By Mindy Cabral, The Magazine of Santa Clarita, November 2013
It’s the perfect time of year to give the gift of music to someone you love, or to your self! It’s never too late to get started learning to play and instrument, or how to sing. Music is enjoyed by all ages and learning to play your favorite song can be a very rewarding experience.
When looking for lessons, keep the following 4 things in mind:
- Type of Programs Offered – This includes private lessons, group classes, and ensembles. You will want to find an age-appropriate program based on your level and interests. Not all programs are for everyone, so talk to an experienced music teacher about what may be best for you.
- Finding the Right Teacher – Finding the right teacher is very important. There are many different music teachers with varying educations, backgrounds, and qualifications. The teacher with the most awards and degrees is not necessarily going to be the best teacher for you. Look for someone that has experience with what you want to learn. A good teacher is a good communicator. Some teachers will set up a meeting before starting lessons. This gives you a chance to talk about your musical interests and get to know the teacher and their teaching style to see if it goes along with what you want to learn. A music school is a great place to start since there are many teachers you can meet at one location. If you look forward to returning to your lesson each week and are having fun, it’s a great fit!
- Musical Environment – Consider your surroundings and learning environment for music. Having lessons in your home may seem convenient; however there are often distractions that may prevent you from having a productive lesson. If more than one person in your home takes music lessons, a music school is ideal so students can have lessons scheduled at or near the same time on the same day. Music schools also provide performance opportunities for students, and students can get together for ensemble playing.
- Getting an Instrument – Instruments can cost thousands of dollars! However, it is not necessary to make such a huge purchase if you are just trying it out. There are less expensive options including student model instruments and rent-to-own programs available. More advanced will need a higher quality instrument.
For more information on available music programs and qualified music teachers, contact the friendly staff at Little School of Music: located at 28306 Constellation Rd, Valencia, CA 91355, visit us online at: LittleSchoolofMusic.com, or call: 661-222-2239
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