Music is a beautiful language that anyone can learn to speak. If you’re thinking about taking your first music lesson, here are a few things to keep in mind:
First Lesson of Music: What to Do Ahead Of Time
If you’re taking music lessons for the first time, you’ll quickly find out there is so much more to learn than just the notes on the staff. As a Student Support Counselor at TakeLessons, I chat with new music students all the time. From my conversations, I’ve found that the students who progress the most right off the bat tend to be students who carefully prepared for their lessons before they even started. What are these savvy students doing to ensure that everything goes smoothly? Read on to find out the 5 things you can do to get the most out of your first music lesson…
1. Have the right gear
It seems obvious, but having an instrument to practice on at home will make a huge difference in the quality of your music education. Although some teachers will have instruments available for you to play at their studio, if you only play at your lessons you won’t see much improvement. If you’re reluctant to buy an instrument before you know if music lessons are really for you, look into renting one from a local music shop. Make sure you have an instrument to practice on before you take that first lesson and it will make a huge difference in the rate of your progress.
2. Research
Do some research and learn a bit about the care and maintenance of your instrument. You don’t want to spend your first lesson learning how to tune your guitar; you want to start playing music! There are lots of great resources online that can help you prepare yourself and your instrument for that first lesson.
3. Ask Questions
Give your teacher a call before the lessons begin and ask him or her what they recommend you do to prepare. Every teacher is different and may expect different things. Find out what music books they teach from and ask them if there are any other supplies they recommend.
4. Drive Over
If you are going to your teacher’s studio for lessons, practice driving there around the time of your lesson. Make sure you know how to get there and how long it takes you with traffic. Few things are more disappointing and frustrating than losing precious time in your first lesson because you got lost or hit unexpected traffic.
5. Consider Your Expectations
You probably don’t remember when you learned to speak, but I’m sure your parents will tell you that it was a long process. Your first words didn’t come out perfect (unless you’re an amazing genius!) and it took you a long time to be able to really express yourself. When you’re learning music, you’re learning a new kind of language. Have patience with yourself and don’t expect to be a virtuoso by next week. Don’t be hard on yourself; embrace the learning process. Students who keep a good attitude and persevere tend to make the most progress, even as early as the first lesson!
When Should I Start Music Lessons for My Child?
There is no one answer to the question of when to start music lessons for your child. Some parents enroll their children in lessons as young as three or four years old, while others wait until they are older. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches.
Starting music lessons at an early age can give your child a head start on learning an instrument. It can also foster a love of music and pave the way for a lifelong interest. However, younger children may not have the attention span or motor skills necessary to learn an instrument effectively.
Additionally, they may be more likely to become discouraged if they don’t progress quickly. If you wait until your child is older, he or she may be better able to stick with it and see results.
On the other hand, an older child may feel like he or she has missed out on the opportunity to learn an instrument and may be less motivated to stick with it.
Ultimately, the decision of when to start music lessons for your child is a personal one. Consider your child’s interests, attention span, and maturity level when making your decision.
What Do You Learn in Your First Piano Lesson?
If you or your child is thinking about taking piano lessons, you may be wondering what to expect in that first lesson. Although every teacher has their own method and approach, there are some basics that are typically covered.
Here’s a quick rundown (and even though these tips focus specifically on piano, you’ll likely find that similar topics are covered in music lessons for other instruments, too):
An Overview of the Piano
One of the first things you’ll learn in your piano lesson is an overview of the instrument itself. This will include information on the parts of the piano and how they work together. You’ll also learn how to sit at the piano and how to hold your hands correctly. These are all important foundation skills that will serve you well as you progress in your playing.
Basic Piano Technique
In addition to learning about the instrument, you’ll also start learning some basic playing techniques. This will likely include learning how to make various chords and how to read sheet music. These skills will be essential as you begin to play simple songs. Don’t worry if it all seems a bit overwhelming at first – your teacher will go over everything step-by-step so that you can understand and absorb it all. Just take it one skill at a time and eventually it will all come together.
Your First Song
By the end of your first lesson, you’ll probably have learned enough to be able to play a very simple song. Your teacher will likely choose something that uses only a few notes so that you can focus on nailing down the basic techniques without getting too bogged down in the details. Just remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy making music!
What Should I Teach On the First Day of Music Class?
Now you know how to set reasonable expectations and plan ahead for that first day music lesson as a student – but how do you plan ahead as a teacher?
The first day of music class is an important one. It sets the tone for the rest of the semester and gives students a chance to get to know their teacher and classmates. So, what should be included in that all-important first lesson? Here are a few ideas for first day music lesson plans.
Icebreakers
Music is such a personal subject, and it can be difficult for students to feel comfortable discussing their musical experiences with strangers. That’s why it can be helpful to start the first day with some icebreaker activities.
For example, you could ask students to share their favorite song, artist, or album from the past year. Alternatively, you could have them choose one song that they feel best represents themselves and explain why. Not only will these activities help students get to know each other, but they’ll also give you a chance to see what kinds of music your students are into.
Introduction to the Course
The first day is also a great opportunity to give your students an overview of what the course will entail. This might include a brief history of the style or styles of music you’ll be focusing on, an explanation of what your goals for the class are, and maybe even a taste of what’s in store for future lessons.
For instance, if you’re teaching a course on jazz history, you might play a clip of Louis Armstrong’s “West End Blues” and explain how it laid the groundwork for many of the innovations that would come later in the genre. Students will be more engaged in the course if they have a good understanding of where it’s going right from the start.
Set Goals
Setting goals is an important part of any music lesson, and the first lesson is no exception. By taking the time to discuss what your student hopes to achieve, you can help them focus their studies and make the most of their time. You can also use this opportunity to assess their skill level and determine what kinds of material will be most appropriate.
In addition, setting goals gives you a chance to get to know your student and learn more about their musical interests. By taking the time to set goals at the outset, you can ensure that every music lesson is productive and enjoyable.
Music Classes for Beginners: Sign Up Today!
It’s never too late to learn something new, and there’s no better time to start than now. Whether you’re interested in learning to play an instrument or simply want to explore your musical side, signing up for music classes is a great way to get started.
From group classes to private lessons, we have something for everyone. And our experienced instructors will make sure that you get the most out of your experience. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and start exploring the world of music.
Teachers, what do you recommend students do to prepare for their first music lesson? Give us your tips in the comments!
–Megan L. TakeLessons Staff Member and Blogger
You might also like…
–When is the Right Time to Start Music Lessons?
–Finding Your Musical Passion
–How to Balance Technique and Making Music Fun
Photo by ColtFan909
Megan L.