“Should my child take private lessons if they are playing in their school band or orchestra?”

This is a common question among parents whose children are just getting started playing their instruments.

It’s also a totally reasonable question. For many parents, a student’s introduction to instrumental music is also the first time they have been involved in the activity. It can be a very confusing, maybe even daunting journey. We spoke with some music educators, both directors of school programs, and studio instructors about the benefits of taking private lessons.

Band and Orchestra Teachers are not specialists in every instrument.

Band and Orchestra teachers are by and large awesome! They often have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is often unparalleled in the education system. If you ask just about anyone who participated in band or orchestra in school who the most important individuals in their school career was, most will surely list their music director at the top of the list. Seriously, try it! They are educators, motivators and musicians, BUT they are not specialist on every instrument. Most music teachers are really comfortable with their primary instrument, however, there are a lot of instruments in a school music program. Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone (of all sizes), Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Violin, Viola, Cello… This list could go on and on… Let’s not even get started on all the stuff in the percussion closet. It’s simply impossible for one or two individuals to have mastery over all of these instruments.

I usually tell people that I know a little about a lot of instruments, but there’s no way I can know as much about the trumpet, for example, as a professional player will. Trusting one single person who doesn’t really play your instrument for your entire music education is a disservice to yourself. 

Cory S, Orchestra Director, Windsor Colorado 

For me, it’s the small details that come from playing that instrument. For example, I’m great with the woodwinds but brass or percussion or strings, I don’t know the nuances that a private teacher would know.

Andrew C, Band Director, Jefferson County Colorado

 

A private lesson teacher is specialized in your student’s instrument. They can address the idiosyncrasies of a particular instrument. They can address proper technique and specific tips that someone not specialized can not. A private instructor gives your child a major advantage. Learning proper technique can minimize frustration when learning and even limit the potential from injury due to lack of good technique.

In the string world, serious problems can develop if students aren’t getting the 1-on-1 time with a teacher in private lessons. I can’t tell you how many problems are ingrained into a student if they start a string instrument without private lessons. And when I coach sectionals in high schools it’s an uphill battle trying to get students to correct bad habits. There is no way their bad habits are going to get fixed in a school setting. School class settings should be utilized for musicality, and learning to play well with others.

Sarah W, Violin instructor

Private lessons are NOT remedial

Quite the contrary actually. The kids that are the section leaders in their school ensembles or perform in all-county/state groups are very likely taking private lessons. The number one tip experts give to musicians that want to major in music in college is to “study privately” : Prepare to be a College Music Major. Though, some families new to music, often believe that lessons are only necessary for kids that need to “catch up.”

I think perception is still out there that lessons are remedial. You only need to take lessons to get caught up with the class. While this may be the case sometimes I think of lessons as an enhancement or enrichment. Students that show that extra interest in their instrument and want to excel at a rate higher than the class thrive on lessons.

Taking lessons is not the same as enlisting the help of a math tutor. Truth be told, many professional musicians and teachers, still take lessons. The more you learn about music, the more you realize you don’t know. We all have room to grow.

Many times parents will ask about lessons in a remedial style. “Does my child need lessons?” To be honest, we can all use lessons to grow. I try to encourage to help water the seed. Starting an instrument is planting the seed. Watering the seed in class looks different than watering the seed in lessons.

Michelle E, Jefferson County Orchestra Teacher

At the beginning of the summer, my 4th grader expressed interest in starting flute in the band this year. I signed her up for lessons this summer to give her a head start because she was so excited. I don’t think of lessons as remedial at all. They are enrichment…helping the student dive deeper into the instrument…something most band directors (who are all wonderful teachers, by the way) don’t have the time or budget to do. As a parent, if your kid is really excited about music, why wouldn’t you give them every opportunity to explore and learn more. If you can afford to.

Kristen C, Parent and Private Piano Teacher

Private lessons are tailored specifically to the student.

In school groups, the focus is on the ensemble. This setting is an amazing way to learn about playing in a group. The student learns where there voice fits into the greater whole. Its a team building, cooperative, experience that is hard to find anywhere else. A true example of  “E pluribus unum!” Private Lessons are a focus on the individual. An opportunity to explore and learn the music that the kid is into. Lets face it, often, people decide to play an instrument because they really love a specific song, or artist. If your 4th grader decides to play the Viola because they heard someone play the Paw Patrol Theme Song on it, Great! But, there is a pretty slim chance they will get the opportunity to perform that song in school. Private lessons, absolutely!

The one on one time is priceless for students. They can decide together what to work on and tailor fit the lesson without a one size fits all. 

Michelle E, Orchestra Teacher, Jefferson County Colorado

So, to answer to the question: Absolutely!

There are amazing private music teachers in just about every community, for just about every instrument. It is important to find a teacher that is experienced, qualified and passionate. It’s important to find someone that is specialized in the specific instrument, or group of instruments that they teach. But most importantly, it’s important to find somebody that the student relates to. We are very proud of our roster of teachers at Do-Re-Mi. If you would like to learn about our teachers, take a look here.

Not every young musician is going to become a professional, but the lessons learned by studying an instrument are invaluable in life. People often say they regret not taking lessons in their youth. No one has ever said they wish they hadn’t learned an instrument.