Step 5: Enroll in Private Lessons
Any band or orchestra director will tell you that students who enroll in private lessons and stick with them get a better foundation in music and their instrument and continue to excel in music throughout elementary, middle and high school.
There are numerous benefits to private lessons:
~Your student gets 30 minutes of one-on-one time with someone who specializes in that instrument (assuring that your student is learning good technique and music fundamentals).
~Your student will have the opportunity to gain musical experience outside of school orchestra or band.
~Most private teachers have recitals in which their students will play a solo or in a small ensemble. Students in school band or orchestra do not get the opportunity to do this until high school.
~Private teachers can help if a student gets behind in school band or orchestra, or they can supplement if the student gets ahead.
~Students in private lessons get help with practicing for tests.
~Private Lessons help students learn sooner to conquer the fear of playing in front of others.
At R.E.W., we think private lessons are so important that our staff and teachers have created the Lesson Special for the first time leasor. When you lease an instrument from R.E.W. and buy two lessons, you receive two more FREE.
Many parents don't sign up for private lessons because they say their child is receiving lessons at school. But the truth is, in beginning orchestras and bands usually meet for only 30 minutes a day, twice a week. That's 60 minutes, but take into consideration that there can be up to 50 students in the ensemble and only one director, leaving very little opportunity for individual time between your student and the director. Private lessons will guarantee your student will ahve weekly focused individual time with an instructor.
You've made it through steps 1-5. Congratulations on giving your student a great start! Wondering what is ahead for your student? Check out steps 6-8