How to get the most from Music Lessons
1. HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG - STARTING AT THE RIGHT AGE
Adults can start any instrument at any time. Their success is 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. Some people
will tell you “the sooner the better” but this attitude can actually backfire and be a negative. If a child is
put into lessons too soon they may feel overwhelmed and frustrated and want to stop lessons. The
last thing you want to do is turn a child off music just because they had one unpleasant experience
which could have been prevented. Sometimes if the child waits a year to start lessons their progress
can be much faster. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age usually do very
well. The following are guidelines we have found to be successful in determining how young a child
can start taking music lessons.
Under 5 years old
If a pre-schooler has a keen desire and wants to start music, a group music class will give them a
good foundation in music basics which will be helpful in later private lessons. At this age, private
lessons generally do not work as the child has not yet experienced the formal learning environment
of kindergarten or school and learns more effectively through the game oriented preschool
environment. We recommend Kindermusik as a strong foundation for any future lessons. In
Lancaster, The Children’s Music Studio is a great option. (740-653-0083/ www.
thechildrensmusicstudio.com)
Piano/Keyboard
5 years old is generally 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. They also
have developed the necessary finger strength and reach for good hand positioning. A good
guideline is knowledge and easy recognition of the alphabet and numbers.
Guitar - Acoustic, Electric and Bass
Although it is possible to start guitar earlier, 7 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 7 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass
guitar students generally are 9 years old and older.
Voice Lessons
10 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 yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. We will do a
trial lesson for 8-9 year olds to determine maturity of the voice. Children's Choir is recommended for
younger children who demonstrate a love of singing.
Drums
The average age of our youngest drum student is 8. This varies greatly depending on the size of the
child. They have to be able to reach both the pedals and the cymbals. Attention span is also very
important for drum students, as there are multiple rhythmic ideas to be learned.
Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
Due to lung capacity (and in the case of the saxophone the size of the instrument), we recommend
that most woodwind beginners be 9 or older. Students wishing to play a woodwind instrument
should contact Sweetman Music (740-654-4047) for a free fitting to make sure that the instrument
they wish to play is a good fit for their facial structure.
Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass
We accept string students from the age of 5, but require a trial lesson for 5-6 year olds. The string
instruments are rigorous and require dedicated practice. Some teachers will start children as young
as 3, but experience has shown us the most productive learning occurs when the beginner is 5 or
older.
Trumpet
The trumpet requires physical exertion and lung power. 9 years and older is a good time to start the
trumpet. Students wishing to play the trumpet should contact Sweetman Music (740-654-4047) for a
free fitting to make sure it is a good fit for their facial structure.
French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba
These brass instruments require a great deal of physical strength and lung capacity. 9 years and
older is a good time to start, and students may want to consider beginning on trumpet before
learning French horn, and on trombone or baritone before moving to tuba. Students wishing to play
a brass instrument should contact Sweetman Music for a free fitting to make sure the instrument
they wish to play is a good fit for their facial structure.
2. INSIST ON PRIVATE LESSONS WHEN LEARNING A SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT
Group classes work well for preschool music programs and theory lessons. However, when actually
learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior since in private lessons it is hard
to miss anything, and each student can learn at their own pace. This means the teacher does not
have to teach a class at a middle of the road level, but has the time and focus to work on the
individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary
focus of the teacher. The teachers also enjoy this as they do not have to divide their attention
between 5 - 10 students at a time and can help the student be the best they can be. For this reason,
many band and orchestra directors recommend a private lesson in addition to the study in school
classes. Private teachers can catch problem areas that the band or orchestra director may not hear
in a class full of students.
3. TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENT
Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that
is focused on music education. In a professional school environment a student cannot be distracted
by TV, pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per
week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time
is learning music. Students in a school environment are also motivated by hearing peers who are at
different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the
lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very
seriously.
4. MAKE PRACTICING EASIER
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. Here
are some ways to make practicing easier:
Time
Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works
particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less
reminding is required by parents to get the 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 this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay
attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instrument, but knows if they are on repetition
number 3 they are almost finished.
Rewards
This works very well for both children and adult students. 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. Praise tends to be the most
coveted award - there just is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Sometimes we all
have a week with little practicing, in that case there is always next week.
5. USE RECOGNIZED TEACHING MATERIALS
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. There are books that can start you at a
level you are comfortable with. These materials have been researched and are continually upgraded
and improved to make learning easier. These materials ensure that no important part of learning the
instrument can inadvertently be left out. If you ever have to move to a different part of the country,
qualified teachers and institutions will recognize the materials and be able to smoothly continue
from where the previous teacher left off.
Most Importantly . . .
HAVE FUN!!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on
yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be
able to enjoy the journey.
Adults can start any instrument at any time. Their success is 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. Some people
will tell you “the sooner the better” but this attitude can actually backfire and be a negative. If a child is
put into lessons too soon they may feel overwhelmed and frustrated and want to stop lessons. The
last thing you want to do is turn a child off music just because they had one unpleasant experience
which could have been prevented. Sometimes if the child waits a year to start lessons their progress
can be much faster. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age usually do very
well. The following are guidelines we have found to be successful in determining how young a child
can start taking music lessons.
