3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Music Lessons

1. Insist on Private Lessons when Learning a Specific Instrument
   Group classes work well for preschool music programs and theory lessons. However, private lessons are far superior. Private lessons speed the learning process because the teacher's time can be focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the student. One-on-one instruction ensures that all students will thoroughly master necessary musical concepts while proceeding at their own pace.

2. 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, etc. With only 30 minutes 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 our music academy, the lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility, which is taken very seriously.
3. 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:

   a. 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.
   b. 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, we say, "practice this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day." Children then do not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instrument, but know that if they are on repetition number 3, they are almost finished.
   c. 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, many of our teachers 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 is just 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.