Music Lessons – which teaching model would suit me (or my child) best?
Updated: Aug 15, 2022
If you are thinking about taking music lessons or if you are considering that your child should receive music lessons, it is likely that you will encounter a wide variety of different approaches. But what do these concepts entail and which one is suitable for which age group? This article is meant to provide you with an overview of the available concepts, enabling you to make a well-informed decision.
Public Music Schools
Here, students receive music lessons that take place in a professional environment. These classes mainly focus on children and teenagers, and each lesson is tailored to this target group. Even the scheduling of classes indicates as much, seeing as most lessons take place in the afternoons, when school is already over. In any case, the entire teaching staff is trained to a high standard since it is usually necessary to have a degree in order to become a music teacher at a public music school. Upon entering the music school, the students' focus is directed solely towards the music lessons. No distractions will occur, considering that the infrastructure is professionally organized at all times. All lessons take place at set times, which ensures that they can be planned reliably. Group lessons also promote social behavior, because children and adolescents have to adapt to each other to achieve positive results. Public funds subsidize the cost of lessons, facilitating the decision of many people in favor of a public music school.
While there are many advantages in going to a public music school, there are also certain disadvantages. On one hand, there's not much room for individual requests. Thus, the students have little say regarding which pieces of music they will learn. Occasionally, a small selection is prepared, and the students are allowed to choose from this. During school vacations, no classes are held. Most parents are happy about this during the summer break. However, they would prefer classes to take place throughout the school holidays in spring and fall. Furthermore, it is important to note the deadlines regarding registration and withdrawal from the school. Usually, the registration deadline for public music schools occurs at the end of May and at the end of November.
Apart from that, all children are dependent on other students. Especially ambitious children may find this disturbing, because if another child has either not practiced, is constantly late, behaves badly during class, or disturbs the other students, their progress in class may be hindered. And while the relatively strict course schedules provide a certain degree of planning security, they also allow little room for flexibility. In addition, it can be difficult to get a place in a course, especially when it comes to popular instruments such as the guitar or the piano, requiring a great deal of prior effort on the part of those who want to attend. The students are ranked according to their current skills, and some may end up on a waiting list, causing frustration among the children and adolescents.
Private Music Lessons
When it comes to learning with a private teacher, it is often possible to develop a very personal relationship, provided the teacher and the student feel comfortable with each other. This depends strongly on the personality of the teacher and the students as well as their willingness to commit themselves to the lessons. Classes can be tailored to individual needs, and the teacher will most likely accommodate individual requests within reason. The lessons are either held at the student's home, the teacher's home or their studio. In this case, one party does not have to travel for class. In terms of time, the lessons can be planned and conducted in a very flexible manner. Moreover, it is relatively easy to arrange lessons and those who can afford it will usually be able to find a suitable teacher.
For instance, the financial aspect cannot be neglected, given that the hourly rate is significantly higher than that of a public music school. Also, the absence of a professional infrastructure can result in slackness which is particularly common among young students. Due to the fact that there is no fixed curriculum, the teacher doesn't have many arguments as to why it is necessary to practice. Under these circumstances, the teacher might not always have the required qualification, because in some cases BA students of music (or even people without any education) offer lessons despite not having a pedagogical or musical education. Although this can reap good results, it is not guaranteed.
Private Music Schools
They combine private lessons and classes at a music school – a privately run music school increases the possibility of getting a spot. Here, students can attend private lessons as well as group lessons. Another advantage lies in the professional environment, which conveys a sense of learning to the students. Moreover, classes are held at a fixed location. Nevertheless, fees are usually higher than at a public music school but can be lower than for private music lessons. Comparing both options is definitely a good idea. In addition, both sides feel a certain obligation, which is very beneficial for the musical process. Everyone knows when and where to meet, allowing them to fully concentrate on the music.
