When paying money for lessons in any craft, it’s essential to know what the lessons are meant to accomplish. The last thing you want is a low return on your investment in the long run. This applies to music lessons of all kinds, including piano lessons. If you’re considering taking piano lessons (or currently taking them), here are three things that you should expect and look for in your lessons.
1. Accountability
No one wants their teacher to be a jerk, but if your piano instructor doesn’t challenge you enough, you won’t get your money’s worth out of your lessons. Most piano instructors expect you to practice a certain amount between lessons so that each subsequent lesson builds on the last, and real tangible progress can be made (and seen). But if you’re not putting your practice time in, your instructor should graciously but honestly give you the feedback you need to help you get in the right frame to practice. Sometimes, if you’re not feeling challenged enough, switching piano instructors is the best decision to move forward and make real progress. Or perhaps you need to communicate with your instructor that you are open to being challenged more in your lessons and in the expectations about practicing and preparing.
2. Music Theory
Music theory is a big part of understanding the piano (and any musical instrument). Music theory studies how music works, from significant scales and intervals to key signatures and time signatures. Whether you’re paying big bucks for in-person piano lessons or taking free online piano lessons, consider learning what and how to play and why music works the way it does. And learning music theory isn’t just about head knowledge; it helps build up your musicianship and ability to read music and play music more effectively.
3. Enjoyment
Piano lessons should also bring joy to your life! There’s almost no point in taking piano lessons if you only dread your lesson each week and don’t enjoy practicing, to begin with. It’s okay if you don’t enjoy playing the piano or want to switch to a different instrument or another creative endeavor. Still, if your lessons themselves (or your instructors) lack interest and excitement, perhaps you should try another method of learning to play the piano or a new instructor who might teach in a way that brings the piano to life for you. Perhaps you have found yourself without a hobby or creative outlet to pour yourself into. If so, find a company like Forbes Music Company that teaches piano and other musical lessons, give it a try, and see if it brings you joy.
Accountability, music theory, and the joy of music are all part of a good piano lesson. When taking lessons, be sure these are all part of your experience from week to week. Otherwise, your money might better be spent elsewhere.
