INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

         The topic of private lessons for young children can be a conundrum for some people. The following ideas, thoughts and opinions are based upon 30+ years of study, research and teaching very young children (2+ years) up to rather old adults (80+ years) in Europe and the U.S.A.

           Many people ask which is the best teaching method to use? How early can my child start private lessons? Which instrument should my child start on? And of course there are many, many other important questions. There is no “one size fits all” answer to any of these questions.

          Each child is unique. Each family is unique. They all have their own special characteristics, strengths, talents and yes those areas to work on. Each family has its own different time and money profile. This is “normal”, the same for each and every person and family. This individuality is what we all have in common, what we all share, what is the same for each and every one of our children and our families.

         So how does one find the best method, or instrument, or teacher, etc.? For young developing children, “age-appropriate” is the key word. Their whole body is growing and developing, not just their minds or their fingers or hands or any individual part.
In a “perfect world”, one with no limitations on time, money, or parental attention, it would be wonderful if a child could have both, a age-appropriate music & movement class and a one-on-one age-appropriate instrumental experience. Since this world does not exist, a parent must make the best choice with what is available.

 

          Ninety-nine percent of children will thrive and bloom most in a group class setting. Children should be learning with their entire bodies, i.e., they need to move and yes, they do need to also learn to be still (little bits at a time). Children need to have FUN with other children learning together.

          A musical beginning will endure and flourish into a meaningful life if the love of music is planted deep and wide in a very solid base. This strong beginning that is both fun and thorough will survive the growing pains of adolesence with the student still actively participating in instrumental study. Experience and research has established that young children do best starting with a broad music and movement class, learning the basics with other children. As the child matures, so does the program of study rather shaped like a pyramid. One can take private instrumental lessons from ages 10-99, but the fun in learning with other children can only happen in the
first 10 years.

          We do offer private cello, piano, violin and viola lessons. Please contact The Center for Music at: thecenterformusic@comcast.net for more information.