Get the most out of music lessons
Taking music lessons can be one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Not only will the skills remain for your entire life, but music itself is communal and draws people together. Anyone who can play an instrument, sing, or read music will always have a way to connect with others, and rarely be alone.
When it comes to taking music lessons, the best way to learn is by finding a good teacher. However, that can be hard and on its own, might not be enough. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your music lessons, and reap all the benefits they offer.
For starters, the most important key to success is finding a qualified teacher who understands music and will take the time to get to know his or her students. This includes listening to the students’ goals, and coming up with a plan that will help them reach their potential. Of course, a qualified teacher should also be proficient in their chosen musical discipline, as well as have experience and training in the art of teaching music.
Since this is such an important step, Lynn Ewing, president of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association (SRMTA), recommends parents or students set up an interview with a prospective teacher. “Having a conversation is a great way to determine if your goals align, discuss expectations, and find out if you are comfortable with each other.”
Of course, regardless of who the teacher is, a student needs to practice if they want to get better. While it can be hard to get motivated at the start, taking the time to develop good practicing habits can make all the difference down the road. “Students who practice regularly generally progress well and succeed in reaching their goals as success generates more and more enthusiasm and culminates in even greater success. Simply put: students grow to love what they are good at!” says Ewing.
The benefits of taking music also extend beyond proficiency in a given discipline. Research has shown that learning an instrument stimulates the brain in a variety of ways, enabling us to be better learners and feel happier. Music also provides a way to express ourselves and connect with other people, which in turn leads to more joy. Finally, those who take lessons become more knowledgeable about music in general, and appreciative of other genres.
To help every student reach their potential, the SRMTA has been working to promote a high standard of teaching in the province through a variety of means. Whether it is running workshops, master classes, or conferences the goal is always to assist members by providing highquality, progressive, and engaging professional development. “We want to encourage our member teachers to prepare systematically, and strive to achieve a high standard of musicianship,” says Ewing.
That support can make a huge difference for students, as they can gain access to a variety of recitals and competitions through member teachers. This includes provincial level competitions such as the Jean Mcculloch Junior Competition, all the way to larger Young Artist Competitions and the SRMTA/ CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associate) National Piano/voice Competition. Additionally, teachers within the SRMTA network have easy access to their colleagues, and can lean on other professionals for support and advice. As a result, students will benefit from the expertise of not just their own teacher, but the wider community too.
In the end, the goal of music lessons should be to master an instrument so that the student is able to express themselves through performance and by creating a repertoire. “Overall, students should acquire a general knowledge of theory and practical skills,” says Ewing. “But most importantly, they should walk away with a deep love of music.”