Why You Should Consider Private Music Lessons

Whether or not your child is already enrolled in school band or orchestra, or an alternative school music program, private music lessons should be considered for many reasons. From improving on their instrument to building motor skills and confidence, here are some of the reasons private music lessons are a great idea.

Students Will Improve on Their Instruments Much Faster Than in School Music Programs Alone

Like in any learning situation, some students learn better in smaller class sizes or in one-on-one sessions. Private lessons give your child individual attention and focus from a professional player who can model the desired results and offer feedback to your child’s in-lesson performance as they improve. Your child’s private music teacher will offer the necessary exercises and songs for improvement on particular techniques, and they can explain and demonstrate how to apply them. This extra attention can alleviate some frustration a student may encounter when jumping into a group learning situation, giving them an advantage in absorbing any new techniques presented in a group.

Staying Motivated

Private music lessons make it much easier for children to stay motivated after the initial beginner stage of learning, once basics are mastered. Students often don’t know what to work on next, and become stuck in their progress. Fortunately, private teachers have plenty of knowledge of different styles and genres, and tips on how to pursue the skills necessary to play the music your student would like. Having a teacher to lay out goals and provide structure for learning can be a very effective way for your student to improve. It is always easier to stay motivated when someone is holding you accountable.

Diving into Music Theory

While entirely dependent on the teacher you choose, music theory can be explored more in depth in private music lessons than can be in a class setting. A private music teacher can provide exercises and songs to further understand the concepts being taught. In private lessons your child will learn about chords, practice sight reading, ear training, and combine these skills in composing and playing music with other people in a group or jamming situations. Private lessons aren’t just about learning how to play and practice alone, but prepare your student to play with others. Ask your private music teacher about opportunities to bring skills learned in lessons to playing with others.

Develops Physical Skills

Learning instruments provide children with opportunities to improve on their coordination and motor skills. Developing ambidexterity helps children in other areas like dance and sports.

Private Lessons Can Refine Discipline and Patience

Learning instruments teaches children about delayed gratification, and perseverance through hours, months, and sometimes years of practice before they reach their goals, such as performing in a band or performing a solo piece. Private practice requires an intense focused attention, and even for 10 minutes at a time, this focus is very beneficial to your child’s overall mental development for future success.

Boosts Self-Esteem

Lessons can teach children how to accept and give constructive criticism. If a child can turn negative feedback into positive change, this experience builds self-confidence. Presenting yourself in public in a performance context is a skill that serves a child throughout their life, easily transferable to public speaking and leadership rolls.

What to Consider When Selecting an Instrument

Here are some factors to consider in helping your child choose an instrument.

• Is your child excited about the instrument? Does she like the way it sounds and feels? Summerhays music educational representatives offer “petting zoos” that introduce kids to multiple instruments. Ask if we will be at your school or at a community event where your child can explore which instrument feels best. Bringing your child into our Murray or Layton locations to try multiple instruments before deciding is also a great idea.
• Is the instrument too challenging or is it not changing enough (for both you and your child)? Does your child’s temperament match the instrument? Is your child geared more toward percussion, or is the flute more something they would enjoy?
• Can you afford the instrument and the maintenance that comes with it? Each instrument comes with it’s own set of maintenance requirements. Please visit our String, Brass, and Woodwind Instrument Care pages for more information on what is required for maintaining each instrument you are considering.
• As a parent, do you like the sound enough to listen to your child practice it for hours at home?
• Is your child specifically interested in a particular music style? If so, factor that into your instrument choice, as some specifically cater to certain styles. For instance, a violin player will have a hard time fitting in a jazz ensemble.

For The Budget Conscious Looking for Private Lesson Options

Check with your local high school to see if older students are available to provide private music instruction at a discounted price. Or see if small group lessons are available in the area. Don’t be afraid to shop around to find the perfect match.