Getting the Most from your Private Music Lessons
Following are guidelines that will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning a musical instrument. These are suggestions gleaned from years of teaching hundreds of students.
Start at the right age.
At Crescendo we teach private students ranging in age from three to eighty-three. The success of the adult student is based on his/her willingness to commit to regularly scheduled lessons and practice. However, in children, starting at the right age can be the key element to the success of their lessons. While some say, "The younger, the better," success really depends on the individual child. None of us wants the first experience to be negative and there are times when waiting a year or two before starting private lessons will make the experience more positive and the progress much faster. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your very young child is ready for lessons, we suggest Kindermusik as an excellent first experience. Kindermusik is an internationally recognized method of teaching children ages birth through seven years incorporating all of the child's senses with musical games and rhythmic movement. Classes are offered September through May. If you are still uncertain, call us and tell us about your child. Having an experienced ear listening will often help to make the decision easier.
Insist on private lessons when learning a specific instrument.
Group lessons work well for preschool music programs and theory classes. However, when learning to play a specific instrument, private lessons are a must. When working one-on-one, it is difficult for the teacher to miss anything and each student can learn at his or her own pace. This means the teacher does not have to teach a class at the middle of the road level, but has the time can focus to work on the individual student's strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary focus of the teacher. Teachers also enjoy this as they do not have to divide their attention between students of differing levels. The added attention helps the student to be the best s/he can be.
Take lessons in a professional teaching environment.
Studying music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also of being in an environment that is focused on music education. In such an environment the student will not be distracted by television, radio, pets, ringing phones, doorbells, siblings or anything else. With only a one-half to one hour lesson per week, the right environment can produce better results since the only focus for that period is the student and the learning of music. Students in a music academy or school are also motivated by their peers (who may be performing at a more advanced level) and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the lessons are not a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very seriously.
Make practice time easier.
As with anything, improvement takes time, repetition and practice (think of a baby learning to walk). Shinichi Suzuki told his students to "Practice only on the days that you eat!" Consistency is key--our muscles must memorize the actions and patterns involved in playing as instrument. So, practicing 10 or 15 minutes per day is preferable to practicing two hours once a week. If you encounter a reluctant practicer, try the following:
Set aside the same time every day for practice.
The practice session then becomes a part of your daily schedule and regular routine.
Use repetition.
This is a method often used when setting practice goals for beginners. For young children 20 or 30 minutes can seem like an eternity. So, instead of setting a time frame, repetition can be used; for example, practice this piece four times every day or play this scale five times a day. The child does not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing, but knows that if they are on repetition number four, they are close to finishing.
Reward a good job.
This works well for both children and adults. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing. Parents can encourage young children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for their work. Some of our teachers reward their students with stickers or stars. Praise tends to be the most coveted reward there is just no substitute for a hug, pat on the back or encouraging word for a job well done. It is hoped that in time, practice and perfecting a piece of music will become its own reward.
Use recognized teaching materials.
There is a wealth of excellent teaching methods developed by music educators for student use in a variety of situations. For example, there are piano methods for the very young beginner and piano methods for adult students that have never played before. These materials are systematic, ensuring that no area of development can inadvertently be left out. Many of the methods are regularly updated and improved to make learning easier. If you must move to a different part of the country, qualified teachers and institutions will recognize the materials and easily continue from where the previous instructor left off.
Have fun!
Music should bring you a lifetime of pleasure. Try to be realistic with your expectations as every individual learns at a different pace. Enjoy the journey!
To schedule a lesson, please contact schedule@crescendoacademy.com.