Are Private Music Lessons Really Worth the Money?
You’ve gotten your instrument and you’re pumped up to get to learning… but… there’s so many options. You could watch Youtube tutorials, take an online course, take a group class, or take private music lessons!
Private lessons are a big financial and time commitment, so it’s important to weigh all your options before starting on the search for your perfect private instructor.
As someone who gives private and group lessons as a career, I’ve got a lot of opinions on the matter of private lessons. Let me know what you think of my take on private music lessons in the comments section below.
When You Should Take Private Lessons
We all know that playing music helps our mind, our bodies, and our souls and makes the world a better place. It’s my take that every person on the planet should be able to learn how to play an instrument or access music education. Luckily, in the digital age, we have SO many resources available that it’s now truly possible for all musicians who can acquire an instrument to learn for a very minimal cost.
I’d like to encourage you: You do not need to take private music lessons in order to learn how to play your instrument.
In fact, as a music teacher who has taught thousands of students, I’ve found that early in your playing career, students thrive more in group classes. In fact, my two most popular classes are group guitar classes and group singing classes.
I mean, think about it… if you’re a 13 year old guitarist, wouldn’t you enjoy meeting with a small group of 2-3 other kids your age and one teacher, rather than just sitting with your instructor?
However, some people prefer the idea of taking private lessons over group lessons, and in almost every case I will say — YES. Private music lessons are ALWAYS worth the investment.
Music lessons can be EVEN MORE valuable if you’re truly ready to take in all that your teacher has to share with you. Here’s some advice on when I think you’re ready for private lessons:
You’re ready for private lessons when you have set aside at least an hour every week committed to practicing.
You’ll learn a lot in your lessons, and it’s up to you to take that information home and work on what you’ve learned.
You’re ready for private lessons if you need a jump start when you first begin!
It’s great to sign up for lessons when you first get your instrument so that you can set off on the right path and get ahead of bad habits. Commit to at least a month of lessons when you first get your instrument!
You’re ready for private lessons when you’ve reached a plateau in your self-guided practice.
With so many self-guided options available, you’ll inevitably hit a plateau in your practice. Sign up for a lesson with a highly qualified teacher and they’ll help you identify where your learning gaps are and what exercises and songs you should do to get over your plateau and keep moving forward.
You’re ready for private lessons when you’re preparing for grade tests or college auditions.
If you’ve been practicing for a long time, you may want to take grade tests like ABRSM or work on your college auditions. This is an absolutely perfect time to meet with a private instructor to go over audition material and figure out where you can improve before auditions.
You’re ready for private lessons when you need practice playing with others.
If you’ve been playing for a while, but you’re not quite up to speed to be able to get out and play with a group or attend a jam, then meeting with a private instructor to work on playing live is great practice and well worth the time.
You’re ready for private lessons when you’re ready to learn how to improvise.
Improvising is a special skill that takes a lot of practice. When done under the guidance of an instructor, you’ll make a lot of progress.