Helpful Parent Guide To Music Lessons
At Old Towne Music, we want
our students get the most from their lessons.
That's why we've put together these simple guidelines to help
you choose what is best for you and your child.
1. 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 for more info.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Practice!
As with anything, improving in music takes
practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the
drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students
to practice every day. Click
here for ways to make practicing easier.
5. Use Recognized
Material
There are some excellent materials developed
by professional music educators that are made for students in
a variety of situations. For example, in piano, there are books
for very young beginners and books for adult students that have
never played before. 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 important part of learning
the instrument can inadvertently be left out. Using universally
accepted material makes it easy to change teachers and continue
smoothly.
6. 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!
Ready
to sign up for private instruction? Call us now at 856-228-0003
Age Guidelines
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to top)
How Young
Is Too Young? Starting At The Right Age
Adults can start any instrument at any
time. Their success if based on how willing an adult is to commit
to practicing. We teach many beginner students in their 60's
and 70's.
For children, starting at the right age
is a key element to the success of their lessons.
2-5 Years Old:
If a pre-schooler has a keen desire and wants to start music,
a preschool private music class will given them a good foundation
in music basics, which will be helpful in later lessons. At this
age, private lessons generally work as the child experiences
the formal learning environment of kindergarten or school, and
learn most effectively through the games oriented preschool environment.
Piano:
At our school, 5 years old is the youngest age that we start
children in private piano lessons. At this age, they have begun
to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with
ease.
Guitar (Acoustic, Electric,
Bass):
Seven years old is the earliest we recommend for guitar lessons.
Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips
from pressing on the strings. Children under seven generally
have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar
students generally are 8 years and older.
Voice:
Nine years old is recommended as the youngest age for private
vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper
breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung
capacity), the younger body is generally not ready for the rigors
of vocal technique.
Drums:
The average age of our youngest drum student is seven. This varies
greatly depending on the size of the child. They have to be able
to reach both the pedals and the cymbals.
Flute, Clarinet, and
Saxophone:
Due to lung capacity (and in the case of saxophone, the size
of the instrument), we recommend that most woodwind beginners
are 8 and older.
Violin:
We accept violin students from the age of five. Experience has
shown us the most productive learning occurs when the beginner
is 5 or older.
Trumpet and Trombone:
The trumpet & trombone require physical exertion and lung
power. 8 years and older is a good time to start these instruments.
Call
us now at 856-228-0003 to Register
Practicing!
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to top)
Some Helpful Hints in Making Practice Effective,
Rewarding, and Fun
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 then 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.
Ready to sign
up for private instruction? Call us now at 856-228-0003
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