One of the most important issues in the musical education for your child is the choice of the specific education method. In my experience I have often encountered parents that didn’t think about how they would want their talented child to learn music. As a rule, they would rely entirely on their own thoughts and ideas about education or follow the recommendations of other people. This is where the idea of private music lessons comes in.
How do you know whether you should choose private music lessons or enroll your child in music school? In order to answer this question you have to consider your own plans for your child’s musical education. The subject of setting such goals has been covered in one of my previous articles. Let’s have a look at the advantages of private tutoring.
Regardless of your choice (private or public) the main task is choosing the teacher. In a music school your choice is limited. You will be forced to pick from a small number of teachers. Moreover, you will not be choosing but having one of them recommended to you. In many schools the children are assigned to a specific teacher that has a spot open for another student.
On the other hand, you can choose a private teacher and not be limited to the area you live in. Private music lessons for your child can either be given in your home or the teacher’s home. If your child goes to a music school the lessons will take place only at school. With the private tutor you may choose the time and place that will be the most convenient to you. Many parents prefer that the teacher teach the child at their place of residence. It is more convenient and the child is more comfortable in the familiar environment.
This is true when the child plays a large musical instrument such as the piano, harp and even cello. The child is used to the instrument he has at home. He is familiar with its features, and can produce the correct sounds that are required of him. Private tutoring is good for children who are shy and those who do not adapt well to social changes.
Scheduling with a private teacher is much more flexible than in a music school. Because you are paying the music teacher you have the right to tell them how much you will pay and where the lessons will be given.
Every person who studies to play a musical instrument must learn theoretical subjects. At the least they should know elementary music theory. If you were to compare it to the subject in a public school, it would be math. It is impossible to become a musician without it.
Private music lessons may include elementary music theory lessons in their services. Thus, you can save on the theory lessons that are not cheap at the early stage of education. But in the future when the elementary music lessons change to harmony it is recommended that you hire a teacher that specializes in this area.
Finally, the biggest advantage of having a private tutor is a flexible approach to musical education. All children have a different level of musical abilities because they are raised in different musical environments. The music school has a set and definite program as well as deadlines for completing specific tasks and projects. The tutor will adapt their program to the capabilities and needs of your child and will help their progress at the child’s own speed.
In addition to this private music lessons always include the specific wishes of the parents and children. After all it is the teacher’s main job to please the clients and make the lessons interesting and creative. Just remember children with good musical abilities will help them progress faster and with ease regardless whether they go to music school or take private lessons. It is much simpler to find a teacher for a musically inclined student because any teacher will choose him over the less capable ones. Thus prominent musical skills will increase your child’s chances of having a high level professional that others can only dream about.