THEORY BEHIND PRIVATE STUDY

Each student comes to the study of music with his or her own special personality and talents. Consequently, there is no one correct way to teach a musical instrument.

As a rule, students who decide to begin private study of a musical instrument do so with the intent of improving their musicianship. Indeed, that is the primary focus for initiating the private educational process. However, most students receive far greater benefits from private lessons that are not as obvious.

Mastering an instrument requires a great deal of self-motivation and discipline. It has been said that the greatest benefit of daily musical study is that the study techniques learned will serve the student well in attaining most any goal in any field of endeavor. Through personal experience, the student musician learns very quickly that a small amount of practice time each day makes playing the instrument easy and fun. Conversely, playing the instrument once a week, or taking a two week vacation from the practice routine, makes the task seem impossible and burdensome. (Which is why we always recommend that students take their instruments on vacations and play for a few minutes each day!)

Moreover, as study progresses, student musicians develop confidence in their ability to apply themselves to a task and to achieve specific goals, thereby building the self-esteem they need for success throughout their lifetimes....