Comparing at home lessons with professional music school

Why go to a professional music school?

Wouldn’t it just be EASIER to have a TEACHER come to YOUR HOUSE for music lessons ?

Should I get lessons at home?

Some people contemplate having lessons at home instead of going to a professional music school. Is there really any differance ? Decide for yourself.

Advantages of taking lessons in

your home:

1. Mom & dad don’t have to drive the student to lessons

Advantages of attending a professional music school:

1. Professional music schools exist for one purpose : to provide an excellent music education. To this end, the finest teachers gravitate to professional music schools. Teachers who are not associated with top notch music schools due to their lack of experience or education, lack of facilities, lack of expertise and lack of success with their students are often those who are willing to drive to students' homes. It’s not the rule, but in general, a teacher willing to drive to your home, will not be as highly skilled as those in

a professional music school.

2. Students are motivated by seeing other students learning like them, in a professional music school environment. Peer pressure, in the best sense of the term, is in play when students in classes announce how many days they practiced. When students play for each other in preparation for recitals and for class performances, there is a sense of purpose in being prepared for their lesson. Even just sitting and waiting for their lesson to begin, the student sees and hears others coming and going and gets caught up in the energy of the professional environment.

3. The professional music school environment is designed to promote optimal learning. With fine instruments, attentive teachers and quiet classrooms, students can focus on learning. At the student’s home, the phone rings, the dog barks, the TV is blaring, other family members are talking and interrupting. The teacher might not have all the necessary resources with them if the student wants to learn a new piece. No chalkboards, no copy machines, and perhaps, a less than desirable-quality instrument in the home. For many students, their only opportunity to play on a fine grand piano or to sing on-stage, is when they come to the professional music school.

4. Performances are important milestones for the developing student musician. Having access to a performing hall with a stage, lights, sound equipment, and fine instruments is necessary for students to have strong preparatory experiences. Recitals and showcases are special events for family and friends to celebrate the progress that has been made and for the student to take pride in their accomplishments. Regular recitals are conducted at professional music schools. And only a few schools, like ours, don’t charge extra for them!

5. There is a sometimes subtle, but clear transformation of the student preparing himself for learning during the drive from home or school TO the professional music school. He knows he’s going somewhere for the purpose of learning. He knows he needs to be prepared. He knows he will be asked to participate and perform. The student who goes to the professional music school will be more alert, more attentive and more respectful. Teachers who go to students’ homes often report the lack of concentration on the student’s part, of their not being mentally geared for learning, and the general chaos of the learning environment.

6. A professional music school takes care of billing and scheduling so the teacher can focus on what they do best. Musicians are not stereotypically comfortable with the business aspect of music lessons. Most teachers are relieved to not have this responsibility when they can finally work for a music school instead of having to deal with the student or their parents directly on this matter.

7. Children need strong resumes to gain entrance to high level universities. Students who have taken their lessons in a professional music school will be much more highly recognized than those who study in their homes.

8. Students simply do better in a professional environment. Wouldn’t you rather go to a professional beauty shop than to visit your neighbor for a haircut ? It’s the same for your children.

Making the extra effort will give your child the best possible learning experience possible.