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Is my FAMILY ready for private piano, violin or other instrument lessons?



I am asked this question at least twice a week, sometimes more! It's actually a very easy question to answer.....The answer is, every child is different.


Parents need to ask themselves, is my child requesting to learn this instrument, or do I think they should do it?  Wanting to learn an instrument is a big part on the readiness radar.

We certainly don't expect our students to sit or stand like statues for 30 minutes, but can they do so for 10 minutes at a time?

Good listening skills.  We build on listening skills in lessons, but we need our students to be prepared to listen and follow direction.  When at home and you ask your child to 'get your shoes on' or 'go brush your teeth' do they HEAR and LISTEN?

Music readiness is also a team effort.  Not only does the teacher need to be prepared but so does the musician AND his parents.     Everyone needs reminders now and again.  Young children will need to be nudged to go make music at home.  Even enthusiastic musicians!  Sometimes even educators need a nudge.  

Think about the team at your work.  Some people are procrastinators and some are encouragers.  Both are part of the team.  It's ok to be on either side.

Simple concept understanding.  The sharing of an apple with a friend.  With 3 friends.  The alphabet. These are all important steps to being ready to start music.

Is the household ready for private study?  A good location for making music.  A minimum 61 key digital piano with touch sensitive or weighted keys.  A place for a music and violin/instrument stand.  A family understanding that not all practice is going to sound perfect the first try (or second, third, etc)

I recommend that families make a minimum of a 4 month commitment before they throw in the towel.   There is a lot going on in private instrument study.  Relationship building between the teacher and student.  Gross motor (posture, sitting, standing) find motor (handling of instrument) reading skills, cognitive reasoning skills (problem solving....how do I figure out what that note is?)

If all of these things sound good to you and your musician that why not schedule a free assessment to confirm that it's time to start?  We will give your musician a few simple tasks to perform and we will give our honest opinion on their readiness.  We will never start a musician if we don't feel they are ready.  Music should be Marvelous, not Tedious.  Call us today to schedule that FREE assessment at 203.265.1500  


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