Music Matters - What's the Deal with Private Lessons?

By Lori Supinie
President Senseney Music, Inc.

If you can for a moment, picture your child’s band or orchestra room at school. Say the room is full of 25 beginners, all on five or more different instruments. The instruments are alike in some ways, but different in many more. They’re put together differently and sound is produced differently. A note on flute music is different from the same-pitched note on a trumpet because of how the instruments are tuned. Some instruments read treble clef, some bass clef, and violas read in alto clef! All of these variables and there is one teacher at the front of the room teaching all of it. Kids are amazingly resourceful and the teachers are trained on all of the different instruments, but you can imagine how difficult it is for students to progress on an instrument when there is one teacher and only so much time during school. This is where private lessons come into play.

We know kids learn in the environment described above and they can attain a certain level of proficiency, given they play more than just a couple of years. They can, however, experience more success, and do it quicker with private instruction. In addition, since there are very few school music piano and guitar programs, private lessons are the way to become proficient at these instruments. There are many resources for finding a private teacher. School music teachers are usually tuned in to the private teaching community and can make recommendations. Some school music teachers will supplement their income by teaching privately, as well. College and university students often teach oncampus and off. Music stores, like Senseney Music, maintain teaching studios during store hours. Some private teachers will come to your home, but most will teach in their home or another facility.

Most lessons are a half-hour, once a week at a set, scheduled time. Lesson fees can vary, but in Wichita the rates are generally $15-$25 per half hour. Professional teachers (those who make their living teaching students) should and do charge more, but they are often very proficient players who have performance degrees in their instrument and will have the training and experience to best help your student succeed. Private instruction can be rewarding for your child. They will be exposed to literature and techniques specifically for their instrument. Good practice and playing habits will be learned and reinforced every week. Recitals are often part of a private teacher’s studio so students become comfortable performing in front of others. Most kids find it a source of pride to successfully master a piece of music. Finally, lessons are not just for the naturally talented kids; they’re for all students who want to play better and enjoy music more!