Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.
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 Detroit music classes
Recent success stories from people in the Detroit area.
Raytal H.
His attention to detail and his student . His love for the music/ piano. How friendly he and the whole family are.
Stephan Bruce Becker
Dan R.
John is very patient and encouraging. Took lessons about 11 years ago and nothing was really explained, and I didn't learn very much. John answers my questions.
John Devine Guitar Lessons
Bradley C.
Very detailed with the younger kids. Makes sure they understand the assignment. Keeps us updated on what is being taught.
Guglielmetti Voice and Piano lessons
Steven B.
Highly recommended, he’s easy to learn from, cares and has a great passion for teaching, I got some stuff to work on until my next lesson with him, anyone looking for a great teacher come to Michael.
Michael Schultz Music
Adam S.
Marcello gave me the tools necessary to be able to play essentially whatever I want and play well. With concepts like deciding the length of a pause, how to gradually change the tempo, and deciding how to contrast dynamics, I gained the tools necessary to make these decisions on future pieces and learn how to make a piece my own.
One of the most fun collections to play is Marcello's 5 seasons - one piece for each of the 4 seasons plus a finale. I even won first place in a competition with his finale piece, and I remember how happy he was that his own composition was competitive against a myriad of challenging classical pieces that only skyrocket in difficulty as the competition becomes tougher. I did a small amount of composing myself, and he helped with edits and performance advice.
During my final year in high school, I switched our lessons to focus on the trumpet, which I have done in band for a while but felt that I wanted more of a challenge. Marcello recognized that my attacks are soft, so we worked on opera style music to help me work on my weakness. I have not worked on solo pieces for trumpet, and Marcello introduced me to challenging and fun pieces: Sounds of the Hudson, Bride of the Waves, and the famous "Carnival of Venice". The Carnival of Venice is a wonderful piece, so I performed it at Marcello's concert. I even found accompaniment from an orchestra that I liked, so I wrote out chords for the piano and gave him the challenge of a custom piano support.
Before I left college, he introduced me to music chord theory. It was a great treat that I continued learning about in jazz electives at Michigan State. We also have hobbies in common. We played chess against each other and at first he was stronger but then I improved and managed to win and make games more competitive. During the years after lessons, we played tennis together and also had competitive games and another way to stay connected.
Perhaps the strongest outcome of our relationship was that I inspired my younger cousin Frankie to take lessons. Marcello said Frankie is the strongest piano player he has taught, with his ability to learn quickly and perform pieces that none of his other students have done, such as the 3rd movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata if I remember correctly. He is likely one of the strongest competitors in competition as well.
I hope I gave insight into Marcello's versatility and advanced level of teaching.
Marcello Rossi Music
Rosalva T.
Mrs. Karapanou is a consummate professional and her enthusiasm, passion, and encouragement really help you grow your musical skills to reach your goals. She excels in both performing and teaching.
Piano lessons Maria Lida Karapanou
Mark F.
Easy to communicate with.
Matthew J. Horwich LLC
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