Private music lessons are a fantastic way to help your child achieve their goals for playing a musical instrument.
Private lessons can help the struggling student become a confident musician, and they can turn the good music student into an outstanding one.
Private Lessons
During a private lesson, a skilled musician shares his or her knowledge and expertise with a student who plays the same instrument. Because lessons are one-on-one, the teacher tailors instruction to your child’s unique and specific strengths and weaknesses. During the weekly lesson, the private teacher will assist the student, introduce new skills and concepts and assign exercises for practice during the week. Although the material is taught during the lesson, your child is responsible for mastering the skills and exercises at home through daily practice. When the student does his or her part at home, the private teacher can build upon that foundation at the next lesson. Therefore, in order to get your money’s worth, its important that your child understands that a little daily practice is part of the agreement.
When looking for private lesson teachers, make sure that the teacher has ample experience and plays the same instrument as your child. Although it may be convenient and inexpensive to have an older student give your child lessons, be cautious of this approach. Most often an older student will not have the pedagogical knowledge necessary to give your child the instruction they need. You will also want to avoid teachers who claim they can teach many different instruments. Each instrument is played differently, and someone who specializes in only one or two instruments can provide much more specific and detailed instruction than a generalist can. You will also want to meet with prospective teachers to make sure that their personality and teaching style are a good fit for your child. Most teachers are very willing to share their expectations and teaching methods with you before you begin. Sometimes they will even schedule a trial lesson so everyone can get to know one another better.
Most middle school students will benefit from a 30-minute lesson once per week. You can expect to pay between $15-25 per lesson depending on the instructor. If you are interested in private lessons, please contact your band director. We may be even be able to schedule lessons during band class if the instructor is available.
You may also find additional private lesson teachers by clicking here.