1/11/2015

Learn The Right Questions About Music Lessons New Jersey Teachers Offer Their Students

By Enid Hinton


Before you take the step to have an interview at a music studio, you will want to have a few key questions in mind. Excellent teachers are located in many nearby locales. The way to learn what you need to know is to come prepared with curiosity and your question list.

Families living in the city of Paramus, NJ will find many instructors well educated and prepared to teach students of all ages. There is much to be found of quality in music lessons New Jersey teachers provide for their pupils. Before scheduling your initial appointment, it will be helpful to have the following list of questions ready to ask.

You will want to know the educational background of the persons who interest you. Asking about their teaching experience is also helpful. Some families will enjoy the enthusiasm and up to date educational philosophies of recent college graduates. Others will prefer the experiences of an older teacher who has worked with young people over many years.

Ask the prospective educator what will be taught during the learning period. Technique, repertoire, theory, sight reading skills and even some music history are all things that should be included, though exactly how much and how frequently will depend upon the age and development of the student.

Your child will most likely study using some basic method books. There are series available for adult learners, too. Ask the teacher what method they use. Some have favorites they use with everyone. Others use different methods depending upon the needs of each pupil. The value of these various methods is that each series is designed to help learners progress through the basic fundamentals to the late intermediate levels in a sequential and orderly fashion. With practice, the hope is that nothing of the basics is missed and students do better as they advance.

See if the teacher will give an introductory lesson. Many do this for free. This allows them to meet with and evaluate the student for private instruction readiness. Beginners will try out the instrument, learn a bit of fundamental vocabulary and get some practice taking instructions from someone new. It also will allow you all to get an idea of how everyone gets along together.

Recitals are a common part of learning an instrument. Some studios make them mandatory. Finding out how many times they are offered is an excellent question because your family may be essentially shy. If so, you will want to avoid so called competitive schools. Playing for a group of listeners can be very satisfying or very frightening. It is better to know where and when any performances will take place so that you can mentally prepare for them. Some require extra fees and bringing refreshments or helping with set up and clean up duties.

Do ask about fees and how they are handled. This varies widely. There are music schools that expect tuition for an entire semester in advance. Some private studios ask for monthly tuition in advance. Still others require hourly tuition payable at the beginning of each scheduled lesson. If you are prepared, you will know which of these options you are willing to use.




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