Music Lessons

 

 

But I Don’t Have Any Talent!

 

Many of us say this about ourselves or our loved ones, but it is a terrible myth! As a music teacher with nearly twenty-five years of experience with hundreds of students, I am pleased to report that I have not encountered a single person who is a complete musical dud. Everyone who wants to can learn music, even if they begin lessons before they can feel the beat or if they can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Don’t worry – you will!

 

 

 

Think of it this way: you have likely already learned three of the most challenging skills known to humankind. We don’t say that only certain children have an aptitude for walking, talking or reading. For the most part, we simply expect them to keep working hard at these tremendously challenging (but immensely rewarding) tasks. Music is available for all of us to learn.

 

 

 

No one will tell you that learning to play music is easy, because it is not. It takes just as much effort and support as learning to read or speak a language, and just as much getting up and trying again as learning to walk.  But anyone can do it if they are encouraged to keep at it over time, and the pleasure gained from it is immeasurable.

 

 

Sure, having natural ability helps, but raw talent is a small part of the equation for learning something new. More important by far is determination, that stick-to-it-ivness that keeps a person trying hard to do something they know matters.

 

 

 

And music matters.

 

Jen

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, Your Child is Taking Music Lessons!

 

 

 

Music is shared joy. It touches the heart and awakens the soul. But, learning an instrument is also a discipline that requires enormous effort. Music students learn more than just how to play, they also expand their capacity for self-discipline, emotional expression, and persistence.

 

How can parents help?

 

All children who grow up to be musicians (from professionals to those who can whip out the guitar at the campfire) have had family members who encouraged and supported them through their learning. They need your time and attention to be successful.

 

• Listen to them practice whenever you can. Comment on what you notice.

 

• Make sure your child has a suitable space for practicing. My parents kept our piano under the stairs in a windowless room when I was a kid, and while it was quiet, it was also really dungeon-like! A good rule of thumb is that a screen shouldn’t be on in the same room.

 

• Make sure they have a reasonable instrument. It doesn’t need to be top of the line, but it shouldn’t make the learning harder. There is nothing worse than learning to play on a terrible instrument.

 

• If your child is very young (under 9), sit with them while they practice, or enlist a teenage sibling or other grown up (lonely neighbour, enthusiastic grandparent, visiting auntie, etc.) to help. Most children love having a special time with their parent or family member. Make it fun.

 

• Attend lessons with your child if you like, particularly if they are very young.

 

• Check out their assignment book to see what they are up to.

 

• Remind them to keep going when it gets tough. Help them see how they are improving over time.

 

• Ask them what their favourite part of a song is and why.

 

• Encourage a habit of practicing daily for older students (with one day off). For the very young, practicing most days is sufficient.

 

• Ask your child about their goals for a particular song this week.

 

• Encourage your child to play about on their instrument in addition to working on their assignments. Improvising, writing music, and just plain fiddling are exactly what Mozart spent his childhood doing.

 

• Listen to music together. See live music. Sing and dance (especially if you think you can’t).

 

• Encourage your child to share their work with friends and family when they are comfortable.

 

• The support of parents grows great musicians a little each day, with lots of love and patience. Your child will appreciate your connection to their passion as they undertake their musical journey.

 

 

 

FAQ

 

 How much do you charge?

 

All lessons are $25 for a half hour.

 

Where are you located?

 

Lessons take place in my home studio (Near Courtenay Elementary School)

 

What open times do you have?

 

Please contact me or click here

 

Can I sit in on my child’s lesson?

 

With the ever changing climate in today's world events please contact me for current status

 

How can I help my child practice?

 

See So Your Child is Taking Music Lessons

 

What if I need to miss a lesson or my schedule changes?

 

You can start or stop at any time without penalty

There is no charge for a missed lesson if you let me know 24 hours in advance.

Schedule changes can usually be accommodated.

 

Do you do drop-in lessons?

 

Yes, if availability allows.