Whether you or your child is learning a musical instrument to pursue it as a career or for personal fulfillment and recreation, private lessons greatly benefit the new music student. But why should we pay for private lessons if they are already in a band class at school or some other activity? Learning to play a musical instrument can be more of a daunting task than a child (or parent) may expect. Fingers, tongue, breathing, posture, note reading, and counting all come into play with this foreign object put into a child’s hands! Here are five reasons why it’s a benefit to take private lessons.
1. Working with a private teacher can help a student keep up with peers in the group setting. Everyone learns at a different pace and because of the many aspects of performing an instrument, children will progress differently. For instance, a student may have no trouble at all properly placing his/her hands on the instrument and quickly becoming dexterous, but may find it impossible to form the proper embouchure (position of the mouth on the instrument’s mouthpiece). There are many subtleties to embouchure formation, and if a student doesn’t get help from a private instructor, the wrong embouchure could become a road block to other facets of playing (such as note range) in the near future. Because everyone learns at a different pace, the pressure of learning in a group setting can be very frustrating when their friends are in better ensemble classes, which brings me to the second reason why private lessons are beneficial:
2. Private lessons help to minimize frustration. I believe the less frustration the better when it comes to learning; and who doesn’t? Though frustration can create determination in some people, it can discourage others. It’s sad to see a student give up learning an instrument in the early stages when all was needed was a little personal attention. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and not be frustrated with making music.
3. Private lessons set you up for success. With a private instructor, the student learns more quickly the fundamentals of playing. A solid foundation is built, and the child can keep learning, playing and succeeding. Succeeding is fun! The young musician builds confidence, and doesn’t give up. Furthermore, once the student is strong in instrumental skills, he/she can perhaps focus more on learning ensemble skills and gleaning knowledge from the band director.
4. The student learns how to practice. A young (and even experienced) musician needs to learn HOW to practice. I often spend more time with a student on practice skills than anything else in a lesson; and not only with beginners, but advanced students as well. A student spends more time weekly alone in a practice room (or at home) with the instrument than he/she does with a private instructor each week, so that time needs to be well spent. By sending the student home weekly with the proper practice skills, the private instructor can help the student get the most out of practice time alone. Also, the student will not dread practice time, because he/she will have control over it and confidently expect results.
5. It is easier to stay motivated with the help of a private instructor. I find this benefit most applicable to students who have been performing more than a few years. Once out of the beginner stage of playing, a music student may not know what to do next. A private instructor is knowledgeable about different music literature and styles and can help the student discover what new music to learn, what goal to pursue next. The instructor can direct a student to certain recordings, because listening is so vital to becoming a good and motivated performer. Sometimes all a student needs in order to remain stimulated is someone to report to on a regular basis. It is always easier to work for something when you know someone is counting on you and that you’re accountable to someone – your teacher. Private lessons are for anyone, not just music-career bound musicians. A private instructor can maximize a young musician’s opportunity for musical success and fun.
“The arts are an integral component of our educational system in developing the attitudes, characteristics, and intellectual capacities required for students to participate successfully in today’s society and economy. The arts teach self-discipline, reinforce self-esteem, foster thinking skills and creativity, and promote teamwork and cooperation. Most notably, though, the arts are important in and of themselves in that they are a vital and vibrant part of our personal, social and cultural environment.” – Shirley Neeley, Ed.D., Commissioner of Education