Under 5 years old
If a pre-schooler has a keen desire and wants to start music, a group music class will give them a
good foundation in music basics which will be helpful in later private lessons. At this age, private
lessons generally do not work as the child has not yet experienced the formal learning environment
of kindergarten or school and learns more effectively through the game oriented preschool
environment. We recommend Kindermusik as a strong foundation for any future lessons. In
Lancaster, The Children’s Music Studio is a great option. (740-653-0083/ www.
thechildrensmusicstudio.com)
Piano/Keyboard
5 years old is generally 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. They also
have developed the necessary finger strength and reach for good hand positioning. A good
guideline is knowledge and easy recognition of the alphabet and numbers.
Guitar - Acoustic, Electric and Bass
Although it is possible to start guitar earlier, 7 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 7 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass
guitar students generally are 9 years old and older.
Voice Lessons
10 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 yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. We will do a
trial lesson for 8-9 year olds to determine maturity of the voice. Children's Choir is recommended for
younger children who demonstrate a love of singing.
Drums
The average age of our youngest drum student is 8. This varies greatly depending on the size of the
child. They have to be able to reach both the pedals and the cymbals. Attention span is also very
important for drum students, as there are multiple rhythmic ideas to be learned.
Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
Due to lung capacity (and in the case of the saxophone the size of the instrument), we recommend
that most woodwind beginners be 9 or older. Students wishing to play a woodwind instrument
should contact Sweetman Music (740-654-4047) for a free fitting to make sure that the instrument
they wish to play is a good fit for their facial structure.
Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass
We accept string students from the age of 5, but require a trial lesson for 5-6 year olds. The string
instruments are rigorous and require dedicated practice. Some teachers will start children as young
as 3, but experience has shown us the most productive learning occurs when the beginner is 5 or
older.
Trumpet
The trumpet requires physical exertion and lung power. 9 years and older is a good time to start the
trumpet. Students wishing to play the trumpet should contact Sweetman Music (740-654-4047) for a
free fitting to make sure it is a good fit for their facial structure.
French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba
These brass instruments require a great deal of physical strength and lung capacity. 9 years and
older is a good time to start, and students may want to consider beginning on trumpet before
learning French horn, and on trombone or baritone before moving to tuba. Students wishing to play
a brass instrument should contact Sweetman Music for a free fitting to make sure the instrument
they wish to play is a good fit for their facial structure.
2. INSIST ON PRIVATE LESSONS WHEN LEARNING A SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT
Group classes work well for preschool music programs and theory lessons. However, when actually
learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior since in private lessons it is hard
to miss anything, and each student can learn at their own pace. This means the teacher does not
have to teach a class at a middle of the road level, but has the time and focus to work on the
individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary
focus of the teacher. The teachers also enjoy this as they do not have to divide their attention
between 5 - 10 students at a time and can help the student be the best they can be. For this reason,
many band and orchestra directors recommend a private lesson in addition to the study in school
classes. Private teachers can catch problem areas that the band or orchestra director may not hear
in a class full of students.
3. TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENT
Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that
is focused on music education. In a professional school environment a student cannot be distracted
by TV, pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per
week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time
is learning music. Students in a school environment are also motivated by hearing peers who are at
different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the
lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very
seriously.
4. MAKE PRACTICING EASIER
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. Here
are some ways to make practicing easier:
Time
Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works
particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less
reminding is required by parents to get the 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 this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay
attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instrument, but knows if they are on repetition
number 3 they are almost finished.
Rewards
This works very well for both children and adult students. 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. Praise tends to be the most
coveted award - there just is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Sometimes we all
have a week with little practicing, in that case there is always next week.
5. USE RECOGNIZED TEACHING MATERIALS
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. There are books that can start you at a
level you are comfortable with. These materials have been researched and are continually upgraded
and improved to make learning easier. These materials ensure that no important part of learning the
instrument can inadvertently be left out. If you ever have to move to a different part of the country,
qualified teachers and institutions will recognize the materials and be able to smoothly continue
from where the previous teacher left off.
Most Importantly . . .
HAVE FUN!!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on
yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be
able to enjoy the journey.
Our free parent reports have helped many families determine what is best for their students
starting music lessons. These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding
experience learning an instrument. These are practical tips that we have discovered from years of
teaching and our experiences with teaching dozens of students each year.
Call now to register for music lessons: 740-681-2792/614-834-1936 or
Register Online Now
starting music lessons. These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding
experience learning an instrument. These are practical tips that we have discovered from years of
teaching and our experiences with teaching dozens of students each year.
Call now to register for music lessons: 740-681-2792/614-834-1936 or
Register Online Now
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Conservatory of Music and the Arts
Lancaster--Canal Winchester
Lancaster--Canal Winchester
| 711 North Columbus Street Lancaster, OH 43130 740-681-2792 info@LancasterConservatoryOfMusic.com |
6760 Thrush Drive, Suite F
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
614-834-1936