Start at the right age
Adults that are interested in getting lessons for the first time can easily start with any instrument with ease. Many instruments require a certain amount of lung power, finger strength, or body size that children may not possess at too young of an age. Take a look at our separate AGE GUIDELINES that follow for more information.
Insist on private lessons when learning a specific instrument
Group classes work well for theory lessons, however, when actually learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior. In private lessons, it is hard to miss anything and the student can progress at their own pace. The teacher can focus on an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. For the lesson period, the student is the the primary focus of the teacher.
Take lessons in a professional teaching environment
Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher but also an environment that is focused on music education. In a professional schooled environment, a student cannot be distracted by TV, pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With busy family schedules that leave students with limited time for learning, a professional schooled environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time is learning music. Students are also motivated by hearing peers who are at different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musicians and instruments. In a music school, lessons are not a hobby for teachers; it is a responsibility that is taken very seriously.
Practice!
As with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the biggest challenges with music lessons is preventing the ‘drudgery of practicing every day’ that often creates the fight between parents and students. So, how do we prevent that?
Use the three “R’s” to make practice effective, rewarding, and fun:
Routine – Practice the same time each day
Set the same time every day to practice so that it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day practicing can occur, the less reminding required by parents to get their child to practice.
Repetition
We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child, 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we use repetition. For example, practice a section of a piece 4 times every day and this scale 5 times a day. Focusing on the number of times something must be practiced rather than a target length of time allows for more concentration on getting material right rather than just making it through the next half-hour.
Rewards
This works very well for both children and adults. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. In our school, we reward young children for a successful week of practicing with stars and stickers on their work. Practicing allows for better performance in lessons, school, and concerts, which is much more satisfying than not giving the effort to do well. Praise tends to be the most coveted award; there is just no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done.
Use recognized materials
Choosing the appropriate lesson books for the student’s skill level is critical. Our teachers, lesson director, and office staff are extensively familiar with the wide variety of books and learning tools available for music students. They’ll help you choose the book that best fits your playing ability, so you are neither overwhelmed nor bored. It’s essential to pick materials that focus on proper playing technique and skill development while also recognizing the need to select music that the student recognizes, enjoys, and wants to play. Many different levels of books are available, making it easy to start comfortably. These materials have been researched and are continually upgraded and improved to make learning easier, and ensure that no relevant part of learning the instrument is inadvertently left out. Using universally accepted material also makes it easy to change teachers and continue lessons smoothly if you happen to move to a new location.
Have Fun!!!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime! Try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy!