Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.
How much do music lessons cost?
Music lessons cost$40 to $90 per hour. Most teachers offer weekly lessons in order to provide regular feedback, keep students motivated, and provide enough opportunities to learn new techniques and pieces of music. More frequent lessons do not provide enough time to practice and master skills between lessons.
To save money on music lessons consider group lessons, which are often cheaper than private lessons and allow you to learn from other students. Another option is to take online lessons which tend to be more affordable than in-person lessons and can be a great way to learn from a qualified teacher that isn't local. Finally, look for scholarships or grants to help pay for music lessons.
At what age can you start music lessons?
The best age to start music lessons depends on the individual and their interests. Most experts agree that children can start learning music as early as 3 or 4 years old when they can communicate and follow instructions. There is no age that is too late to take music lessons – even seniors can benefit from learning or improving their musical skills.
Studies have shown that children who are exposed to music at an early age have better language skills, memory, and problem-solving skills. Music lessons help improve fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity which are important for other activities like writing and drawing. Learning to play an instrument can also build a child's self-confidence and help to develop a child's creativity.
How long does it take to learn an instrument?
The amount of time it takes to learn an instrument depends on the instrument, the student's age, and the amount of time they practice. In general, it takes several months to a year to learn the basics of most instruments including how to read music and play basic scales and chords. With regular practice, students can expect to play simple songs within a few months.
Piano, guitar, and percussion instruments are some of the easier instruments to learn. Strings and horn instruments take a bit longer to learn. Becoming proficient at any instrument takes several years of lessons and regular practice.
Do I need an instrument at home to take music lessons?
No, you do not need an instrument at home to take music lessons, but it does make it easier to practice and improve your skills. Without an instrument at home, you will need to find an instrument to practice between lessons if you hope to improve.
Before investing in any musical instrument, you will want to talk with the music teacher to find the instrument that is right for you. Guitars are a popular instrument for beginners since they are relatively inexpensive to buy. The flute is another simple instrument to learn and is a good choice for students who want to learn to play an instrument quickly. Pianos are a more costly instrument but are a popular choice for families since everyone can enjoy playing the same instrument.
How do online music lessons work?
Online music lessons are similar to in-person lessons, only the teacher and student are not in the same physical location. Using video conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom, the teacher and students can communicate with each other from the privacy of their homes.
In order to take advantage of the affordable online lessons, you need a computer and internet connection with good audio and video quality to avoid frustration. The teacher and student join the video call and the lesson proceeds in the same way they would for an in-person lesson. Online music lessons require more focus and patience and are not suggested for very young students.
What questions should I ask a music teacher?
Here are some important questions you should ask a music teacher before you start taking lessons:
What is your teaching style?
What is your experience teaching music?
What are your rates?
How long are your lessons?
What is your availability?
What are your expectations for students?
Can you provide references from your current and past students?
How do I choose a music teacher?
Choosing a qualified music teacher is important for those wanting to learn or develop their musical skills. Find a teacher that fits your schedule, budget, and learning style by following these recommendations:
Look for a teacher with a degree in music or years of experience teaching your preferred instrument.
Make sure the teacher with a teaching style that suits you. For example, if you learn better with a more formal teacher that focuses on technique, don't choose a teacher that is more relaxed and focuses on creative, free-style playing.
Find a teacher that is affordable for your budget and has availability for lessons that fit your schedule.
Confirm that the teacher will help you reach your goals whether it is to learn a new instrument, read music, learn music theory, or just have fun.How do I choose a music teacher?
Reviews for Baltimore music classes
Recent success stories from people in the Baltimore area.
Jennie B.
Nancy is truly a once-in-a-lifetime master teacher. She is endlessly perceptive, positive, and clear. After our sessions, my voice has made huge improvements-- and I've also found greater pleasure in using it and deeper understanding of how the voice works. I've learned such a tremendous amount from her as a teacher, and from her presence as a human being.
Voiceworks Studio & Services
Michael L.
great guitarist.... but as important a great person. makes you feel at ease. perfect combination for learning!
Stewdio Bee
Eric S.
Ian is a very talented guitar and music theory instructor! He helped me grow as a musician and better understand the theory behind music so I could apply things like scales on my own. He is a creative and thoughtful teacher and helps to explain not just how to play music but why certain musical theory rules work. I highly recommend Ian and I think anyone who works with him will also grow tremendously in their musical skill. - Eric
Lessons w/ Ian Otto Collins
Devon J.
My daughter and I have been working with Ben for well over a year now, learning guitar, and I couldn't be happier with the experience.
Ben has a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he has a real passion to share with us. This goes a long way towards feeling truly invested in the learning process, especially in the beginning, where everything is new and difficult.
He offers motivation for not only me, but more importantly for my 11-year-old daughter, who has confidence issues at times. His patience during the sessions where she is less than attentive is sincerely impressive.
Ben will adjust his lessons on the fly, if needed, to accommodate our needs. If there is a song that I'm interested in learning, he'll switch to that, quickly figure out what it takes to play it, and jump right into teaching us the song. He'll even make adjustments to the song to fit my experience level, allowing me to play a song, even if I may not be at the technical level that the song actually requires.
He is also extremely flexible on the days where we might need to shift our schedule or even cancel.
Since we started taking lessons from Ben, we've gone from complete novices, to being able to muddle through a song, to actually being able to play over a dozen songs completely, on our own.
If you are looking to take lessons that will motivate you to really enjoy the process of learning guitar, I highly recommend him as your instructor.
Ben DeHan Music
David P.
Austin knows what he is doing... just love the depth of information and resources he provides in his Lessons. Theory, performance, practice tips and overall lesson objectives make this 61+ year old just love taking lessons with Austin.
austinteachesmusic.com
Noris G.
Ms. Beatrice is very professional, well-experienced piano teacher, she teach my son with compassion, and she push him to his utmost best with every piece paying attention to the technical detail and the emotion that every piece should express, and my son adores her so much, last year my son pass his first Trinity solo piano exam with merit. I would highly recommend Ms. Beatrice for anyone willing to work hard for amazing result.
Beatrice Studio
Daysha M.
He’s awesome! I feel like i’m actually learning when we have a session. Any questions that i have he’s has an answer, even if it’s not directly about the bass, like music theory or anything about music in general. He also talked time to learn what I want out of being a musician and curates our lessons to that while still teaching me fundamentals. #1 things is that he’s patient. If he knows that pure trying and your not getting it he’s will to got over a section again and again until you get it right. Very thankful for David.
David Lester Music
Lucille S.
Christion Ty Edwards is professional, kind and a courteous instructor. I also appreciate his flexibility, patience and his willingness to help in any area needed.
Acting and Performance Coaching
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