There are many things to consider when deciding on hiring a private music teacher. Obviously, every student wants lessons they can afford, but the value received for the money spent is the more important consideration. Most experienced private music teachers garner great results from their students. And as a general rule, the more experienced the teacher, the better the student. But a young music teacher, fresh out of school, should receive careful consideration as well.
Also very important is the relationship between teacher and student. It’s been proved time and again that a student who doesn’t like his or her teacher often does poorly and may eventually loses interest. Every student has a different, distinct personality and they differ in the way they learn. Some students respond very well to a disciplined, regimented approach to learning music while others thrive in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Compared to a class setting, private music lessons have an advantage in that the student receives constant, one-on-one attention. A course of study can be developed with the individual student in mind and this leads to personalized instruction. The student can ask specific questions and be answered immediately by a teacher who is focused specifically on their needs.
Every private teacher will have their own approach to teaching music based on their experience with various methods of instruction. But unlike a group instructor who follows a particular curriculum, private teachers can vary their methods to suit a particular student. For example, if a violin student is more interested in improvisation than written music, a private teacher can help the student explore that area and provide opportunities for the student to improvise simple melodies.
There are some advantages, however, of learning music in a group setting (e.g., schools and workshops). Students in a group environment have the opportunity to learn from others and develop a sense of camaraderie with other musicians. Most schools give their students ample opportunities to perform as part of an ensemble, orchestra, band, or other group and learning to perform with others is an invaluable skill. However, a good private music teacher may also give their students the chance to play with others by facilitating group performances consisting of three or four other students under their direction.
There are certain students that need individual attention, no matter how good the school or how effective the atmosphere for learning. Some learn best attending a daily class then practicing on their own, while others need someone at their side to guide them, particularly in the early stages of learning.
Another consideration is a private music teacher may be more able to accommodate a student’s schedule including lessons after school or on weekends.
Finally, there are some students who choose to learn in a group setting (school) while also working with a private instructor. Such students tend to learn more quickly then their peers and become more well-rounded and experienced players.
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