Developing your unique skillset
Every child learns at a different pace just as with any subject. Because of the many aspects of performing an instrument, children will progress differently. High school band, for example, there are many subtleties to embouchure formation, and if a student doesn’t get help from a private instructor, the wrong embouchure could become a roadblock to other facets of playing (such as note range) in the near future. This will lead to less frustration as the student is able to grow their skills knowing they have obtained the right information. Improving their confidence.
Not to mention that with a private instructor, a child learns more quickly the fundamentals of playing. Most group music classes build a solid foundation. This is very important but private lessons will offer a chance to fine-tune certain skills as they can keep learning, playing and succeeding without the roadblocks that other students might face.
Bring it back
Sometimes we get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and after working on a hobby or skill for a while with no new challenges it can be put on the back burner. Especially for children who need not only structure but obstacles to overcome. When a routine becomes too repetitive we get sluggish in wanting to do it.
It is easier to stay motivated with the help of a private instructor. This is especially true for students coming out of the beginner stages of playing. Those that are not sure what the next step in the journey should be. Which to a music student, not knowing what to do next can be frustrating as they started playing with the intention of gaining impeccable skills.
Fortunately, a private instructor will be able to offer their knowledge and experience of different music literature and styles. Sometimes all a student needs in order to remain stimulated is someone to report to on a regular basis. Like when they have homework in any other class. It teaches them a sense of responsibility as they are expected to have practiced on their own before the private lesson.
Another way private lessons help in regaining the focus of young musicians is minimizing the distractions. While true that high school band practice would offer similar benefits. A giant group practice can quickly become a gathering of a friend to have fun rather than focus on the point of improving their skills. So, the quiet of a one on one lesson helps to return the attention back to its intended purpose.
Music Theory
Some parents who transition their child from group lessons to private music lessons notice that their child’s new teacher spends more time on specialized items such as music theory. Rather than repeating the skills learned in high school band practice. A private instructor will help to increase the knowledge of more intricate categories of music. Whether that be learning how chords work together, get better at sight-reading and, once they become more advanced at their instrument, they may even have the chance to compose music. Which is a skill that is rarely taught by large group classes?
Now just because your child is enrolled in private music lessons doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy a group. It is important to clarify that a private lesson is not something that should be limiting or confining in any way. If anything, private lessons will open more doors as it helps to climb on the level of skills that the child has obtained.
Academic Benefits
What many of us do not realize is that music and math are highly intertwined. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, children are learning how to divide, create fractions, and recognize patterns. It has been researched and proven that music wires a child’s brain to help them better understand other areas of math. As kids get older, they’ll start reciting songs, calling on their short-term memory and eventually their long-term memory.
Further on that point would be the fact that research has suggested that the link may be driven by high-level cognitive-processing skills that are necessary for both subjects, such as executive functions, which allow individuals to adjust to changing task demands. Allowing for an easier grasp of multitasking and keeping a sharper mind.
For example, playing a musical instrument recruits these functions through, constantly adjusting motor movements to changing tempos and key signatures.
So, having both private and group lessons will help even more to constantly fine-tune those skills as your brain switches between the material and lessons of the group and private.
If you have felt the soul-touching motivation of this article, please visit us at Omaha School of Music and Dance and let these benefits help you to become the musician you are capable of!
