So your child wants to learn a musical instrument. It can be quite normal to feel overwhelmed by the initial expense when getting their first instrument. Between the instrument itself, method books, and seemingly endless accessories, the costs may be unexpected. With so many items to buy, music lessons could seem like an expense you might be able to go without. YouTube tutorials should be good enough, right? However, music lessons are a priceless investment in your child’s personal and academic development. Let’s look at the most important points to consider when your child is beginning their musical journey.
IF KIDS ARE IN MUSIC LESSONS AT SCHOOL SHOULD THEY ALSO BE IN PRIVATE LESSONS?
The most common music classes found in most schools are band and orchestra, which feature instruments like trumpets and violins. Some schools may even offer a guitar class or even a general music class, such as music appreciation. If your child is taking music classes at their school, would private lessons even be necessary? While a music class at school can be a great way to learn about music, there can be twenty to thirty or even more students in a class with just one teacher. It can be hard for the teacher to give your child the individual attention they might need. In addition, your child might be limited to learning only certain instruments.
With private lessons, their instructor is able to give them a one-on-one, individually-tailored lesson and help hone in their skills based on the student’s unique needs and interests. Think of it like private math tutoring. Their teacher may also become a mentor and encourage them to work hard at their instrument, or even inspire them to pursue studying music at a collegiate level.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON MUSIC LESSONS, AND WHAT IS THE VALUE?
Because spending money on private lessons is a worthy investment, there are many perks to committing to a music school or teacher. Many music schools have included programs, such as bands, which allow students to come together and collaborate musically. These bands also perform at events so they are able to play in front of a crowd and their peers. Not to mention, these band programs allow students to interact socially and make new friends based on a common interest. Music schools also hold camps during summer months. For example, Bold Music has a songwriting camp where students are able to craft a song and even have the experience of recording their own work in an actual recording studio.
Camps and bands aside, this is an investment into a school that provides quality teachers who love music and work hard to challenge their students to improve on their instruments, giving them the tools to become great musicians.
Furthermore, attending additional music classes or private tutoring can help a child maintain their motivation to continue playing, which allows them to reap the supplementary benefits of music study. Learning to play music, especially at a young age, has been proven to increase working memory, muscle coordination, and mathematical skills. It also teaches the importance of self-discipline and working to achieve goals. Learning music is not only fun; it helps your child grow into a more well-rounded person.
WHAT’S THE RIGHT AGE FOR MY KID TO START LEARNING MUSIC?
Every kid is different and because of this, some kids are able to start earlier than others. Throughout my years of teaching, the earliest students tend to take music lessons is around six. Starting music lessons early for children can be highly beneficial for them. Numerous studies have shown that music lessons can have a huge impact on learning as well as cognitive functions.
Many professional and famous musicians started music early in their lives. For example, bluegrass singer-songwriter and mandolinist Sierra Hull began playing mandolin at age 8, got a record deal at 13, and went to Berklee School of Music through a Presidential Scholarship. Throughout her career, she won the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Mandolinist of the Year numerous times and was even nominated for a Grammy.
IS IT BETTER TO BE SELF TAUGHT?
With the numerous online resources and materials available today, it’s more accessible than ever to learn about music and how to play instruments. Even though there are numerous ways to learn an instrument, it doesn’t guarantee the best results. Learning without a teacher can be a slower process without an instructor’s guidance. It’s also easy to pick up bad habits or improper techniques since there isn’t a teacher there to notice and encourage the proper way to play the instrument.
With the many benefits of private music lessons, the answer on whether or not your child should take them is fairly clear. Investing in a solid foundation that will pay off through countless hours of practice and trips to concerts is well worth the time and money.
