Music lessons are, of course, the best way to learn to play a musical instrument. That being said, depending on the instrument and where you live, lessons can be quite costly. For that reason–whether you’re the student or your child is–you’ll want to maximize each and every session. When it comes to getting the most out of music lessons, it’s not only what’s going on in class that matters, but what is done outside of class that makes the real difference. It all comes down preparation and putting previous lessons to good use!
Making music should always be a great experience, so to make sure that you or your child is getting the most out of your next music lesson (and each one after that) we’ve got a few of the best ways to prepare before class even begins. That way you can learn to play your instrument faster and more easily.
Get Yourself Organized
This is a pretty simple concept that pays big dividends. Basically, all your music supplies should be together and ready to go before your class begins. Think of each, individual moment you are in the classroom (or that your teacher is there with you) as valuable learning time–don’t to waste it looking for book, supplies, or, worst yet, your instrument. Arrive at class early enough that you have the time to get organized–you might even want all your supplies ready the evening before. It’s an obvious suggestion, but you’ll feel more at ease knowing everything is where it is supposed to be.
Practice!
Practice is, of course, one of the most important things to do as a musician, regardless of your skill level or the amount of experience you have. Practice is even more critical for those taking lessons–in fact, it’s essential when learning an instrument. There will be days when you may feel like you don’t have the time, but the best way to make sure you always have some time to practice is to make up a schedule. It’s highly recommended that you spend at least an hour practicing, three to four times every week. Whether you decided to schedule that time over the weekends, or sometime during the week, in the early morning hours, on your lunch, or in the evenings, it’s entirely up to you–whatever works for your schedule and learning is best.
Practicing helps students to keep up with instructors more easily during lessons. Each lesson usually builds on the concepts that were learned in the previous session, so when you practice and perfect what you learned the week before, you come to class prepared and ready for the next challenge.
Set Goals
Every musician has goals! Some of them are grand – like playing in front of a packed stadium, others more simple – like mastering a particular chord progression, but goals are always important. Each week you should try writing down what it is you would like to accomplish. Is there a particular song you’ve been wanting to learn that is a lot harder than the level you’re currently at? You can make this song your goal. Maybe there’s a technique you’ve been working to perfect – that’s a great goal too. Setting, and recording, goals is an excellent way to help you stay accountable on your journey to learn your new instrument. Remember to share these aspirations and goals with your instructor, that way they can help you chart your progress and reach your goal.
Listen to the Teacher
If the teacher tells you or your child to learn something you’re not sure about, give it a chance and a try. Don’t dismiss a song you’re working on if you don’t like it. There’s probably a very good reason the teacher chose it, specifically. Perhaps it features a particular skill that needs improvement, or will get you closer to reaching one of your goals. If you trust the teacher, do what they ask. And if you’re not sure why you’re working on something in particular, ask them!
They’ll have the answer.
Review Your Progress
Writing down your goals is important, but you’ll never know how close to reaching them you are if you don’t keep track of your progress. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping a measure of your progress every week after class finishes.
There are a few different ways this can be achieved.
You can play for your instructor as ask for feedback directly. They will be open and honest with you, and will likely offer some advice on practicing techniques and other methods to help to get even closer to your goals next week. If your lessons or classes are part of a group, and you’re not too shy about it, you can also try playing for your entire class, and ask you student peers for their feedback as well. You might be surprised at some of the advice you receive from other students–you’re often going through the same struggles without even knowing it, and someone else may have found a solution that works perfectly for you too.
Another way to measure your progress is to record yourself and listen to the playback. If you keep a critical ear you should be able to hear where you’re doing well, and where you might need a little improvement.
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The Music Studio is dedicated to helping our students learn to play their instrument the right way, in a fun and exciting environment! We offer a huge variety of private and group lessons and classes for adults, teens, children, beginners, and professionals. We’re proud to be Toronto’s one-stop-shop for music education! Learn more and sign up today!