5 SIMPLE RULES ... FOR CHOOSING MUSIC LESSONS
We have developed these guidelines over years of teaching hundreds of students.
1. START THE RIGHT PROGRAM AT THE RIGHT AGE
Adults can start vocal or instrumental lessons at any time. Their success depends on their willingness to practice. Children, on the other hand, need to start at the “right” time. They need sufficient hand/eye coordination and finger dexterity to play their instrument well. Children who start formal instruction before they are developmentally ready will very likely have a negative experience. Our classes are designed to appeal to various levels of students.
KINDERMUSIKâ CLASSES. Kindermusik is a wonderful program for newborns through seven-year-olds and their parents. Students play many types of instruments, explore their singing voices, and experience creative movement, active listening, and using manipulatives such as hoops, scarves, and balls. Children learn from the teacher and each other, and parents have fun getting to know one another! Often the fun of Kindermusik carries students into a broader understanding of music and a greater willingness to practice for success. We believe the Kindermusik curriculum is the most complete and well-designed early childhood music curriculum available.
PIANO/KEYBOARD. 6 years is the youngest age that we recommend starting children in piano lessons. For 5-year-old children who are anxious to get started, we offer a “Mom (or Dad) and Me" piano class. We teach children to read music as they learn to play the instrument. That helps in a lifelong appreciation of the instrument. Children who have had a year of kindergarten begin to develop a longer attention span, and are better able to retain the material being taught.
GUITAR. Students may take guitar lessons in our studio at age 7 and up. Playing the guitar requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips. Children under 7 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable.
VOICE. We recommend private "formal" vocal lessons for children 12 years old and older. Younger children are usually unready for the physical demands of voice lessons (proper breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung capacity). Children younger than 12 who wish to take voice lessons will work on expanding their vocal range and learning appropriate children's repertoire. We have been asked to coach small children for pageants and “Star Search” type contests, but we feel that singing in the “belting” style that is encouraged in these competitions is inappropriate and harmful for a young child’s voice. For children ages 7-12, we have a children’s show choir (Pearland Community Kids’ Choir) that teaches them how to use their voices properly in a fun, relaxed environment.
VIOLIN. We do offer violin lessons using the Suzuki method for students age 3 and up. We have found that this method can work for a few very young children, provided a parent is willing to commit to learning and practicing alongside the child. For most students, however, we recommend starting with Kindermusik and waiting a few years to begin formal violin lessons.
2. CONSIDER LEARNING STYLES AND PERSONALITY TYPES WHEN DECIDING ON GROUP OR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
We offer both private lessons and group lessons. Here are the advantages of each:
GROUP LESSONS generally work very well with children and adults who are social and like variety in learning. For example – students in group piano classes learn music theory by playing many different types of games. Rhythm, sight-reading, and independence are strongly emphasized, because students play together as a group and must be able to stay together. Students also learn to play orchestrated piano ensembles in group lessons. Because students have such a good time in their classes with their friends, they tend to stick with lessons for several years.
PRIVATE LESSONS work well for students seeking one-on-one instruction. They are generally the best choice for students who have already had a year or more of private lessons, since the transition to group lessons can be difficult.
How quickly a student progresses in private or group lessons depends on the student’s natural ability and motivation. On average, group and private students progress at about the same rate. Both private and group students have the opportunity to perform solos twice a year in our Studio Recitals.
3. TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENT
For best results, each student needs a qualified teacher and an environment focused on music education. In our professional studio environment the student is never distracted by TV, pets, siblings or ringing doorbells. Music instruction is not our hobby or sideline, but a responsibility we take very seriously.
4. MAKE PRACTICING EASIER
Learning music well takes practice. Here are some ways to make that easier:
TIME. Schedule practice for the same time every day. Make it a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally, the earlier in the day that practice is scheduled, the less a child needs to be reminded to get it done.
REPETITION. This method works well for beginners. For a young child, 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame for practice, we ask students to practice each new piece and exercise 2 or 3 times daily. That helps students to focus on achieving their goal, rather than watching the clock.
PARENT INTEREST. Ask your child to play their assigned pieces for you every week. No musical experience required! Your involvement and encouragement have tremendous positive effects.
5. HAVE FUN!
Music should be enjoyed for a lifetime. Avoid putting unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns in his or her own unique way, and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey!
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