Finding affordable music lessons
TIPS: A few things to know about locating a teacher, costs for time and supplies
NEW YORK — Andolina Collado didn’t know where to start when her young daughter asked for violin lessons. She asked everyone she saw carrying an instrument in her neighbourhood if they knew of affordable lessons. Finally, one man pointed her to a church where Whin Music Project offers sliding-scale tuition based on income.
Her daughter, Anmy, thrived in violin and soon wanted to learn piano. Whin teachers pointed her to the MusicLink Foundation, which pairs motivated students from low-income families with music teachers willing to give lessons at a discount. At age eight, Anmy wrote to MusicLink to ask if somebody who spoke Spanish could contact her mother. Julie Wegener, coordinator for MusicLink, decided on the spot to teach Anmy herself.
Collado isn’t the only parent who has watched instrument-toting strangers and wondered how to enter that world. Private lessons are beyond the reach of many families and even music programs at public schools can come at a price. Students in elementary, middle and high school can expect to pay at least $300 in instrument rental or related costs, according to the Backpack Index, an annual study of the cost of school supplies and fees.
Before plunging into music lessons, it helps to explore the landscape.
Have realistic expectations
Your child’s first piano class could be the first step to a scholarship at a prestigious music school or the start of a lifelong hobby. Ask yourself if you’re OK with either possibility because chances are the going will get tough after the novelty wears off.
Go in for the long-haul. Anthony Mazzochhi, associate director of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, suggests giving it a go for two years or so before contemplating quitting. He suggests prioritizing daily practice like math homework.
Involve the child in your decision
Don’t just drop an unsuspecting six-year-old in piano lessons. Let your child explore different instruments first. Try the library or local park for free concerts and sing-alongs. Mazzochhi, who runs the website musicparentsguide.com, suggests watching YouTube videos of master performances. He advises searching for music stores that offer “petting sessions” for children to hold and try out instruments.
Find a good teacher
A good place to start is to seek out a national music teacher organization, which offers a “Find-A-Teacher” search function and tips on what to look for, says Sue Wege, director of co-ordinators for MusicLink. (In Canada, search for the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations, cfmta.org, or any of its provincial counterparts; in the U.S., look for the Music Teacher National Association, mtna.org)
Try to get a trial lesson and interview. Sites such as MTNA usually offer a list of questions to ask.
Look for teachers who are plugged into the music scene and can provide fun opportunities for children.
Rent or buy, used or new?
There are pitfalls when it comes buying used or cheap instruments. A good rule of thumb is to consult with your child’s music teacher before turning to the likes of Craigslist or Kijiji.
Saxophone player George Shelby, a Los Angeles musician who had recently toured with Phil Collins and created the Yamaha-sponsored website musicalinstrumentchoices.com, recommends sticking with reputable music stores for rentals and used instruments. It is possible to find quality instruments on sites like eBay but Shelby urges buyers to bring a technician to check it out. Many dealers also offer rent-to-buy options. Let your child know he gets to keep the instrument if he practices every day.
Research, reach out, speak up
On the fence about private lessons? There’s no rush. Find out how good your school’s program is by contacting your local school, college or university. It might be enough to supplement that program with lessons every other week. Group lessons are also a more affordable option, or seeking a graduate student who teaches at a discount.
Plan for the costs
Music is one of the three areas — along with sports and field trips — where low-income students get left out, according to Dale Erquiaga, president and CEO of Communities in Schools. He urges low-income families to ask school officials about fee waivers or seek out a community coordinator for help. Reach out to parents of older children about hand-me-downs, unexpected costs and money-saving tips.