Are you ready for music lessons?

You will find three different lists below for adults (age 18 and above), parents, and younger students (under the age of 18).   I value dedicated students as much as you value an excellent instructor.  I have provided a checklist for your own self assessment.  If you can check most of the statements (around 75% of them) then you (or your child) are ready for music lessons.

ADULTS:

• I have a good quality (guitar, drum, bass) that I can practice on regularly.
• I can commit to at least three lessons a month.
• I can practice at least 2-3 hours a week.
• I am confident that my desire to learn is a source of motivation.
• I am sometimes referred to as a perfectionist, and will not quit until I achieve my goals.
• I thrive on taking on new challenges.
• I understand that while playing music is enjoyable, I need to practice to improve my skills.
• I will get my instruments maintained, tuned, and repaired when advised to do so.
• I understand that learning to play both by ear and by notation are important.
• I understand that music theory is important.
• I am ready to take direction from a good and knowledgable teacher.

PARENTS:

• If my child is under the age of seven, I will help monitor practice.
• I believe that weekly lessons are essential for students to make the best progress.
• If my child is under the age of seventeen, I will be an active parent and participate in upcoming student concerts.
• I will provide a good quality practice instrument for the student to learn on.
• I am prepared to pay for additional expenses besides lesson fees, such as music, exam, audition, and accompanist fees, especially as my child advances in skill.
• I will have the student on an instrument that is suited to their level of playing (check my gear page for more information)
• I will get my child’s instruments maintained, tuned, and repaired when advised to do so.
• I will be on time when dropping off/picking up my child to/from lessons.
• I understand that my involvement can have a positive effect with lessons.
• Should special circumstances arise (i.e. the child does not wish to practice), I will communicate the situation with the teacher.
• I am prepared to be committed to lessons for the long term. (at least two years if the student is a beginner)
• I value excellence in music teaching.
• I understand that it is important to respect teachers studio policies.
• I understand that it is important to pay lesson fees on time.
• I understand the importance of a respectable lesson fee, because I understand that music teachers not only have to pay for the basic expenses like everyone else, they also need to pay for materials to enhance their studios in terms of professional development and equipment
• I understand that after the beginning stages (within the first 6 months to a year for most students) pieces may be worked on for several weeks, especially at the intermediate and advanced levels.
• I can commit to at least 4 lessons a month, once a week, and more if necessary, especially when students are preparing for important events such as exams and auditions.
• I understand the importance of occasional performance evaluations.
• I will disclose any exceptionalities that the student has (eg: learning disability, ADD, autism, giftedness.) that can affect student’s progress. (I do take on such students, students with learning challenges are a specialty.)
• I will trust the teacher’s judgement in things such as terms of choosing suitable music for the student’s level of playing and recommended equipment.
• I care about finding a good and knowledgeable teacher, and will pay their fees, even if it means sacrificing other things to pay for lessons or, if necessary, work for the teacher for at least part of the lesson fee.
• I believe in a comprehensive musical education, that includes not only instruction on an instrument, but also ear training, music theory, composition, sight-reading and other important skills to develop into a good musician.

YOUNGER STUDENTS:

• I understand that I will need to practice effectively all parts of the assignment at least five days a week.
• I understand that it is my responsibility to practice, and my parents are not obligated to remind me to practice.
• It is important that I understand that I should be prepared for all upcoming competitions, exams, and student concerts performing my pieces to the best of my ability.
• Although other activities are important in my life, I am ready to balance them along with my music lessons.
• I like demonstrating new skills I have learned.
• I will bring all my books to each lesson.
• I like the sound of music and playing an instrument intrigues me.
• I am ready to take direction from a good and knowledgable teacher.

Related posts

• Choosing a Guitar Teacher (0)