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 Omaha music classes
Recent success stories from people in the Omaha area.
Jing C.
To give a review to Lisa, I have the best say in this matter!
Lisa is the most grateful person in our family. My son has studied violin with her for many years, and my daughter learns with her too. Until now she has studied with her for more than eight years. During these eight years, there were a lot of changes. My daughter began to learn violin in kindergarten, now she has grown taller than me. Before we lived in Omaha, and we went to OCoM learning in person, now we have moved to North Carolina and have changed to online learning. Eight years ago my daughter knew nothing about violin, now my daughter got a lot of rewards and is now playing professional level pieces in the Triangle Youth Philharmonic in North Carolina. Along the way, it is Lisa who is teaching, demanding, caring and guiding her. Lisa is an experienced, nurturing, and demanding teacher. Not only is she beautiful, she treats her students like they are her own children - sometimes she teaches my daughter how to make her more beautiful sound, onstage posture, etc. right before she performs. And highly skilled and well-informed.A couple of my friends told me that their child went to homeschool, so they learned a lot of music theory and performance from the Internet, and asked Lisa to teach on this basis. Lisa would do it in no time. And the previous teacher, had to teach the child according to his own teaching methods, the parents wore out their mouths, the teacher did not agree, and then the parents said with emotion: "We found the right teacher when we found Lisa!"
Now, when my daughter is preparing for a competition or audition, the first thing she will think of is to ask Lisa; When she gets a rewards or good news, the first thing she thinks of is to tell Lisa. Lisa is the person she trusted the most!
We moved to NC last October, and my daughter has been taking online classes with Lisa ever since. They use Zoom and it works great. You see, my daughter entered TYP this year. Therefore, as long as the network is stable and the child takes lessons seriously, practices following the teacher’s instructions, the effect of Lisa's online course is absolutely guaranteed!
Lisa led the way in the musical development of our two children. She is the most grateful teacher in our family!
Lisa Nielsen in Omaha, Nebraska
Ryan L.
I am an adult student practicing music for fun. I tried self-teaching piano first.. but have had much better success since starting up weekly lessons with Hannah. Hannah has given me the understanding to play any major or minor scale, know which chords fit within a given key, and use the correct finger technique to play them. We meet over Zoom calls, which is very convenient for me, and I am always impressed that she is able to provide feedback both to my sound and hand movements as well as if it were in-person. She was able to help me along with whichever songs I was hoping to learn.
Hannah Hetrick Piano Studio
Charlotte V.
Justin Brown taught piano to all 3 of my kids for about 4 years (grade school & middle school). They were energetic boys with often short attention spans. Two are now in high school and one in middle school, all play for a school band and a garage band or jazz band. They still love to play music! Thanks to Justin's patience and creativity, catering to their varying personalities and interests and inspiring them to keep music in their lives.
Justin Browns Music
Ruth Carrie H.
Super chill guy, very knowledgable, customizes lessons based on individual goals of the student. I'd highly reccomend!
BN Guitar Lessons
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