As manufacturers of trumpets, trombones, cornets and pBuzzes, we get a fair few questions about music lessons, how do you decide what to play, where do you find a teacher, and what does it cost?
As a team of musicians and parents, we have shared our thoughts on some of the frequently asked questions...
Q: How much do private music lessons cost?
Hourly rates vary from £15-£150+. However, most lie within the £20-40 range.
Q: How do you find a music teacher?
There are many ways to find a teacher including having lessons at school or through your local music hub. Alternatively, you can search for local private music teachers online.
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Q: Is it time-consuming to have music lessons?
The lessons themselves, initially should be 30-45 minutes but the pupil needs to do regular practice, even 10 minutes a day is fine to begin with.
Q: When is the best time for a child to start music lessons?
As early as is practical for the instrument, this does vary though, so speak to a teacher. Like any subject, it’s good to do some preparation… listening to and preferably attending some concerts and demonstrations of various instruments. Always allow the child to show a personal preference for an instrument. Also, we don’t always choose the right instrument for ourselves first go, so be flexible.
Q: Should parents make their kids take music lessons?
Looking at the evidential benefits for a child’s social, educational and mental health development…YES!
Q: Can you learn to play an instrument without taking music lessons?
It is of course possible…Les Paul had no electric guitar lessons: because he invented the instrument! There are more and more resources and lessons online, however, the vast majority of people will progress more quickly and securely under the guidance of a good teacher.
Q: Why do people take music lessons for so long?
There’s so much to learn! Also, the relationship a pupil builds with their music teacher, over a period of time, becomes in itself a valuable part of social learning and a real, broad resource in that child’s life.
Q: When should I stop my kids' music lessons?
If your child is totally disengaged from the activity for a period of time, say six weeks, then we are probably doing more harm than good! It may not be a broad activity though: you could try changing instruments, groups or teachers. Remember that playing an instrument is a team activity so joining a group or band is vital…you wouldn’t practice football skills for years and years before playing a game!
Classroom music is part of the national curriculum in the UK and should be taught, in school at least at KS1 & 2. When looking at instrumental music lessons, if one considers the hours of practice and years of college study that go into becoming an instrumental music teacher, rates are not that high and purchasing or renting a musical instrument is better value for money now than ever before. However, all families need to prioritise both the time and money they invest in activities for their children and despite the proven benefit of learning an instrument for general educational development instrumental music lessons are a big investment.
It is possible to learn an instrument in a small group setting of three or four, which can be more fun and of course reduces the cost of lessons, so getting together with some like-minded parents or discussing group lessons with the teacher could really help. At the end of the day, it’s rare to meet an adult who regrets learning an instrument as a child and the life-long opportunity for a deeply rewarding hobby is a fantastic gift for a parent to give to their child.
Read more...
Read how pBone has revolutionised music lessons in a school here...
Read more about instrumental lessons on our music lessons page here...
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