By Mindy Cabral, The Magazine of Santa Clarita, October 2012
School music programs provide a wonderful opportunity for students to be introduced to singing, playing instruments, and building cooperative group work skills. Many Jr. High and High Schools have outstanding music programs built from generations of dedication and tradition. Often, these programs have flourish and remained successful because students participating in them have had years of prior experience through early childhood music, elementary music, and private lessons.
Most music ensembles offered in schools focus on learning music for a competition, festival, or concert. These types of performances are great motivators and can help keep the interest of the students, parents, and Music Directors. There is also a sense of pride you can only experience from hard work, dedication, time, and the repetition necessary to learn, master, and succeed. Students who take private lessons in conjunction with participating in their school music program not only tend to be better at playing their instrument (due of the individual one-on-one attention from a professional) but are also more focused, disciplined, score higher in other subjects, take on leadership positions, and have a stronger work ethic. These qualities in a person are sought after in every type of career and are especially valuable in today’s fast-paced world.
Private lessons and small ensembles (chamber groups, bands, and combos) play a very important role for more individualized learning, independence, creativity, expression, and personal accountability that large school ensembles may not provide. Students who are naturally drawn to music will enjoy this type of learning environment while improving their skills and expanding their knowledge through active participation. A variety of music programs such as school groups, small ensembles, community ensembles, and private lessons, can provide different learning experiences enriching a students life, and better preparing them for their future.
I participated in over 15 different types of ensembles from 4th grade through high school and even more as a professional musician. At 16, I performed as a guest soloist with the New West Symphony and at 17 was accepted to attend the Juilliard School with a merit scholarship. The diverse ensembles, people, places, and cultures I have had the pleasure of experiencing through music have shaped my life forever and have given me a life-long appreciation for the world we live in. At Little School of Music, students have the freedom to love and appreciate music while learning to create and have fun making music for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Private lessons, group classes, and small ensembles for all ages and levels of students! Register NOW! Little School of Music is located at 28306 Constellation Rd, Valencia, CA 91355. For more information, visit us online at: LittleSchoolofMusic.com, or call: 661-222-2239
© copyright 2012