniques and methods used to teach adults. Most important, BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF! Learning to play an instrument is never easy. You need to realize you don't have the same agility and finger coordination as a child does. You are, however, able to focus longer on practicing a certain technique and to really understand what is happening in the music. This skill can only come with maturity. Most of the above practice techniques can be used with the adult beginner. Remember, you're never too old to learn and reap the benefits of playing a musical instrument. Good luck!
