Why private lessons?

If you play an instrument, you have the opportunity to take lessons, one-on-one, with a professional instructor in what are known as private lessons. Many people take them, myself included. For those of you who are just starting to learn an instrument, or have been playing without private instruction, listen up: private lessons are money worth spending.

To start, the person who is teaching you is a professional. In order to have a sucessful private studio, they need to gain recongition via word of mouth- something that is only possible if they have successfully taught another student. Many of them went to college for performance in their instrument, and some even have teaching degrees. Nevertheless, all private instructors have been playing their instrument for longer than some of you have been alive.

What might turn some individuals away from private lessons is that the idea of going by yourself to another person's house that you barely know seems daunting. Well, to tell you the truth, it does feel a bit intrusive, especially if the instructor has children- and especially if you know the kids from school. But, they are used to it. And, you being there and taking lessons is providing the family with extra cash. So, even though it may seem weird to barge into somebody else's home and play an instrument, its not.

Besides, the benefits of private lessons are many. You get time to spend on your own personal needs and shape the lesson to fit you, whereas in school lessons or group lessons, you have to work at the pace of the group. With private lessons, you move at your pace and work on smaller problems that perhaps only you have. There is a lot more freedom to move at a faster pace and the resources to do so.

Also, when you take private lessons, 9 times out of 10, that teacher and you will form a bond- a bond of not only student teacher and respect, but of friendship. You gain a mentor, friend, and trusted adult when you take private lessons.

Therefore, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to lessons, so I hope you will give it a shot or continue taking them.