Music Platforms for Private Lessons
Recently and in line with the general digitalization of various aspects of life, we have seen the emergence of music platforms such as ours. Their great advantage is the wide range of services. After all, music platforms connect students and teachers. Here, even more unconventional styles can be offered, which would otherwise be difficult to find. Besides classical elements, one can also find instruments and styles that are not well known yet. Matchspace Music features qualified teachers, professional musicians, and verified musical talents in its portfolio, with whom you can take lessons.
In all cases, one of our existing teachers will conduct the verification. The lessons can be held at a time and place that is convenient for you. Furthermore, you are free to define your own individual curriculum. The duration of the lessons varies between 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes. That gives you the flexibility to fit the lessons into your schedule. Upon agreement, the lessons can even be held online. If you have questions regarding the teachers and their courses, you can contact them. You can also get in touch with us. Our contact details can be found on our website.
The majority of tutors teach in their own studios. This provides students with a consistent and professional environment during their music lessons. When looking for a suitable music platform, you can check, for instance, if you have a contract for the provision of services and what happens in case your lesson is cancelled. Will you get a refund? How can you contact the platform? And how easy is it to ask a teacher for advice? Most importantly, be aware of the platform's focus. The more specific it is – in this case with regard to music – the better.
One-to-one Lessons
No matter if you attend a public music school or have a private teacher – during one-to-one lessons you will receive support tailored to your individual needs. Your teacher can focus entirely on you and get involved. Due to being closely observed, mistakes can be immediately detected and corrected. As a result, you can achieve rapid improvements, which is particularly important for ambitious students. By practicing on their own during the week, they can speed up their progress immensely. After all, what they have already learned only needs to be presented in class before the lesson can continue. One-to-one lessons are especially beneficial for students who feel overwhelmed in groups – no matter the reason –, seeing as the teacher is able to focus on their individual needs. However, the costs for one-to-one lessons are usually higher, which is something one has to be able to afford. Furthermore, playing in an ensemble is not developed as much. At most, the student is joined by the teacher, which then results in a duet. Actual music-making in a group is not promoted in this setting though.
Group Lessons
No matter if you go to a public or a private music school, group lessons are always less expensive, and the price decreases the larger the group of students. Social behavior is strongly encouraged, since any progress depends on the abilities of the weakest member within the group. Thus, communication is key. In addition, students are taught a certain level of teamwork. Unfortunately, if you end up in a group that is not suitable for you, you can quickly lose joy. In some cases, you might have waited for a spot in a group, only to find that you'd like to switch to another one right away.
Do I have to get my own instrument right away?
If you are excited about the instrument you have chosen, you will want to have one of your own. In the beginning, however, it is enough to rent an instrument. Sometimes there are good offers, some of which will credit you for the rent you have paid upon purchasing the instrument. Therefore, you are able to try out the instrument without having to immediately make a decision. Here, each teacher can provide suggestions to help you find the right offer for you.
Why should I learn an instrument?
It doesn't matter whether you take lessons at a public or private music school, with a personal teacher, or through a music platform, nor if you learn one-on-one or in a group – music can open up an entirely new world for you. It teaches you how to express yourself in a different way. Furthermore, music can actually benefit your health which is why some health insurance companies are starting to provide financial aid to pay for music lessons. In any way, by learning to play an instrument, you are guaranteed to do something for your soul.
You can immerse yourself in the music while your mind remains active. You constantly keep learning new techniques which increases your agility. Children in particular have been observed to develop their motor skills, hearing and even their speech when they receive music lessons. After all, rhythm as well as melody are crucial factors in music. During the pandemic the importance of music really came to the fore for many people, seeing as it could provide actual relaxation.
Am I too old to learn to play an instrument?
Sadly, to this day, the rumor persists that after reaching a certain age, one can no longer learn anything new. However, our teachers tell completely different stories. After all, learning an instrument keeps your mind active, which can only benefit you. As an adult, you already know much better what you want, making it easy for you to find your own personal style. In case you are not quite certain how to proceed, we recommend that you contact us today.
