Let's Talk Honestly About Lessons!

Music Lessons are one of the best investments you'll ever make for your child, and a gift that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment.  And, don't even get us started on the benefits to the brain, coordination, organization, and self-confidence!  We are always so happy to hear that parents recognize all this and value music as part of their children's education. 
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​We want their success as much as you do!

​​"I'm looking for private piano lessons for my child".

Of course, parents are seeking the best lesson situation -- on that provides enjoyment, rewards, and results.  It is natural to assume that the correct vehicle for their child's success and musical happiness is a one-on-one private lesson (or perhaps that private instruction is the only option available). 

Here’s a little marketing honesty and insight: selling a parent on private lessons is easy...because traditional one-on-one lessons have been trumpeted as the gold standard since the days of Bach.  It’s a package that comes pre-labeled with a 400-year-old stamp of approval simply because “that’s just the way it’s done”.  The undivided attention of the master teacher is obviously the best way to ensure your child has a quality and successful musical journey, right?  THINK AGAIN.

When considering lessons, ask yourself how you want to invest your time, effort, and money... 

For your child to learn dependency on someone to play or show them how to play every song in their lesson book?
For your child to play the same song week after week with little or no improvement?
For your child to struggle with a new song, tediously learning the notes one-by-one, and the rhythm by ear?
For your child to never fluently read or play music?
To have to threaten, bribe, make a deal with your child to continue lessons?
For your child to spend the first 10 minutes of a 30-minute session explaining to the teacher why nothing has been practiced/prepared? And, the teacher desperately trying to fill the remaining 20 minutes with something that might inspire or motivate the student to keep going (and the student playing nothing…just sitting there, enjoying the lack of pressure)?
For your own frustration, having to nag your child to practice every day?
For your disappointment when you see that music lessons just aren't sticking, your child isn't enjoying them, and you're having to drag them there each week?

These situations are not what might happen when your child begins private lessons. They will happen. Without exception.  And, typically within 1 to 6 months of enrollment. 

This is over 35 years of music-teaching experience talking here, 25 of which we offered private piano lessons exclusively…because, as mentioned earlier, we all thought it was the best way....that's just how it was done, never questioned.  And, so private lessons endured (and endure) with the inevitable failure blamed on the lack of support, discipline, natural ability, and talent…of the student, the parent, the teacher.

But, failure and dropping out of private piano lessons isn’t the fault of the student, or the parent, or the teacher.  Private piano lessons are not designed for success. They are a recipe for failure.

We’ve ranted enough.  You can read more about the pitfalls of the private lesson structure here, if you like: THE SECRET TO BEING GREAT AT READING AND PLAYING MUSIC.

If you’re going to put your money, time, and emotional effort into piano lessons, are these among the results you’d like?….

My child enjoys going to lessons every week.
My child will play voluntarily at home, or if I ask him to play me a song.
My child can practice on his own, without me having to re-teach the lesson.
My child can read notes and rhythms, and can try new songs independently.
My child’s lesson is spent with him playing the entire time; not the teacher.
I don’t have to worry about my child practicing because he leaves the lesson having mastered the assigned songs.
My child can play many songs, not just the one designated for the recital performance.
My child feels confident about learning to play an instrument, and music is something he appreciates he has a gift for.

Piano lessons should last a lifetime, and be enjoyed – not “survived”.  If you’re open to trying a unique lesson format that teaches traditional classical-based note and rhythm reading, but also promotes independent learning, music fluency, prioritizes sightreading and repertoire building, and takes care of practice within the lesson…we encourage you to visit our studio for a Complimentary Piano Tryout! ​