Friday, May 13, 2011

Tips For Taking Music Lessons

By Adriana Noton


Music lessons are a key step to proficiency on a variety of instruments. If the teacher knows the goals of the students, they can better help them achieve their goals. Children and adults can learn an instrument with the help of a qualified tutor. There are as many options for instruction as there are types of instruments to learn, and choices such as group or private settings make learning an instrument fun.

Children are often first exposed to live instruments and group singing at preschool age. While four and five year-olds are certainly capable of expressing themselves musically, they typically do not benefit from private lessons until they are at least five or six. However, they do tend to thrive in group instruction. Starting a child too soon can result in resentment and a future resistance to learning an instrument. Adults can begin learning at any age so long as they possess the discipline and desire to practice and learn.

Instruments such as the guitar, bass, drums, or piano are usually available through local private instructors or instrument stores. Vocal coaches can typically be contacted via the local choir director or instrument store as well. For band instruments such as wind, brass, or symphonic percussion, it may be necessary to seek instruction through a local public school band director, or university professor. Vocal coaches usually advertise in local colleges as well.

Most public schools offer classes such as band and choir which provide group instruction. Bands typically involve traditional wind, brass, and percussion instruments, and some schools offer jazz ensemble classes where students can learn to play instruments in a smaller group setting. Choirs also provide an environment in which students can learn vocal techniques and group performance. Many schools also make private tutoring available to students.

Stringed instruments such as the violin, cello, bass, or viola require discipline and a robust learning environment. Instructors can often be found through a music store or local band and orchestra directors. Some children have shown great proficiency with stringed instruments at very young ages, so it is important to work with a tutor to determine the child's interest and level of ability before committing to regular sessions. Some stringed instruments are too large for small children, so take their size into account.

Younger children usually do not have the lung capacity or ability to perform the breathing exercises necessary for successful vocal coaching. Coaches typically prefer children no younger than ten years of age for this reason. Vocal chords have not typically developed enough for professional instruction until that age, which can frustrate younger children.

Any instrument can be learned privately or with a group. Private lessons usually occur at home or at the teacher's home. This often proves more convenient in terms of time and scheduling as it allows some flexibility and permits the learner to progress at their own pace. Group instruction has its advantages as well. Peer encouragement and group practice provides a more real life playing or singing environment and takes place in a more traditional learning environment.

There are so many instruments to choose from, and so many ways to learn to play them, that the beginner may be overwhelmed at first. Think carefully about your personal goals and pick a method that works best. Taking music lessons Richmond is a great idea for anyone seeking to master an instrument or their own voice.




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