This article will give you the information you need to choose the best music school for you. It’s very important to choose wisely, as most beginning students’ success (or failure) is directly related to their first experience with music.
What follows are some of the most important things to consider when deciding on what will be the best music school for your needs.
Choosing the Best Music School
Are the teachers qualified?
You should look for a school with University Trained Teachers and/or Professional Musicians on staff. Although a music degree does not necessarily make someone a great music teacher, it does make them a qualified music teacher. It’s a great starting point or baseline when comparing music schools.
Does the Music School prioritize the individual goals of each student?
It’s very important that you look for a school that does not force it’s students into a rigid curriculum. An Opera singer with a Doctorate in music is highly qualified to teach music, but may not be the best teacher for a 9 year old who is interested in singing pop music. Make sure that the music school you choose has qualified, university trained teachers who are committed to teaching you the music that you want to learn.
Does the School offer lessons on multiple instruments?
Most beginners aren’t entirely sure which instrument they want to learn. Many students will begin on one instrument, and later switch to another. I started on Piano, moved to saxophone and drums before discovering the guitar, my true musical calling. It makes sense to look for a music school that is able to expose it’s students to a variety of instruments. Plus, there’s the added benefit of being able to sign up multiple family members for lessons on the same day. The most popular instruments are the Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin and Drums.
Does the School have multiple teachers for each instrument they offer?
A harmonious match between student and teacher is paramount to the success of the student. It’s a big advantage to be able to try a different teacher without completely switching schools. With multiple teachers on each instrument, there’s a better chance that the school will be able to meet your specific needs.
Are there a wide range of lesson times offered?
Music Lessons are a long-term commitment. Most people will need to shift their schedules from time to time. The best music school for you should offer lessons most days per week, during a broad range of times, so you’ll be able to stay in lessons if you have to change your schedule.
Are Recitals offered? Is there a recital fee?
Recitals are of huge importance to music students. A music school without recitals is like a basketball team that doesn’t play any games. Look for a school that offers recitals at least once every year. Make sure that you are OK with any hidden recital fees before you sign up. If a school/teacher doesn’t offer regular recitals, it’s likely not the best music school for most students.
Is there a comfortable, child-friendly waiting area?
Waiting in a retail lobby at a music store isn’t for everyone. Especially if you have younger siblings in tow. Take a good look at the Music School waiting area. Is this going to be a place that you are going to be comfortable waiting in every week?
Is there an office staff to assist you?
A friendly staff to help you with scheduling make-up classes and time changes can make your life a lot easier. There are plenty of decent schools that don’t have an office staff, just don’t expect to reach anything other than an voicemail when you call with questions.
Does the school require a semester or yearly contract?
Many schools attempt to sign beginning students into a long-term contract. It’s a better idea to find a music school that relies on the skill of it’s teachers to keep students interested in music lessons. Most people know after just a few lessons whether or not it’s going to work out with a particular teacher. Look for a music school that operates on a month to month basis, not a semester or yearly payment commitment.
Now that you’re armed with plenty of information, it’s time to get started taking lessons! Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Interested in taking music lessons?
Visit our music lesson page for more information or request information online.
