Let The Band Play

The benefits of a complete musical education for children are numerous and important. Learning music can increase language development, increase IQ, help develop spatial-temporal skills (making connections visually), and improve the test scores of students. Numerous studies have been taken that show that students that learn music improve in many other areas of their education. This has not stopped music (and the other arts) from losing funding in most schools (both public and private). 91% of all schools in the United States have a music or band program according to the US Department of Education's report titled Arts Education In Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. What the data of this report fails to show is that there are schools that have one music teacher for 100 or more students. Some of the students in these schools will get a music education while the majority of these students will not. The students need one-on-one time with the teacher to develop their playing and to ensure that they are learning properly. Sadly, this is just not possible for many in today's schools. This has lead to the increased need for private music teachers.

Private music lessons have been available and utilized by students for many years. It used to be that private lessons were a good outlet for students to learn instruments that are commonly not offered in the schools' orchestra-based bands. Students could find a private teacher to teach them piano, guitar, bass, drum set, violin, or anything else that wasn't traditionally offered. Today, these private teachers have expanded further into working more closely with the schools to give students the one-on-one time that they desperately need to have a complete music education and to hone their skills properly. It is very common now for students to be in both the school band and in private lessons at another facility.

Private instruction allows for the student to have a specialist work with them on both their strengths and weaknesses. The school bands are great for teaching young musicians how to play together as a whole to create music. The private lessons do not replace that but they are now a great resource for strengthening the student's abilities. The extra time that the students get with the private instruction really help them flourish in whatever musical setting they are in.

It is important for parents that want their children to get private assistance to research the company that they are looking into and the teacher. Some companies have studio facilities that students can come to for all variety of music lessons. Others are teachers that will teach out of their home or travel to the student's house. It is important for parents to research and ask questions of these teachers to make sure that they are not only safe for their children but that they are also qualified in not only playing the instrument they are hired for but are also capable of teaching that instrument. Some of the best players are not very good teachers.

Many of the privatized teachers are working closely with the local schools to make sure that they not only help the struggling students catch up but also assist the gifted students reach new levels of performance. If you are interested in learning about the private studios that offer lessons for students in your area, asking the school's band director for recommendations is always a good place to start.