Consistency and Learning

                                 

Continuity in any task or talent that we wish to master is key.     Just as only touching the instrument once a week will not bring on progression, nor will sporadic instruction.   Studies have been done that show that in order to master a skill it can take up to 10,000 HOURS to be an expert.  Compare this idea to sports practices and games. 

Beginners especially can learn bad habits, practice an assignment incorrectly and then have to unlearn it.   Questions will arise that may then be forgotten.  Posture, hand position, manipulation of instrument, bowing techniques, breath control, pitch reading and rhythm are all ideas that can be misinterpreted.  

It is also important to remember that progression and retention come with time.    To have a beginning student only see an educator on a specialized instrument or subject twice a month is a recipe (or rhythm) to disaster.   

In the same frame of mind, hopping from one instrument to another every few months is not learning.  A good educator will ask for a minimum of 4 months before it can truly be determined if your child has taken to the instrument.   

Here at Keys and Strings we truly have your potential musicians best interests in mind.   We will tell you at your assessment if they aren't ready.   We will tell you if we feel that their instrument of want is not the right choice right now.   And we will not just take your money by giving your beginner a once in a while lesson.    We will not compromise your musicians potential, and hope that families will appreciate our honesty and concern.

We do understand that sometimes finances are a factor.  We feel that we are competitively priced, keeping in mind our educators experience and education.  You are paying for your educators knowledge, expertise and time. 

Perhaps if your potential musician is so overbooked with activities adding one more part time activity isn't the best choice.   Choose one or two activities and do them very well.    Even if that choice isn't music.